It never ends... Broken Watts link..

[JeremyH]

Sometimes better to bring something like that to machine shop, Might be surprised they say no problem fast and cheap as they're used to it and have equipment rather than you messing with it for long time and potentially doing more damage to cover or yourself

Yep I'm done with it. Was worth a shot.

 

[jodadejss06gt]

I had a stud on the jeep break off in the AC compressor mount point. I had to pull the mount off the side of the 4.0 block. Take it to work, heat it up, soak it with PB, heat it up, work it, (wash rinse repeat) plus locking the bolt in a vice to get it out. Sometimes when they get stuck you are SOL. Machine shop for the housing.

 

[Sky Render]

If the angles of the Watts link's arms weren't correct, it can cause binding and shear that bolt off. But if you've already put 15,000 miles on it, it sound like they just used a low-quality bolt.

 

[Dubstep Shep]

I agree, it looks like it might be a fatigue failure.

If you're looking at new ones, check out Griggs. It's a modular design, great customer service, and a lifetime warranty.

 

[Whiskey11]

WTF....not that I know much about Watts links but how often do they fail?

Any idea on whether or not they have a lifetime warranty?

No overheating issues?

Yeah, this Watts unit is notorious for failures so I can't say I'm that surprised. The "changes" they made didn't do squat to solve the problem with their units snapping the center bolt.

Single shear is safe when done right, but it has to be done right and the whole thing overbuilt to accomplish the intended goals. See Fays2 Watts link which uses a single shear center bolt that dozens of people are pulling 1.5 lateral g's through without incident. It also has a massive 3/4" diameter center pivot bolt that is rated well in excess of the forces it will see.

If I were looking at Watts linkages again, I'd probably still chose the Fays2 unit. I like the chassis mounted over the diff mounted for my purposes but the Cortex would be a close second and Griggs last. If BMR ever gets theirs out I'm sure it'll be a solid unit too.

 

[Boaisy]

Yeah, Whiteline is mounted in multiple parts. Looks like that one is just one spot:

 

[travelers]

Single shear is no bueno. That's why the cool kids are going double shear. If teccho is no longer around, maybe you can take it to a machine shop and add a plate on top of the center bolt, running out to two studs?

+1 that's what I herd was a problem and that is a good fix.

 

[2013DIBGT]

The length of that center stud in this design doesn't appear to be doing anyone any favors. To my eyes it looks to be excessively long and too small a diameter all at the same time for this purpose. "That's what she said!"

I would definitely look else ware for a different brand of Watts and chalk it up to luck that this one lasted as long as it did without problems.

 

[ZmanM3]

My Steeda watts link has been doing well for me. Been on for 6 years now. I also like the fays2 one, it is quality.