Could Someone Explain The seized Rear Beam Issue

[Atari Boy 11]

I have heard a lot about seized beams and the woes thereof.

What I could really do with is someone explaining to me what a seized beam actually is.

I suspect that it is a bit of a daft question but a simple explanation would be great.

 

What are the symptoms and once a beam is seized is it game over or can it be repaired.

 

I dont think that my 205s beam is shot so perhaps I am a bit sad but sounds as though it can happen quite easily.

 

 

Thanks

 

Jonny

[Pugnut 9 1 Cars]

the forum search facility should pull up enough info to keep you reading well into august!!

[Atari Boy 11]

I did a proper search before posting and found lots and lots and lots of threads but none of them seemed to answer my question in simple terms.

[welshpug 1,657]

basically the trailing arms have shafts, which run inside 2 sets of roller bearings on each side which are pressed into the tube.

 

as time goes by the grease and seals deteriorate and the bearings start wearing into the arm shafts causing play, which in turn allows more moisture in and the bearings start turning into rust, this is the point where the beam seizes.

 

at this point the tube itself can be re-used, any longer and the bearings break up and the arm shafts wear into the tube rendering it scrap.

 

actual rebuilding is pretty straightforward, the only difficulties being if any torsion bars/anti roll bars are seized in.

 

crossmember tubes cost £300 for a 205 unit and £360 for a 309 (includes bearings already fitted)

 

arm shafts are £60 each.

 

hope that helps to explain what happens back there,

 

heres a link to my Photobucket with some pictures detailing a 309 axle rebuild -

[pip470 61]

Well in simple terms its a swing arm which no longer is free to rotate in the tube. Quite easy to check for sure, disconect shocks from one end and bounce on back end of car. If it bounces up and down quite excessively then its not siezed. Dont forget to put shocks back in place before driving off.

 

Knackered bearings or swing arm shaft lead to a siezed beam if left so if they need fixing get it done before the beam is irripairable.

[Pugnut 9 1 Cars]

time is of the essence with a rear beam . if you are unsure of its history and intend keeping the car for any length of time then get it to bits and refurb it . it could save you hundreds in the longrun.

[GWtaylor 8 1 Cars]

That just answered my question

 

Think i will get on with stripping next week

[Peetypug 5]

is creaking a sign of a foooked beam

mines bin stood for 18 months and has started to creak when i put my fat arse in it

[lagonda 42]

Creaking is a sign of beam on the way out. Wheel/s leaning inwards at the top is another classic sign.

[silent_running 0]

So the torsion bar runs inside the tube?

[Super Josh 4]

So the torsion bar runs inside the tube?

 

No, the anti roll bar runs inside the tubes. The torsion bars (there is one for each side) run along side the tube, if you look under the rear of the car you should be able to spot them.

 

 

 

Josh