Trailing Arm vs. Emerg Brake Cable

[launieg]

Today, while getting the Spider ready for licensing this year, I noticed that one trailing arm is bent precisely where it would be bouncing onto the top of the emergency brake cable. I am trying to understand how the two (arm and cable) are are supposed to avoid each other! The cable is below the trailing arm (the long arm) and the cable is very stiff. I don't think the bend at that point in the arm is a coincidence. Has anyone seen this problem before? What prevents it from happening again after I replace the arm. Thanks.

[manoa matt]

No way the e-brake cable will bend the trailing arm. More likely someone used the trailing arm as a jacking/lifting point. However there is some question about whether it goes over or under the trailing arm. The cable bracket on some of the earlier trailing arms is mirrored and makes the cable installation confusing.

Check out the other post in the suspension section about squirly steering, regarding bent trailing arms...not good.

[azygoustoyou]

That's not the only problem with the brake cable. Look at this pic.

[manoa matt]

Thats a common problem, the solution: Wrap the brake cable with header wrap where it passes under the exhaust pipe, and extend about 3 inches on each side.

[ga.spyder]

Launie,I changed my trailing arms about an hour ago!I had one cable below and one above the arms.I ran them both above the arms.Bayless has the new arms for $42 US each.They were a bear to change.Mine were bent ,so when you removed the old arm the rear end 'shifted'.Had to muscle them back to get the bolt to line up.Not real time consuming ...but physical!
good luck,
Craig

[launieg]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll first of all have to take another look at the e-brake cable and see if it is okay. It seems incredibly stiff and strong, and since it is not working anyway, perhaps it is frozen with rust. (The brake handle moves freely, but to no effect.)

I'd love to get new arms, but I am betting that with their weight and size, the cost of shipping to Canada will push them up over $200. But I'll look into it. That purchase might have to wait a bit.

I think the cable would be less likely to get smacked if it is situated well above the arm. Obviously I need to take another thorough look and decide what is going on. I still think the arm was bent by hitting the cable, but I certainly don't know for sure. I just don't want it to happen again.

[narfire]

Launie, PM sent.
Chris

[mbouse]

Thats a common problem, the solution: Wrap the brake cable with header wrap where it passes under the exhaust pipe, and extend about 3 inches on each side.

or use some of those "Asbestos" socks that are manufactured to cover plug wires that run too close to exhaust manifolds

[ga.spyder]

Launie,I know you are in Canada,but the shipping to my house was only $12.They base it on value of the purchase.I think the weight is only 9 pounds.
Craig