Re: wishbone pivot bushes

[Huw Powell <human@nh.ultranet.com>]

> > 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 dont think I would put the car on the ground without them being
> tightened! Im not sure the bonding of the center metal tube to the
> rubber has anything to do with the health of the bushing.

Why, they don't really support any weight.  The bonding issue is that
the rubber is attached to the metal at it's inner and outer
circumference, the outer is fixed solid to the arm, once torqued the
inner is fixed solid to the subframe.  Torque in the air and your rubber
part will get twisted ("pre-loaded") when it is lowered and the wheels
move to normal position.  Then the rubber will age prematurely.

With my old style ones, the outer surface is just the rubber and so I
hope (!) they will turn a bit and seat themselves so they have no
pre-load to damage them.

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.thebook.com/human-speakers

82 Audi Coupe; 85 Coupe GT
http://www.nh.ultranet.com/~human