Re: bushings in rear transverse links

[Phil and Judy Rose <pjrose@servtech.com>]

>Subject: Re: bushings in rear transverse links
>
>Phil Rose wrote:
>>
>> >I'm reposting because I've gotten almost no response. Can't believe there
>> >isn't >a bunch of BTDTs on this one.
>> >
>> >On my '91 200q: with either rear wheel off, when I grab an upper
>> >transverse >link, I can rotate it (about the long axis) thru a range of
>> >about 20 (maybe 30) >degrees. Even  though they don't seem especially
>> >loose (in fact are very hard >to rotate),I guess this movement indicates
>> >some wear in the outer bushings.
>> >
>> >Is this the usual symptom of _excessive_ wear in the components? That is,
>> >>should they be _replaced_?
>> >
>> >Is it possible to replace the (outer) end only? Or are both ends likely to
>> >need >replacement at about the same time?
>>
>> I'm still hoping for feedback on the above questions (especially the first
>> one).
>>
>> If clarification is needed: the "transverse links" in question are those
>> upper links that adjust the rear wheel camber. I want to know if the amount
>> of movement I described indicates _enough_ bushing wear that the links
>> should be replaced. These are probably originals and therefore have 99K
>> miles.
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Phil
>>
>> Phil Rose               Rochester, NY
>> '89 100
>> '91 200q                pjrose@servtech.com
>Phil:
>I am not sure I understand how and what you are doing.
>The tranversal links should maintain a constant distance form the lower
>tranversal support arm and the rear wheels.
>I test as follws:
>With wheel off.. I reinsert and screw in a wheel lug bolt into
>hub/rotor....using pliers on the bolt and applying vertical force up and
>down  I test for play at both ends of the links.... the hub and rotor
>should not move at all....camber should remain perfectly fixed.
>HTH
>Pablo

Pablo,
I grabbed onto the link itself and was able to twist it. In other words,
the outer bushing could be rocked a bit (i.e., to be non-parallel to its
retaining bolt). As it might do if--for instance--the center of the bushing
was OK (tight) but the outsides were worn.  But I haven't yet tested for
possible looseness by levering with a hold on the hub or rotor. I suppose
the bushing could be checked for tightness just as well by leaving the
wheel installed (but off the ground)--then I'd have even more leverage to
apply against that linkage, right?

Phil

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