first time on a rollback

well today was the day.    had to make the dreaded call to AAA.

i was driving to lunch and all of a sudden my right rear felt like it was flat then i realized it was much worse than that. i got it into a  parking lot to discover the right rear strut rod had broke.
what was once the round end that held the bushing that the camber bolt went through, its now missing the bushing and the round end is opened like a horseshoe.
the bushing must have disintegrated and it was metal on metal until the camber bolt wore through the strut rod end.
lucky i wasnt on the highway!

on the plus side, i had a good (no, great)  experience with the AAA the truck driver.  he was very careful and handled my car perfectly.  
if you are ever in carlisle and break down, call jerrys towing (he's near the fairgrounds)
Hmel '742010-09-09 18:04:14

Here's hoping for a quick recovery (for the Vette, that is!).

[QUOTE=Jaws79]Here's hoping for a quick recovery (for the Vette, that is!). [/QUOTE]
LOL oh yeah. i had it towed to a friend's place (dont tell anyone but he's a mopar guy)
and i got the parts all ordered.  we'll be fixing her up next week.

Hey Jeff, At least it didn't happen during the show weekend. Hope it goes easy. After i did mine I adjusted them with a block of wood on the rim and a short level. 

That really stinks! I mean the Mopar thing! I guess if he let's you use his garage he can't be all that bad. At least you are ok and can fix it easy enough. Let me know if you need any help..I am not that far away..I like the short level idea to get camber close..
Rich

as for the camber, i was going to mark where the old bolt was set for an "estimate" until i can get it lined up.
but jeff and rich, id like to hear more about this level method. ive never heard of it. can you explain a little more of you get a chance. i understand the concept, but i guess the car has to have all the weight on it and be level?  keep jacking up and adjusting and back down until its right?  am i on the right track?
thanks!
Hmel '742010-09-09 18:02:46

Jeff no one got hurt, and sounds like the car was ok also. Besides just think how much faster you can corner once it's fixed

Well the level thing..if you have a 2 foot level..or a 12 inch (no not the third leg!).if you have a smart phone there is an app for a level also . put it on the tire vertically.. check the bubble and match it on the side you are replacing..ok this is where the app comes in..you can set it for degrees..as long as the car is level(key here) you should be right on the money..at least it will match the other side..bad thing is the side that didn't break is probably out of spec anyhow..to get technical if toe is out so is camber they effect each other.. you should still get it aligned but this is fun.
Rich

You got it Jeff. Run it up and down the driveway. Check the rim for plumb, jack it up and bring it in or out with the cam. took 4 or 5 times to get mine equal and plumb. I don't know if it's suppose to be dead on vertical or out a little but she runs and handles great. My old bushings were worn pretty bad. Lot's of stress cornering hard.