Suggestion "Check you bolts day"

[narly1]

I just saw a post on FB where the front steering/suspension failed catastrophically on a custom (not FFR) hot rod due to fasteners coming undone. Sadly this could have been prevented with some regular inspection/maintenance.

So just throwing this out there, what are everyone's thoughts on proclaiming one or two days a year amongst our ranks as "check your bolts" day(s).

I know we should all be smart and diligent enough to do this without any prompting, but if a reminder or two here every year prevents just one incident from occurring wouldn't it be worth doing?

Earl

[egchewy79]

I do an annual maintenance check on nuts/bolts and last year, discovered a missing zerk fitting on one of my lower control arms and a bolt/nut missing on my side pipe.
Once I happened to remove a rear wheel for some reason I can't remember and discovered that my caliper bolts were both finger loose.

[narly1]

Maybe we could time it to coincide with the change back and forth to/from daylight savings time. Seems to be about the right time(s) of the year, spring and fall.

Earl

[gbranham]

I think if folks aren't checking this stuff already, an annual nudge isn't going to push them over the edge to actually do it. Can't hurt to try, though.

Greg

[Aleinsteingenius]

After a lifetime of being an "airplane guy" annual inspections are part of my life.

[frankeeski]

I seem to remember a thread like this from the past...............

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?6503-Periodic-Maintenance

Frank

[Shamilton289]

After I have my bolts torqued or tightened to final spec I’m using a bright color marking pen to put a slash of color across the fastener. Instant visual if the fastener starts to loosen.

[progmgr1]

I've been using Dykem brand "Cross Check Toque Seal" since my days in aerospace. The old guys called it "torque watch", for reasons I never understood...https://www.mcmaster.com/products/torque-seal-vibration-lacquers/

In any case, this stuff comes in a dozen± different colors and most are florescent. It's more of a paste than a paint - goes on very thick and sticks well. After it cures, it is very brittle. If there is any relative motion across a joint, such as a nut loosening, it is obvious.

Keith HR #894

[narly1]

I seem to remember a thread like this from the past...............

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?6503-Periodic-Maintenance

Frank

This should be made into a sticky Frank!

Earl

[2JZ]

That's a smart suggestion. Annual or semi-annual bolt checks are critical, especially on custom/modified vehicles where vibration and stress patterns are different than stock. It's a simple, high-impact preventative maintenance task