Racing Washer

[7 wonders of the world]

All they do is stop the metal to metal contact oof the A frame meeting the DD tube ie take up the lateral movement in the metalastic bush.

For a few quid go for the better option 

[ScottR400D]

OK, that’s clearer. 

[gulf 1]

Thanks for the explanation btw it makes sense now,although I have to say I think it's a rubbish idea.

[John Vine]

According to CC Parts, the washer (p/n ZZ021463) is 17.5 x 32 x 1.  So an M12 Form A (O/D 24, thickness 2.5) is never going to fit properly, even if made thinner.

JV

[John Vine]

Here's a source of something close (30 x 17 x 1) at £2.58 for 10.

ETA: I've just ordered some so I'll report back.

JV

[aerobod - near CYYC]

The clearance between the deDion ear and the A-frame is about 2.5mm either side with the clamping bolt fully tightened and the washers sitting around the metal bush core (if they are caught between the A-frame and bush core they are incorrectly fitted). The standard Caterham washers act as limiters by allowing lateral movement until the deDion and A-frame fully contact the washer and compress it. The Poweflex washers are thicker, so there is no movement until they are contacted and they can only be compressed a small amount.

[ScottR400D]

I too ordered 10 of the Ebay washers at £2.58. they arrived today at the same time as the 2 OE ones arrived from CC. As my cars still in pieces, I was able to try the cheaper washers. As they come they won't fit over the inner bush of the joint but it's the work of a minute, if that, with a stanley and/or small round file, to remove the 0.1 or 0.2mm from the central hole, after which they fit perfectly. The OD looks fine.

[John Vine]

Re #32:

That's encouraging.  Mine are due to arrive this week.

JV

[Shortshift]

Back in the day when I was involved in this sort of thing for a living, we would have called those parts 'snubbers' rather than 'washers'.  Sort of helps to communicate that they fit circumferentially around the inner tube (the bit that takes the clamp load) and act as a bit of a buffer to restrict axial movement, and that they are not part of the clamping mechanism.

James

[ScottR400D]

Yes l, I hadn’t realised that until bjw’s earlier post. I see CC call them anti squeak washers in the latest manuals.   

All back together today so I can confirm the cheaper E Bay washers fit fine. 

[John Vine]

My ebay ones have just arrived from Ri-Co.  They're called "nylon spacers" on the despatch note.

JV