Cradle Bolt question - To threadlock or not? (Page 1/2)
Wichita JUN 13, 10:56 PM
Just curious if anyone thinks it is a good idea to apply, at least orange or blue, threadlocker on the cradle bolts?

The only thing I may worry about is the rear ones, if I do apply some removable threadlocker, and decide to remove the cradle in the future, if I would be putting the cradle nuts in a jeopardizing position where they would break and spin.

Maybe I'm just overthinking it. There is really no rust and they came out without a ton of effort, so maybe I'm ok just slapping it back in without threadlocker.

fierofool JUN 14, 08:08 AM
I believe the nuts are swaged, but I would share the concern about breaking the cage nuts free if a thread locker was used. My 87 cradle has been out about 4 times since I bought it in 2001. Never any thread locker. Never an issue with the cradle bolts coming loose. Just make sure they're tightened to specification when installing them.
Frenchrafe JUN 14, 01:26 PM
I grease my cradle bolts because I like to be able to undo them again!
My Fiero is used on trackdays and I've never had a cradle bolt losen off.
I think Loctite is a bit overkill in this situation.
Regards, Rafe

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Spoon JUN 14, 06:59 PM
No thread-locker needed.
Most cases the rust acts as thread-locker. Anti-Seize may be better and torqued properly. Research dry torque vs wet torque.

Spoon


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skywurz JUN 14, 08:32 PM
Anti-Seize and torqued properly.
Dennis LaGrua JUN 14, 10:53 PM

quote
Originally posted by skywurz:

Anti-Seize and torqued properly.



That is all that is needed.

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Wichita JUN 14, 11:15 PM
Thanks everyone.

I was checking on some past PFF threads about this. Seems like that anti-seize is a go to for many people. Wet torque value seems to vary between 25% to 40% reduction vs dry.

There seems to be a debate that purple threadlocker is really good as an anti-seize. I've seen orange in a lot of GM factory applications on newer vehicles, especially brake parts.

Maybe I'm overthinking this and I should just go to dry route. I was able to unbolt the cradle bolts without any issues, so maybe I'm ok to put them back in without worry about them seizing. (I don't plan to drive the Fiero in the winter nor do I live in a high road salt use area).

Spoon JUN 16, 04:55 PM

quote
Originally posted by Wichita:

Thanks everyone.

I've seen orange in a lot of GM factory applications on newer vehicles, especially brake parts.




That orange stuff is Brake Grease. Sounds contrary to common sense but it's to keep the caliper slides from hanging up. I use it on all brake work. So be careful when you tell everybody to grease their brakes, lol. Silicone and Ceramic versions.



Spoon


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"Kilgore Trout once wrote a short story which was a dialogue between two pieces of yeast. They were discussing the possible purposes of life as they ate sugar and suffocated in their own excrement. Because of their limited intelligence, they never came close to guessing that they were making champagne." - Kurt Vonnegut

[This message has been edited by Spoon (edited 06-16-2022).]

ArthurPeale JUN 16, 05:37 PM
what are the cradle bolt sizes? Front, and back.
Spoon JUN 16, 06:05 PM
Somebody posted this info years ago.

Rear cradle M12 X 1.75 X 70 mm long for 84-87 and 50 mm long for '88's grade 10.8.

Spoon

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"Kilgore Trout once wrote a short story which was a dialogue between two pieces of yeast. They were discussing the possible purposes of life as they ate sugar and suffocated in their own excrement. Because of their limited intelligence, they never came close to guessing that they were making champagne." - Kurt Vonnegut