Odd issue with lower trailing arms.

[njoconnor]

Decided to clean up all the trailing arms so I could prime/paint them today/this week. Also decided to clean up the end sockets of all four, figuring clean surfaces may make it easier to press the bushings in.

However, on the forward (leading) ends of both lower trailing arms, I have this situation:



Note that this is *after* several minutes with a small wire wheel AND 50 grit sanding drum. I was able to chip some off with a 1/4 inch cold chisel, but not much. Almost looks like metal melted into the socket. Or...eroded out of the socket, given the age of the car. Both upper trailing arms cleaned up nicely, as did the panhard rod.

I guess I should also add that all four trailing arms and the panhard rod do a nice imitation of a rain stick when tilted back and forth. Not heavy sound of rust particles, but clearly audible. Do these sound like items due for replacement? Rather not have impromptu rear axle steering if I can help it....

Thanks.

Neil

[70spider]

The one lower trailing arm I have removed has a "maraca" noise as well. It sounds like a small bit of weld in it. I inspected it thouroughly and could not find any broken welds so I am going to give it a go, at $60 a piece thats $120 + shipping which I don't have right now, I spent my alternator money on the press .

[azruss]

A temp fix would be to sand blast to bare metal and fill the corrosion areas with JB weld. Sand it as true as you can get it. This will at least help reinforce the existing metal and give the bushings some firm ground. If you do this, plan on replacing ASAP and in the meantime inspect often for cracks in the metal.

[njoconnor]

Thanks, azruss. 'Fraid of that. the short (upper) arms are fine, aas is panhard, so rather than mess with JB Weld and that nagging back of the mind, I'll pop for new lower arms. Maybe they acccept the bushings easier!

70, I hadn't thought of weld waste bits. could be. Agree on the expense, but those bushing sockets just don't look worth the effort on the two long arms. Others in good shape.

Hear you on alternator money for tools!

Neil