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Thread: general maintenance question

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Posts
    75

    general maintenance question

    Are there things that work themselves loose? What do you typically "tighten up" on a periodic basis? thanks peter

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Bealeton, Fauquier County VA
    Posts
    44
    I would periodically check the loose nut between the steering wheel and the driver's seat

    Sorry for not sending a serious reply.......couldn't help it.

    With a new build, you should tighten the exhaust manifold, oil pan and valve cover bolts.

    Steering linkages and suspension bolts as well.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Roseville, CA, USA.
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    2,323
    In a word.... EVERYTHING!

    The engine and drive train components are obvious, however, doors may fall off if the shoulder bolts loosen up, you might have a wind wing or sun visor disappear one afternoon, that rattling you hear could be your trunk lid due to the hanger for the hinges not being tight. At least that's what I've heard from others
    Phil

    427 Roadster, #4279436
    FE Specialties FE
    3:31 and Toploader (wide ratio)

    Roseville (N.Cal)

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    Harrisburg, PA, USA.
    Posts
    657
    Peter
    I've owned British sports cars since 1969 and have developed the habit of occasionally checking every reachable fastening for tightness and security. I know the Weavers found several steering joints that required setscrew tightening while spot-checking 2002 Homecoming participant cars.

    - Geary

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Bainbridge Island, WA, USA.
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    196
    I routinely have to tighten up the door latches ..... and the set screws on my steering linkage have loosened up as well.

    Bob

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    Gadsden, Al , USA.
    Posts
    1,543
    I'm amazed at how many cars I check have a loose steering wheel, if you feel looseness in the wheel just tighten the nut.

    Alan

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    Shepherdsville, KY, USA.
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    Red face Steering a little loose!

    Yes that is amazing, I got in to Unique's 289 car in Pigeon Forge 2 years ago and the steering wheel nearly fell off in my hand....couldnt help it Alan!!!!
    Rick
    427 S/C , 427 Side-oiler, 4 Speed Close Ratio Top Loader, 3:73 Gear
    #4279405

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    birmingham, alabama, USA.
    Posts
    47

    Red face Yes Virginia

    Good rule of thumb...for each spring when you change the spark plugs, change the oil, change the brake fluid(yes replace the brake fluid on an annual basis or after serious track driving/ per Valvoline Engineer) and you take the wheels off and repack the front bearings, and put a grease gun on all the fittings. Then you wipe off all that stuff you accumulated for the previous year from underneath the car....

    Rule # 1...If you can put a wrench(Allen, torx, metric, standard) you tighten it.
    Rule # 2....Torque the lug luts when you put the wheels back on.

    I cannot tell you how many nuts and bolts I have picked up walking the track before and after an event.....richard
    dickieboy7
    Unique 289FIA-Green
    351C-4V cobra jet
    Toploader
    did it myself..and fix it

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    Dacula, GA, USA.
    Posts
    450
    Make SURE you check the drive shaft fasteners periodically. That one is pretty ugly when it creeps up on you.
    427SC, Torch Red / white stripes
    427 Windsor Stroker from Southern Automotive
    Delicious example of Beauty + Power.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Birmingham, AL, USA.
    Posts
    487
    Drive shaft to rear end. I checked mine after 5000 miles and two of the nuts were finger loose. Exhaust manifold is probably what comes loose the most.
    Bob

  11. #11
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Clinton, TN, USA.
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    1,287
    I think a regular routine to go over the car is very important. I also use green Loctite for a little insurance.

    Ralph

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Posts
    75
    The bolts on my driveshaft were loose too. Is there any disadvantage using loctight on these critical items?

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Roseville, CA, USA.
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    2,323
    Not from my perspective.
    Phil

    427 Roadster, #4279436
    FE Specialties FE
    3:31 and Toploader (wide ratio)

    Roseville (N.Cal)

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    Shepherdsville, KY, USA.
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    Talking Loctite

    Yes, unless you want a permanent bond, DONT use the Red!!
    Rick
    427 S/C , 427 Side-oiler, 4 Speed Close Ratio Top Loader, 3:73 Gear
    #4279405

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Southbury CT
    Posts
    402
    Quote Originally Posted by rldunn7 View Post
    Good rule of thumb...for each spring when you change the spark plugs, change the oil, change the brake fluid(yes replace the brake fluid on an annual basis or after serious track driving/ per Valvoline Engineer) and you take the wheels off and repack the front bearings, and put a grease gun on all the fittings. Then you wipe off all that stuff you accumulated for the previous year from underneath the car....

    Rule # 1...If you can put a wrench(Allen, torx, metric, standard) you tighten it.
    Rule # 2....Torque the lug luts when you put the wheels back on.

    I cannot tell you how many nuts and bolts I have picked up walking the track before and after an event.....richard
    What is the proper torque for the lug nuts?
    Dave
    93 Unique Motorcars 427 SC, 428PI with CJ heads, toploader 4 spd,jag rear with 354 gears, Red with white stripes.

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Roseville, CA, USA.
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    2,323
    Use an anti-seize and snug them up just like you would any other vehicle.
    Phil

    427 Roadster, #4279436
    FE Specialties FE
    3:31 and Toploader (wide ratio)

    Roseville (N.Cal)

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Southbury CT
    Posts
    402
    Quote Originally Posted by pgermond View Post
    Use an anti-seize and snug them up just like you would any other vehicle.
    Hmmm...I have been torqing all my wheels for the last ten years, I also did NOT use anti seize, I have never done that either...ooops. Do these cars have a problem seizing up?
    Dave
    93 Unique Motorcars 427 SC, 428PI with CJ heads, toploader 4 spd,jag rear with 354 gears, Red with white stripes.

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Roseville, CA, USA.
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    2,323
    just a precaution
    Phil

    427 Roadster, #4279436
    FE Specialties FE
    3:31 and Toploader (wide ratio)

    Roseville (N.Cal)

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Southbury CT
    Posts
    402
    Thanks, Next time for sure, still interested in the proper toreque though!
    Dave
    93 Unique Motorcars 427 SC, 428PI with CJ heads, toploader 4 spd,jag rear with 354 gears, Red with white stripes.

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    Shepherdsville, KY, USA.
    Posts
    1,725

    Wheel Lug Nuts

    90-100 Ft Lbs
    Rick
    427 S/C , 427 Side-oiler, 4 Speed Close Ratio Top Loader, 3:73 Gear
    #4279405

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