Slip Mechanism
In the event of a severe frontal impact to the front wheel, a slip mechanism is installed to protect major suspension components from serious damage.
In case of a severe impact, the bolt connecting the front lower control arm to the subframe, will move along elongated slots in the clevis.
The slippage movement will affect the vehicle's geometry and will be evident to the driver by the following:
- The steering wheel becoming offset.
- The wheel is positioned rearward in the wheel arch.
Slip Mechanism
| ITEM | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| 1 | Front subframe |
| 2 | Nut - Rear lower control arm to subframe |
| 3 | Bolt - Rear lower control arm to subframe |
| 4 | Rear lower control arm |
| 5 | Bolt - Rear lower control arm to front lower control arm |
| 6 | Front lower control arm |
| 7 | Bolt locator clip |
| 8 | Bolt - Front lower control arm to subframe |
| 9 | Bolt locator clip - Nut |
| 10 | Elongated slot |
If severe impact occurs, the bolt locator clips will become dislocated.
Dislocation Due To Impact
| ITEM | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| A | Position before impact |
| B | Position after impact |
| C | Position before impact |
| D | Position after impact |
| 1 | Front subframe |
| 2 | Bolt locator clip - Nut |
| 3 | Front lower control arm |
| 4 | Bolt locator clip |
| 5 | Bolt - Front lower control arm to front subframe |
If the front lower control arm bolt has moved due to impact, the following items must be replaced on the impacted side only:
- The rear lower control arm.
- The front lower control arm.
- The bolt locator clip.
- The bolt and the nut connecting the rear lower control arm to the subframe.
- The bolt and the nut connecting the front lower control arm to the subframe.
- The bolt and the nut connecting the front lower control arm to the rear lower control arm.
Inspect the subframe for damage. Repair any superficial damage, for example, burrs and scratches. After the suspension components have been installed and torqued, cover any exposed areas of metal with paint.