How do I tell if my trailing arm bushings are worn out?

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Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By Scott Hayes (Scott_H) on Thursday, December 13, 2001 - 12:05 pm: Edit

Recently my 95 disco has felt like the ass end was floating a bit....just every once and a while...a little squirley. It also creaks when I bind it just a little...like when I pull into a parking lot from the street. I have 2 questions.

1. Does this sound like my bushings are worn out?
2. If so how do I replace them? I don't have a press to get the old ones out.

thanks
Scott H

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By D Cantrell (Discodad) on Thursday, December 13, 2001 - 02:01 pm: Edit

Scott-
Its most likely the Frame to Arm bushes. Quick check
look at the frame bushes while some one gently rocks the Disco. Notice movement of the shaft
I don't remember the limits but if excessive movement change them they go at about 35 to 40 K for me.
This will make it ride like a new Disco.

If its the axel end here are a few tips.

To get out the axel end bushes you have several methods torch the rubber and pry the sleeve with a cold chisel or get the machined bush removal tool set $$$, Or My way make your own, ( I hate the smell of burning rubber) If a machinist is around it should be a no brainier for him , sockets don't work well for removal and tend to explode when used in a press, I once had to use 3 tons on a front set, Once out you can use a BIG vise to insert the new ones, If no access to a press
Put a flat plate 1/4 steel on both sides and oil the heck out of it when installing

Don't try to beat it in with a Hammer, contrary to popular belief "Cut to suit beat to fit and paint to hide" is not the best approach for a lasting quality repair...

PS That is the Big advantage of the Poly sets no special tools to install....

Loose is great off road but sucks on the highway,
Its the Rover compromise
I have not tried the Poly Bushes every body is against it so ill go with the crowd on that one


DD

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By Discosaurus (Discosaurus) on Thursday, December 13, 2001 - 02:09 pm: Edit

Your axle attachment points are probably frozen solid and will never come apart. I had to Sawzall the bolt on both sides of the bushing. After that, just for fun I soaked the end in penetrating oil for a week and still couldn't drive the remains of the bolt out.

keith
discosaurus

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By D Cantrell (Discodad) on Thursday, December 13, 2001 - 02:47 pm: Edit

Ouch on the Sawzall, Great tool when all else fails. A BFH really helps also
did the threads on the trail arm get trashed, Or are you referring to the 3 bolts on the frame bush?

I had to do that on my front Woodheads shocks last month,

Use anti seize when reinstalling. It helps most of the time. I like the copper based stuff

DD

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By Ron on Thursday, December 13, 2001 - 06:55 pm: Edit

A frame ball joint goes often as well. Bushings bad can be seen by inspecion. all are a PITA to do.

maxi drive and bearmach make an adjustable A frame ball joint if that is your problem.

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By Dean Brown (Deanbrown3d) on Thursday, December 13, 2001 - 07:11 pm: Edit

You might find where its worn by getting some big guys to shake the f#*% out of the truck (a roof rack helps) while you get under and see what's moving. (My antisways were loose right out of the factory!) If you can't find a bunch of big guys, do it yourself and let the misses take a look. Worked for me, and the wife was never so happy with the rover as that time when she "fixed" it Got a trip out of that one for sure!

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By Scott Hayes (Scott_H) on Thursday, December 13, 2001 - 08:51 pm: Edit

thanks for the info, I will check it tomorrow and see what the deal is. Sounds like these are REALLY fun to change :)

Scott H

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By Discosaurus (Discosaurus) on Thursday, December 13, 2001 - 11:56 pm: Edit

""Ouch on the Sawzall, Great tool when all else fails. A BFH really helps also
did the threads on the trail arm get trashed, Or are you referring to the 3 bolts on the frame bush?""

No, the single bolt that holds the rear of the trailing arm to the axle, through the bushing. It was seized solid to the tube in the rubber. One of them was persuaded out with the BFH, the other wanted a permanent home :)

In this case, they were the stock arms and were being replaced, so no worries...

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By D Cantrell (Discodad) on Friday, December 14, 2001 - 12:31 am: Edit

I am going to replace my rear arms this weekend hopefully, If Nathan comes through?

Thanks

DD


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