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Trailing Arm Repair 
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Looking like a GTM

Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2016 12:41 am
Posts: 154
Location: Brisbane Australia
GTM: Spyder
Post Trailing Arm Repair
I have a slightly bent lower rear trailing arm (Libra/Spider). The two long tubes are bent in the middle - less than 5 degrees. I will take a photo and post later if needed. Can someone tell me what material these are? Can they be straightened? If so, what process should be used - hot/cold etc?


Sun Feb 10, 2019 11:05 pm
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On the Road

Joined: Wed Aug 11, 2010 9:27 am
Posts: 619
Location: Sheffield
GTM: Libra
Post Re: Trailing Arm Repair
Are they mk1 arms that use the LR ball joints as pivot?

If factory parts they're carbon steel, although what exact grade not sure.

Should be able to do it cold given it's only a small amount.

How did it happen? Given the relatively high strength of that part i'd be concerned what else might be damaged?

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2000 GTM Libra 1.8VVC 145BHP


Mon Feb 11, 2019 12:38 pm
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GTM Nirvana
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Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2014 10:10 pm
Posts: 1136
Location: Bristol
GTM: Spyder
Post Re: Trailing Arm Repair
I hope this bend didn't happen during your compliance testing!


Mon Feb 11, 2019 2:30 pm
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Looking like a GTM

Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2016 12:41 am
Posts: 154
Location: Brisbane Australia
GTM: Spyder
Post Re: Trailing Arm Repair
Thanks guys. They are the later arms with bushes pressed in. Factory parts. They have plates top and bottom and the tubes have bent where the plating stops. I haven't removed it from the car yet but will be conducting a thorough inspection of everything else when I do.

The lower edge of the wheel was struck firmly by a concrete gutter. (Large foot, close pedal spacing and lack of driving talent caused throttle and brake to be pressed simultaneously when it should have been brake only.)

Sanz. HAHA - compliance testing taken a bit too far.


Tue Feb 12, 2019 2:05 am
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Joined: Wed Aug 11, 2010 9:27 am
Posts: 619
Location: Sheffield
GTM: Libra
Post Re: Trailing Arm Repair
That makes em mk2a or mk3 type.

You could possibly do it DIY with vice/blocks of wood and a big hammer, though perhaps better to find a local engineering firm/garage/repair shop with a hydraulic press that can straighten it with more precise control.

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2000 GTM Libra 1.8VVC 145BHP


Tue Feb 12, 2019 12:48 pm
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Looking like a GTM

Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2016 12:41 am
Posts: 154
Location: Brisbane Australia
GTM: Spyder
Post Re: Trailing Arm Repair
Thanks Sidewinder. I have access to pressing equipment and a jigging table so I will give it a go. I mainly needed some reassurance that we are working with mild steel.

Does anyone have drawings of the Mk 3 trailing arms? Would save me the trouble of removing the other side to take the necessary measurements.


Wed Feb 13, 2019 12:31 am
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