Re: bushings in rear transverse links

["Fred Munro" <munrof@isys.ca>]

-----Original Message-----
From: Phil Rose <pjrose@servtech.com>
To: quattro@coimbra.ans.net <quattro@coimbra.ans.net>
Date: Monday, May 11, 1998 5:46 PM
Subject: re: bushings in rear transverse links


>>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
>
Hi Phil;

    I don't know if I can respond completely to your post. I have replaced
one of these outer joints on my '91 200q. They are available separately at a
cost of (gasp, wheeze) CDN$200. Mine was so worn that there was about 1/8"
radial play which I noticed when I heaved on the breaker bar the undo the
bolt (visions of the joint slipping over the bolt head at high speed, etc.).
I seem to recall that the new joint had some rotational movement but I can't
remember if it was the 20 - 30 degrees you have noticed. I've still got the
old joint in the "parts to be dissected to see how they are made" bin, but
it is a poor specimen from which to extrapolate the specs for a new joint.
    I'd check the joints for radial play. Mine were squeaking prior to
failure. I extended the life somewhat by injecting grease through the grease
seal with a hypodermic needle, but the seal failed eventually on the one
joint and it wore rapidly thereafter. The grease injection has kept the
other joint intact; just gave it a shot last weekend as a matter of fact.

HTH

Fred Munro
'91 200q  251k km