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are heim joints in steering illegal?
Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 12:06 am
by SiKiD_01
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?
Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 3:25 am
by Zute
You can use them, just got to get them engineered.
But they'll wear faster than the factory ones.
Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 12:12 pm
by ljxtreem
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

Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 12:36 pm
by lay80n
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....
Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 2:29 pm
by sierrajim
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.
Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 6:25 pm
by redzook
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
Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 6:35 pm
by ljxtreem
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

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 3:38 am
by Zute
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.
Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 11:32 am
by joeblow
they are 100% illegal.
Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 12:09 am
by ljxtreem
joeblow wrote:they are 100% illegal.
????????????????
Only if engineered, yes
Mock

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 6:24 am
by redzook
ljxtreem wrote:joeblow wrote:they are 100% illegal.
????????????????
Only if engineered, yes
Mock

he said ILLegal not Legal

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 9:03 am
by ljxtreem
Oooops
need more sleep
Mock
