What do turnbuckles do????

[tadium54]

Im going to be getting some for my car. What do the do?

[SteveP]

A turnbuckle is generally a linkage rod of some sort that has left-hand threads on one side and right-hand threads on the other. Years ago, linkage rods were simply threaded on both ends, so you had to remove one end of the linkage rod make your adjustment, then reattach the linkage. This gets a little tedious because you never know if the adjustment is correct until you've reinstalled the linkage. It wasn't uncommon to have to remove and install the linkage up to half a dozen times before you got it set exactly where you wanted it. turnbuckles eliminate all that work. The combination of the left- and right-hand threads allows quick and easy adjustments with the turn of a small wrench. The turnbuckles have a hex or a square section in the center of the linkage rod, on which a wrench can be used to rotate the linkage in one direction or the other. The left- and right hand threads mean the linkage rod (including the rod ends) will get longer if you turn the wrench one way, and shorter if you turn it in the other direction - all while the linkage is secured in place.
Many newer cars already include turnbuckle linkage, but there are still some entry to middle level vehicles that still use standard threaded linkage. It's best to invest in the titanium turnbuckle linkage if your funds allow, because they're much stonger than standard steel.

[This message has been edited by SteveP (edited 03-19-2001).]

[tadium54]

im going to go titanium anyways, just for that little extra protection, even though my car wont even be in that position (if i crash) to even get near them(to dent or break them, something would have to go thorough about 4 inches of bumber space, plus a shock)

thanks steve

[This message has been edited by tadium54 (edited 03-19-2001).]

[gubbs3]

Its not usually the direct impact that bends or breaks a turnbuckle. It's usually a hit taken to the top part of the wheel that forces one end towards the other and that causes them to bend or break. A severe hit to the bottom part of the wheel is what takes out ball studs because the imapct tries to pull the turnbuckle apart and the ball stud is the one that gives then. That's why large hard plasic pipes that are raised for some reason are the worst on turnbuckles because they hit the top part of the wheel.