I have searched a lot regarding this and keep hearing that the heim type lower control arms (alta, helix, etc) are more noisy than than that of megan, h-sport, etc. Can someone describe this noise and harshness that is felt using the heim type control arm.

Whats the benefit of the heim type control arm?

Thanks!

 

and the NEW TSW arms came in Friday, look for more details soon. They will set a new standard in arms.

 

Come on Dustin you can't leave us hanging like that we need more info

 

Here they are http://www.autoxcooper.com/tsw_suspension.html

 

Instead of hijacking the thread, how about an answer to the question!

 

I was not hijacking the thread.

The Megan's don't make noise, they are rubber. The New TSW is also Rubber.

So the hi jacking police can relax.

 

why should I buy these instead of the new helix or the megans. I didnt want the megans because they are blue.

 

Traditional heim joints are bearings, i.e. there is metal-to-metal contact between the moving parts. Stock control arms and many aftermarket ones use a rubber sleeve to allow for motion between the two parts. The rubber also isolates noise and vibrations from traveling through the joint to a certain degree, whereas heim joints can conduct noise and harshness through the joint. In other words, any noise, vibration or harshness imparted to or coming from the wheel/hub assemblies has a more direct path to the body of the car. You'll hear all the rocks and cracks in the road much louder inside the car versus a traditional rubber bushed joint. Also, since traditional heim joints are metal-to-metal, and looseness or play in the joint that arises as the joint wears will sound like a rattle as you travel over bumps, etc.

The reason why serious drivers use heim joints is that there is very little deflection in the joint compared to the factory stuff. The rubber has a certain amount of give, and when a lot of side force such as when cornering is applied to the joint, the joint gives, knocking the alignment out and reduces traction. This general sloppiness reduced the predictability and repeatablity in the suspension as well.

Many performance arms come with harder rubber or use a plastic bearing material to approach the accuracy of heim joints while still allowing some isolation of road noise. Also, heim joints need to be lubricated regularly and their open design leaves them vulnerable to dirt and moisture infiltration in daily driving. Rubber or similar aftermarket flexible joints are not affected like this and last longer in daily use and are often maintenance free.

Hope this puts the thread back on track.

 

Nice write up. I'm sure that's what he was looking for.

 

That is exactly what I was looking for!! Thank you very much!!!!

 

do the tsw bushings in the new arms have a solid sleeve up the middle?

 

Yup!

 

The Texas Speedwerks arms look VERY nice.

 

Will there be an R-56 application???

 

There will be a test fitting soon to see what changes need to be made.

 

I wonder how the H-Sport arms compare?

 

Excellent write up. In regards to the OP's post I'd like to mention that our control arms come pre-lubricated and have boot sealed spherical bearings which means excellent long-term weather durability.

 

I currently have the New Helix control arms with boot sealed spherical bearings installed and have no problem with them at all.

The new ones are now powdercoated and weatherproofed.

*Repete* No Noise what so ever.

http://www.helix13.com/mini/products/suspension-chasis

 

+1, no noise, no worries. are very light to boot!