Upper control arm opinions
#1
Cobra R Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: September 22, 2012
Location: Ontario, California
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 0
Received 17 Likes
on
17 Posts
Upper control arm opinions
My upper control arm is starting to squeak. It's come loose before and I simply tightened it back up. I'm not sure why it comes loose. I'm thinking about simply upgrading it. I have a stock ucr now. I never changed it out of fear of sound issues. I changed my sways, , lca, and springs and struts with little to no effect on Sound. I'm thinking of going with Roush uca. I'm hoping someone has used that unit or can suggest other options. No increases noise is my primary concern
The following users liked this post:
tj@steeda (1/26/18)
#3
Cobra R Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: September 22, 2012
Location: Ontario, California
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 0
Received 17 Likes
on
17 Posts
Originally Posted by EF1
I have the Steeda adjustable uca with urethane bushings on both ends and haven't noticed any additional nvh.
The following users liked this post:
tj@steeda (1/26/18)
#5
Cobra R Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: September 22, 2012
Location: Ontario, California
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 0
Received 17 Likes
on
17 Posts
Originally Posted by EF1
I installed around 3 years ago.
#6
Legacy TMS Member
I have the Steeda UCA. I noticed a little more NVH, basically a very light "hiss" from the differential, going down smooth roads with the windows up and the radio off. It was pretty easy to forget about though. I've had mine since 2008 and it's given me zero problems.
Before you go buying a new UCA though, why not try some blue locktite on the bolt?
Before you go buying a new UCA though, why not try some blue locktite on the bolt?
#7
Cobra R Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: September 22, 2012
Location: Ontario, California
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 0
Received 17 Likes
on
17 Posts
Originally Posted by Cavero
I have the Steeda UCA. I noticed a little more NVH, basically a very light "hiss" from the differential, going down smooth roads with the windows up and the radio off. It was pretty easy to forget about though. I've had mine since 2008 and it's given me zero problems.
Before you go buying a new UCA though, why not try some blue locktite on the bolt?
Before you go buying a new UCA though, why not try some blue locktite on the bolt?
#8
Legacy TMS Member
My next thought would be replacing the nut & bolt. The bolt could be stretching.
There was an ok thread on allfordmustangs about why Ford considers suspension bolts to be one-time use only. The last reply was kind of interesting, saying that GM and Ford purposely mismatch the threads on the nut vs the bolt (slightly) to be a cheap alternative to locktite. Pretty quick read:
http://www.allfordmustangs.com/forum...uspension.html
There was an ok thread on allfordmustangs about why Ford considers suspension bolts to be one-time use only. The last reply was kind of interesting, saying that GM and Ford purposely mismatch the threads on the nut vs the bolt (slightly) to be a cheap alternative to locktite. Pretty quick read:
http://www.allfordmustangs.com/forum...uspension.html
#9
Legacy TMS Member
Another thought is that tascaparts shows those nuts as having nylon inserts -- those are only good for one or two uses. Then the nylon starts losing its holding ability
#10
Legacy TMS Member
I have the beefy BMR adjustable upper arm, the pics don't do it justice.
I replaced a non-adjustable Steeda unit which looked tiny in comparison.
As soon as I put it in I remember the rear-end feeling a little more controlled, a little firmer on launches.
I like it and would recommend it.
I also installed the BMR mount at the same time.
I replaced a non-adjustable Steeda unit which looked tiny in comparison.
As soon as I put it in I remember the rear-end feeling a little more controlled, a little firmer on launches.
I like it and would recommend it.
I also installed the BMR mount at the same time.
#11
Legacy TMS Member
Join Date: January 25, 2010
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 3,803
Received 1,528 Likes
on
1,046 Posts
I don't have any specific recommendations, but something to think about while your on this topic:
If the car will see any road track use, the upper control arm needs to allow some rotation so the axle can articulate a bit as the suspension travels or when one wheel hits a bump and the other doesn't. If the UCA is too rigid it can cause binding with bad results.
I think there are some that have a joint in them to allow rotation but don't recall the make/model right now . . .
If the car will see any road track use, the upper control arm needs to allow some rotation so the axle can articulate a bit as the suspension travels or when one wheel hits a bump and the other doesn't. If the UCA is too rigid it can cause binding with bad results.
I think there are some that have a joint in them to allow rotation but don't recall the make/model right now . . .
#12
Mach 1 Member
I did try some loctite last time. I've had to tighten it twice in the last 5 years. I was thinking maybe lowering it had some effect on it or it might be defective. I haven't read about many folks having the same issue. I don't want to have to keep tightening it. If going after market doesn't fix the problem, maybe I'll stay with the stock
#14
Legacy TMS Member
I don't have any specific recommendations, but something to think about while your on this topic:
If the car will see any road track use, the upper control arm needs to allow some rotation so the axle can articulate a bit as the suspension travels or when one wheel hits a bump and the other doesn't. If the UCA is too rigid it can cause binding with bad results.
I think there are some that have a joint in them to allow rotation but don't recall the make/model right now . . .
If the car will see any road track use, the upper control arm needs to allow some rotation so the axle can articulate a bit as the suspension travels or when one wheel hits a bump and the other doesn't. If the UCA is too rigid it can cause binding with bad results.
I think there are some that have a joint in them to allow rotation but don't recall the make/model right now . . .
IIRC, Steeda's adjustable UCA is one of the ones that have that articulation point (but the standard UCA doesn't)
#16
Legacy TMS Member
I have done plenty of very hard cornering and have had zero problems with the Steeda UCA. I would suggest changing the mount as well for full benefit.
#17
I've had both the Roush and the Steeda. The Roush was absolutely no NVH. The Steeda has some slight NVH, mainly transmitting sounds of clunking 2 piece DS more.
The Roush piece in my stick 2012 MGT, in concert with UMI poly lowers and a slick tire, 1.6 60s on the otherwise stock BBP suspension. N/A, tune only, 11.91 at 115.
The Steeda piece does about the same, on the same suspension, although my new car is a 14 auto with 100 nitrous assist. Good for 11.3 at 120.6.
So, I can heartily recommend both your choices.
The Roush piece in my stick 2012 MGT, in concert with UMI poly lowers and a slick tire, 1.6 60s on the otherwise stock BBP suspension. N/A, tune only, 11.91 at 115.
The Steeda piece does about the same, on the same suspension, although my new car is a 14 auto with 100 nitrous assist. Good for 11.3 at 120.6.
So, I can heartily recommend both your choices.
#19
I have the beefy BMR adjustable upper arm, the pics don't do it justice.
I replaced a non-adjustable Steeda unit which looked tiny in comparison.
As soon as I put it in I remember the rear-end feeling a little more controlled, a little firmer on launches.
I like it and would recommend it.
I also installed the BMR mount at the same time.
I replaced a non-adjustable Steeda unit which looked tiny in comparison.
As soon as I put it in I remember the rear-end feeling a little more controlled, a little firmer on launches.
I like it and would recommend it.
I also installed the BMR mount at the same time.
#20
What about the diff bushing? I am not super impressed with the poly units, but they seem adequate.
I am liking the Steeda unit. $90, and it offers rotations. Seems like this combined with a poly bushing on the UCA would bind less.
Experience?
I am liking the Steeda unit. $90, and it offers rotations. Seems like this combined with a poly bushing on the UCA would bind less.
Experience?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post