Broken Part?

95'BlackP-Finder · Oct 28th, 2006, 07:48 PM

Hello forum, I was just checking my 95' Pathy today before bad weather set in here in Ky, and realized i had a part broken on the control arm..I don't know what it's called to replace it..It's got two bolts holding it to the control arm, then it's about 6 inches long, connects to the actual frame with a nut and some big washers, it has some rubber bushing on it too....Any help would be great.!.Peace

Terrano R3m · Oct 30th, 2006, 09:21 AM

can you post a picture of it?

Xeno · Oct 31st, 2006, 05:01 PM

idler arm?

Zilverado · Nov 1st, 2006, 09:15 AM

I believe you are refering to the compression rod (I've also heard it refered to as a compression strut). It is bolted to the rear of the lower control arm and through an L-bracket on the vehicle frame, where it has rubber bushings.

I replaced mine a few years ago after driving with a broken one for a long time. I noticed the vehicle would sometimes pull left or right under braking and uneven (rutted) road conditions. I tried a number of things until I found that the end of the rod on the right side of the vehicle was actually broken where it passed through the L-bracket. By the look of the rusted end of the rod, it had been like this for some time. I replaced both right and left rods (super easy fix) and was thrilled ot find how stiff the front end became. What amazed me was that the control arm stayed on the vehicle - because the amount of torsion on the arm when turning and hitting pot holes would have been substantial. And without the compression rod, the lower control arm has effectively lost one of its "a-frame" legs.

So, take a look. I think this is what you are talking about.

95'BlackP-Finder · Nov 1st, 2006, 09:27 AM

Yes, Thanx for reply..By the Way, You always have great replys.It is called this, I even managed to get a microfiche from my high school tech program that uses ALLDATA..I went yesterday to my local salvage yard, got the arm, both bushings and washers for 20 bucks..Pathy's back on the road..

.Peace

Zilverado · Nov 1st, 2006, 03:15 PM

Hey - good to hear things worked out for you. Thanks for the compliment on the replies, but I am just one of many on these forums. That's what makes places like this so great - - the number of great people willing to share their experiences and knowledge with people looking to learn.

I just wish I had more time to spend teaching and learning...

**88pathoffroad** · Nov 4th, 2006, 09:26 PM

That would be the upper control arm spindle, not the compression rod.

Zilverado · Nov 5th, 2006, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88pathoffroad

That would be the upper control arm spindle, not the compression rod.

No, the part that he is refering to is the rod that comes off of the back of the lower A-frame and connects to the vehicle frame. It's not off of the upper control arm. What exactly is the "upper control arm spindle?"

**88pathoffroad** · Nov 5th, 2006, 12:27 PM

Ohhhh, OK. Duh. *re-reads the first post again*

The UCA spindle is the rod that keeps the UCA in place. Bolts to the frame with two bolts, has bushings, big nuts and washers, etc.

Zilverado · Nov 6th, 2006, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88pathoffroad

Ohhhh, OK. Duh. *re-reads the first post again*....

Hey no worries Man. We're all entitled to one mistake in our lives, and you just made yours - - but as long as you keep your nose clean from here on in, you should be fine...

BTW - thanks for the clarificaiton on the spindle. I just looked at my service manual and noticed they call it the "upper link" spindle. They don't actually use the term "control arm". Both the upper and lower are called "links" - go figure. I guess I've been talking old-school 'till now. Oh well...