Re: wishbone pivot bushes

[rjandrew@post.cis.smu.edu (R Justin Andrews)]

Correct!
if it is tightened in the air when you set it down it puts constant 
pressure on the rubber in the bushing which will prematurely tear them
IMO... I just had the car on jack stands and tightened it after I 
put the floor jack under the control arm and rasied it to where the car was 
loaded on the suspension (control arm) my control arm bushings are still
looking great...

HTH someone out there!
Rich Andrews
rjandrew@post.cis.smu.edu
> 
> 
> > > Don't forget to put the car on the ground before you tighten
> > > the bolts!
> > 
> > Why?  They will get torqued to the same number whether weight
> > is on them or not.  I don't follow your logic here.
> > I've done this to two different cars, no problem.
> 
> Well, the *theory* I suppose is that the bushings will get tightened in
> at their "rest" position or something.  I dunno, I tightened mine in the
> air (ever try to get under there on the ground with lowering springs?!),
> they must be able to turn a little to where they want to be after you
> lower the car anyway.  Well, the older style with no metal sleeves
> anyway.
> 
> I can see why you would want to do it on the metal sleeved ones - metal
> sleeve immobile in control arm, center tube torqued tight with wheels
> hanging, once on the ground the rubber in between has to twist and if
> the metal pieces don't move, rotate a bit, that rubber will always be
> holding that twist as you drive.  Premature wear?  handling side
> effects?
> 
> All guesses here, folks...
> 
> -- 
> Huw Powell
> 
> http://www.thebook.com/human-speakers
> 
> 82 Audi Coupe; 85 Coupe GT
> http://www.nh.ultranet.com/~human
>