Re: Sub frame bushings

[quattro@innotts.co.uk (Ian Gregory)]

Hi Paul

>Just three questions for the moment.
>a)      Can you tell by levering the subframe if the bushes are bad?
>b)      Do you need to remove the subframe to replace these?
>c)      Do the bushes need to be hydraulically pressed in and out?

OK from memory:

A.      Yes.  Put a crowbar on the edge of the subframe near a bush and
lever it gently against the chassis.  If you have excessive movement of the
sub-frame in any direction (side to side or up and down) then consider that
bush suspect.  That is my method and the term excessive is something hard
to describe.  I am open to other opinions here on how to test this anybody?
B.      Yes, but it isn't hard to do.  I can post you a full run down if
you want?
C.      Some say yes.  I say no.  I had a friend who works in a garage use
a press to try and put mine in, and all he succeded in doing was wrecking a
bush.  I then resorted to a big bolt, two big washers and lots of slippery
stuff (ON THE BUSH!).  It was painfully easy.  All four in with no dammage
in 30 mins, and that was being slow and carefull.
1.      Put Bolt with one washer through bush and sub-frame, then put other
washer and nut on other side.  Tighten with two spanners and ease it in
with lots of vaseline.  Bad ASCII drawing follows:

      |                  Bolt
-------------            Washer
=============            Bush
 ===========
 ===========
=============
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>     Sub-Frame
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
-------------            Washer
     ===                 Nut
      |

It is a lot easier if you can get a cup washer for the bottom, big enough
to clear the part of the bush that protrudes when in.  Saved me lots of
Labour Charges.  Job was done in 3 1/2 Hours start to finish.  Remove old
bushes using a gas torch to get rid of all the rubber then it all falls
apart and drops to bits on your foot (Hot!)

Hope this helps.

Ian Gregory

'88 90q   (For Sale)
'84 Ur-q

Fax   : (UK) 115 913 5129
Email : quattro@innotts.co.uk

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