Looking for information. I have an H&R coilover set-up and to achieve the proper toe and camber, have replaced the stock control arms with RDR adjustable control arms. These units have Heim joint bearings at each end. The $64,000 question is how long should a set of these bearings last before they start getting all loose and rattley? I plan on occasional auto-x / track use and daily commuting / street use. Am I looking at an annual (12,000 -15,000 mile) replacement or a more / less frequent need for new bearings?

I've seen three basic levels of heim joints,

1) Carbon steel: commercial applications

2) Chrome-Moly steel alloy: street, mild-track applications

3) Aluminum alloy: hard-track, professional racing applications

Please opine.

 

When I had my suspension installed the tech said that I should keep an eye on the end links as they are "not the best". These were the H-sport end links. He said when they go bad to replace them with Aurora (?) heim joints.
How long will they last - I don't have a clue!

 

Thanks Mark,

Aurora is the brand I've just ordered in chrome-moly. I was also told that NHBB (New Hampshire Ball Bearing) and FK also make superior rod ends.

 

i was under the impression that the H-sports with poly bushings would last longer than heim joints.

 

I agree with discodan, that's why I got the H-Sport's since this is my daily driver. You can also get heim joints that have a teflon liner as a bearing surface. I think these also have dust seals.

 

The difference between in poly and heim joints is precision. There are boots available for the heims to increase their life but your driving conditions will determine the life expectancy. I know we've had this discussion before.. try a search

-
Cheese

 

macncheese is right. i knew this sounded like a familiar conversation.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...r+control+arms

i started that thread too, figures

 

The heim joints, regardless of their quality will last "less than a dog in church" in street applications. Heim joints are designed for track use only, IMHO. They will develop slop, I am guessing at the first nice pot hole you hit.