Fitting rear wishbone bushes??

[Hairyarse]

Why is it the simple jobs are the ones that take the longest??

I've been replacing all my ARB and wishbone bushes, along with fitting new wishbones this weekend. All straightforward enough, however, I can't get the rear wishbone bushes on. It seems the hole in the bush and the post on the back of the wishbone are at least size for size, I've knocked the living daylights out of it and it's only slightly on - wont go on further and I can't get it off!!

I've tried some heat which may not have been a good idea but made no difference. I also checked the ones on the old wishbones and they are on really tightly.

Has anyone done this and can advise what to do? It's on a 1983 model, so they're the earlier, VW Golf type wishbones.

I really can't think what else to do now other than try a garage which I don't really want to do. I also have no hair left to tear out []

Cheers
Andy

 

[Frenchy]

Not sure of the answer, take the arms off and get them pressed in ?

Either way, feel for you, the joys of DIY !

 

[bmnelsc]

Not exactly sure from your description but is it possible the metal sleeve from the old bush is frozen on the post and you are trying to fit the new bush with its new steel sleeve over the old steel sleeve? Assuming the post is properly cleaned up it should go in the bushing - granted some force may be required.

 

[Super_Marv]

Have you tried using a G clamp and a plank of wood the other side?

Not sure what the early wishbones look like tbh [&:]

 

[homesea]

I'm also not sure what they look like but have had good results on other cars by poping the bush in a mug of very hot water with fairy liquid, then they just slip right in.

 

[Hairyarse]

I'm not trying to fit the bush to the old wishbone, I'm fitting new wishbones too.

The bush itself has a metal tube up the middle through the hole so soaking in hot water won't help. I'm guessing it's going to end up a garage job, just frustrating as thought I'd get the whole lot done in an afternoon, plus already used a garage to press in the front bushes, didn't realise these would be so tight, otherwise would have got them to do the lot. Doh!

 

[Mike_Pollock]

Hi Andy
Sounds like something is mismatched - I had no difficulty when I did mine.

 

[Hairyarse]

ORIGINAL: A9XXC

Hi Andy
Sounds like something is mismatched - I had no difficulty when I did mine.

I was beginning to think that but they are all the right parts. Did you fit OE rear wishbone bushes with the metal sleeve or PU ones?

As I mentioned above, the ones on the old wishbone won't budge at all, I wasn't sure if this was down to old age or if they are supposed to be this tight to start with?

With hindsight I should have fitted up the new wishbones before stripping mine, I could then be driving in her in the sunshine today but I never thought it would be this much grief!![]

 

[Hairyarse]

Well after much swearing and cursing today I've got my baby back together again[]

Bought a vernier to check the ID of the bush hole and the diameter of the post on the wishbone. Turned out the wishbone post was about 0.3-0.5mm bigger in diameter, hence my problem.

Couldn't get the bush off that was only slightly pushed on so went out again, bought a puller and it came off with ease. Then took my grinder and 'tickled' the wishbone pegs to allow the bushes to fit, painted them up so no bare metal and Bobs your Aunties brother!

Wasn't straight forward getting it all back together, had to jack up the struts to get ARB in and all sorts. Anyway, it's all done now, still needs the geo done tomorrow but had a quick blast tonight and it's made a massive difference, steering is lighter and the car seems so much more responsive at the front end. Roll on tomorrow and the geo check so it's all done and I can enjoy her again to the fullest [8D]

 

[Fat Albert]

Good news Andy, I hate it when what looks like a simple job turns into soething much harder, especially when you are sat there on a Sunday with nowhere open to buy bits or get something done...glad it is all sorted

We're starting to strip the aircraft down ready for it's annual this afternoon, I am told that the wingtips come off really easily...but are an absolute s*d to put back on again...

 

[Hairyarse]

Good luck with the annual Jeremy, our permit is due for renewal in a couple of weeks too!

PS - Got the PPL passed a couple of weeks ago so will be flying the old gal as soon as my license turns up![8D]

 

[Mike_Pollock]

Hi Andy glad you got it sorted.
I did use poly bushes, couldn't remember! Just checked as I spent most of the weekend at Donington.

 

[Hairyarse]

I'm glad too, took far longer than it should have done, but that's old cars for you[]

Got the geo done today and now everything is green

I can just enjoy her now[8D]