Steering drop arm keeps loosening

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Boris113

Well-Known Member
Evening guys, recently converted my 1989 90 to the late disco 1 type of steering drag link (2 track rod ends on the arm and a hole in the drop arm) but for some reason the main nut holding the arm to the steering box keeps coming loose. It's a 2nd hand drop arm but new nut and lock tab, i locked the tab over the nut but should it be over the arm instead?
Thanks
 
I wouldn't have thought so, if the tabs are locked correctly then it shouldn't move, although thinking whilst typing here, if the spline is knackered and the arm is dropping slightly this can cause a stress on the tabs and bolt, but i wouldn't have thought it would cause it to become loose without evidence of the tab being twisted out of shape.
 
If the washer is knocked up onto the arm (there is a flat on it) and down onto the side of the nut then there should be no way of it working it's way loose. Take the arm off, clean up the whole lot, batter the washer flat but leave the part that goes up into the arm, it can go back on the same way. Then if it looks like it can do another turn refit it; if not get a new one, fit it and then put the nut on good and tight, this time batter another part of the washer down onto the flat of the nut, knock it right in tight with a wide flat object like a bolster.
 
i had the same problem on me disco after replacing box, i had to heat arm to get the bastardo off then went for a retest and failed on that being slack and i defo tightened it ft an locked it with tab, second time i tightened it so much thot i was going to ****e maself and put a blob of lock tight on it for good measure, dint come slack after that god help the next punter thhat tries to strip it
 
Are you getting the arm onto the shaft properly, it might appear to have gone all the way home, but it's caught on something say a rought edge or dented bit, it may then move when steering, if it moves enough it could let the tab slide, then the tab/nut will just work it's way loose.
 
Are you getting the arm onto the shaft properly, it might appear to have gone all the way home, but it's caught on something say a rought edge or dented bit, it may then move when steering, if it moves enough it could let the tab slide, then the tab/nut will just work it's way loose.

Hadn't thought of that, I'm busy for the next few days but will pull it off towards the weekend and have a gander. Thanks for the help guys :D
 
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