3 replies to this topic

[stickycreambun]

Hiya, so first question - rebuilding front subframe, I have new bump stops and am wondering, what is the point of the thick washer fitted between the rubber and the subframe, is it needed?

Secondly - fitting new (rubber, bought poly but decided not to fit so now in for sale section) lower arm bushes. Obviously very tight indeed, can I put the two bushes in the arm and squeeze them in in a vice before fitting the arm then trying to tap the pin through? And I'm sure I have read it's best not to pull the pin tight by just doing the nut up?

I am aware of not torquing the arm up until I have it all assembled under the full weight with the engine back it etc.

Thanks Mike.

[tiger99]

They often do need a squeeze in the vice, and I always did need to pull the pin into place with the nut. You are correct about leaving it loose, bounce the car a few times once all heavy items are in place, and then torque them up. From 1976 there was a thick washer behind the bump stop, which if it is there, is there for a reason. Leave it out and you may be risking ball joint fracture.

[A-Cell]

When installing the lower arm pin using a pair of mole grips on the shoulder of he pin, clamping it to the subframe and forcing the pin into the correct position, pop the nut on and as Tiger says torque it up when the weight is on it.

The thick washer under the bump stop helps to spread the load as well as increasing e effective thickness of the bump stop. Which as tiger says ensures that the ball joints don't bottom out.

[stickycreambun]

Great thanks for the replies. I was expecting the bushes to be tight, was just checking it was ok to squeeze them in with a vice. I see how you mean with molegrips, sounds simple enough..maybe. 

 

Re: the washer, it being thick and increasing the size is why I ask, my cones have only done a few hundred miles so are still riding really high, meaning with the hilos wound down I only have a small amount of travel before bumping on the bump stop. I guess the question is is it strictly needed if it was only fitted to later cars?