think I might have overdone it

[Bandit12]

Hi guys, I recently changed the trailing arm bearings on my C5. I did passenger side first and plan on doing the drivers side this month when it finally decides to stop raining:-) I think I may have overtightened the main 24mm bolt that the trailing arm pivots on because I occasionally get what can only be described as a 'crack' similar to a rifle shot or that noise when you crack off a really tight nut when I hit a bump in the road. Only started to notice it last weekend when it was warm enough to have the back windows down while driving. It does seem to be coming from the rear passenger side with the new bearings.
Can anyone tell me the correct torque setting for the bolt and I'll double check I've not been too gung ho with the torque wrench

Bandit

[Mandrake]

You didn't leave the bearing pre-loading shim out did you ? It's easy for it to get lost in the process... If it's missing the bolt torque will just be squeezing the bracket on the suspension chassis together but won't actually be putting much (or any) load on the bearings to hold them together...

[Bandit12]

Hi Mandrake

I put everything that came out back in in the right order using printoffs of citroen doc backup as a guide. By pre load shim do you mean part number 514327 labelled as 'wedges set'? That was the only part that caused me a little confusion.

Bandit

[citronut]

Hi Mandrake

I put everything that came out back in in the right order using printoffs of citroen doc backup as a guide. By pre load shim do you mean part number 514327 labelled as 'wedges set'? That was the only part that caused me a little confusion.

Bandit

yes the wdge set is a packet of assorted shims from the dealer,

although i cant see leaving it out will cause the crack you describe, as the usual crack is caused by the rollers of the bearings being trapped then going passed the wear grooves in the old bearing inner and outer race's,

when the bearing have been in place for a long period of time/miles, they break up and the rollers float about unguided in there track,
as you would have seen on dismantling the one you did,

[Bandit12]

Thanks Malcolm.

I agree with your explanation.
I've made a real effort to find our which side it is and I'm now confident that it is the right hand side which I have not replaced yet. The left hand side disintegrated when I took it apart and looking at the angle of the wheel on the right hand side it is defo sloping \\ All parts are ordered and I plan on doing the job next weekend.

Appreciate the advice and tips guys

Bandit

[citronut]

were and how much did you fork out for the bits,
as i found the cheapest way to obtain quality parts was purchase the bearings and possibly the seals from GSF, as long as they can supply Corteco seals

http://www.corteco.com/en/products/online-catalogue/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and the spacer tube and bush's from citroen dealer

Stevie ( myglaren ) might be along shortly to point you in the direction of the thread with all the price's and part No.'s

[myglaren]

Third post down..

We should bookmark this Malcolm

[citronut]

i have made it a supper sticky,
but i think that will depend on what grease you choose to apply