are heim joints in steering illegal?

Post by **SiKiD_01** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 12:06 am

so why can't you use heim joints for steering components and arms?

why are they illegal? aren't they strong enough? are ball joints stronger?

and what rules or laws govern the use of custom steering components? i know you are not 'allowed' to cut or weld steering components, or you need a certificate and x-ray.

i have IFS, and i cant afford to replace my ball joints every year.

also, is it easy for the heim joint to shear the bolt thats through it?

Post by **Zute** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 3:25 am

You can use them, just got to get them engineered.
But they'll wear faster than the factory ones.

Post by **ljxtreem** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 12:12 pm

Zute wrote:You can use them, just got to get them engineered.
But they'll wear faster than the factory ones.

I dont know if they would wear quicker, I think it would depend on the joint.

I think the reason they illegal, is because there is such a range of sizes and grades avalible, the cheep ones wont last but if you spend the coin, Im talking hundreds of dollars each, they will.

they are used in race cars, offroad racing cars, and areoplanes
ones used in these aplications are made not to break and have minimal wear.

Mock

Post by **lay80n** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 12:36 pm

Some of the steering kits to modify the IFS on big chevy's etc from the states use heim's. If the correct size and grade is used there is no reason that they would be more likley to fail or cause abnormal driving issues.

Layto....

Post by **sierrajim** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 2:29 pm

lay80n wrote:Some of the steering kits to modify the IFS on big chevy's etc from the states use heim's. If the correct size and grade is used there is no reason that they would be more likley to fail or cause abnormal driving issues.

Layto....

The heim joint kits are sold for off road use.

Post by **redzook** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 6:25 pm

pretty sure there illegal in steering

even in suspensions to unless they have a ruber bush

engineers dont like metal on metal in suspension stuff

Post by **ljxtreem** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 6:35 pm

redzook wrote:pretty sure there illegal in steering

even in suspensions to unless they have a ruber bush

engineers dont like metal on metal in suspension stuff

that is a good point.
suspension wise there is no room for error with heim joint too, if you build your susspension with any bind it will flog out the joints because they rotate and allow for missalingment but dont flex latearaly like rubber can.

Mock

Post by **Zute** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 3:38 am

Heim joints are used on race cars because they give you a more direct feel, are lighter, more compact and easy to set up.
They wear quicker, but that's not a consideration that racers worry about. Most are replaced each season even if they don't show signs wear.

Post by **joeblow** » Sun Sep 03, 2006 11:32 am

they are 100% illegal.

Post by **ljxtreem** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 12:09 am

joeblow wrote:they are 100% illegal.

????????????????

Only if engineered, yes

Mock

Post by **redzook** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 6:24 am

ljxtreem wrote:
joeblow wrote:they are 100% illegal.
????????????????

Only if engineered, yes

Mock

he said ILLegal not Legal

Post by **ljxtreem** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 9:03 am

Oooops

need more sleep

Mock

Outer Limits 4x4 Board

are heim joints in steering illegal?

are heim joints in steering illegal?

Who is online