[DeTomaso] Galled stainless fasteners and suspension

[cengles at cox.net]

Dear Boyd,

I know that stainless steel fasteners seem to be the hot ticket for rust resistance, bling, strength, etc. I think that after reviewing the "Galled stainless fasteners" thread, you may note that there are some disadvantages to stainless steel fasteners and they are not suitable in all applications. From my limited experience and reading, I think you would be better off to opt for conventional fasteners for the suspension. I think the proper grade is 5, but I would defer those more expert than I.

Warmest regards, Chuck Engles


---- boyd casey <boyd411 at gmail.com> wrote:
> I am re assembling my suspension (a-arms,shock mounts ,sway bar mounts, and
> ball joints) using stainless steel hardware . Any thoughts or advice on
> this? I am using lock nuts and anti seize. I used conventional steel
> hardware and loctite red on the calipers and rotors / hats and front hubs
> and the adapters for cv joints to the ZF and rear axles. (this is the ken
> green brake mod)
> Boyd
>
> On Wed, May 26, 2010 at 9:30 PM, Haas, John <john at haasline.com> wrote:
>
> > If you do drill, try to use a split point drill and coolant to avoid cold
> > working the bolt while drilling. My local ACE (on the Gulf coast) stocks
> > ASTM F593 stainless fasteners which have good material properties given the
> > cold rolling requirements. Still, always use never seize. If you come
> > across
> > A286 aerospace surplus stuff it's fantastic, just like the value of a good
> > ol' grade 5 fastener...
> > Nice to be back on the list after a 10 year hiatus!, John Haas
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: detomaso-bounces at realbig.com [mailto:detomaso-bounces at realbig.com]
> > On
> > Behalf Of JDeRyke at aol.com
> > Sent: Wednesday, May 26, 2010 1:02 PM
> > To: davel at emspace.com; detomaso at realbig.com
> > Subject: Re: [DeTomaso] Galled stainless fasteners
> >
> > ARP make strength-graded stainless fasteners. Harley-Davidson-suppliers
> > make shiny, grade-nothing bolts. You are SOL unless you absolutely use
> > anti-sieze every single time. Personally, I would deposit all those bolts
> > in
> > a
> > landfill, and I'd look very closely at the pulleys too- if they came from
> > the
> > same source.
> > Stainless brazes beautifully. You MAY be able to braze a long allen wrench
> > to the ratted-out hex, then using a Vice-grip on the outside of the head
> > and
> >
> > using both the allen and the Vice-grip, maybe tear the threads out and
> > re-tap. The brazing heat might help, or might not. If the head is that
> > soft,
> >
> > most likely, drilling will be your best option. And if you do, use lube on
> > the
> > drill: stainless- even Chinese stainless- doesn't drill well either. Harbor
> > Freight and Manhatten Supply have some stud-extractors that might fit,
> > depending on where the bolt is. Good luck- J DeRyke
>