Upper wishbone bush

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shrig1969
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Upper wishbone bush

Post by shrig1969 »

I have a very intermittent squeaky drivers side suspension noise.
I believe I have narrowed it down to the upper wishbone area.
Plastered it in silicon grease but no difference, then removed it completely, cleaned it up and put it all back together. The bushes looked pretty good visually with no real sign of degradation.
This seemed to fix it for a while but it has now returned.
They are about 6/7 years old.
My question is although appearance wise they look ok is there much that can go wrong internally that could cause this issue?
I am no mechanic, but I try......
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual

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maxstu
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Re: Upper wishbone bush

Post by maxstu »

Are you sure of their age? Then possiblly poor quality aftermarket bushes. Do both sides show tack welds preventing rotation?

If you are confident enough to remove thewishbone and are cetain noise is coming from bushes l would remove once more and replace bushes. They are not that difficult. And plenty of internet videos to aid you.
MaxStu
1989 DJ 2.1 Auto Leisuredrive rusty bucket.
"Blissfully happy in your presence".

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shrig1969
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Location: cornwall

Re: Upper wishbone bush

Post by shrig1969 »

Yes...pretty sure I got them from GSF before understanding the importance of quality parts, about a year into owning the van.
Both sides are welded, but just the drivers side has the squeak.
You have confirmed what I was thinking but reassuring for a 2nd opinion.

I will order 4 from brickwerks, Lemforder OEM ones hopefully.....and will report back if it sorts it.
I am no mechanic, but I try......
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual

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maxstu
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Re: Upper wishbone bush

Post by maxstu »

Okay.
Do you know how to set up camber?
Can be done on a flat surface with a block of wood and a small spirit level.
MaxStu
1989 DJ 2.1 Auto Leisuredrive rusty bucket.
"Blissfully happy in your presence".

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shrig1969
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Joined: 03 Jan 2013, 21:10
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Location: cornwall

Re: Upper wishbone bush

Post by shrig1969 »

I've seen a few videos of camber set up, so ill give it a try, even if it is a little rough around the edges. Am I looking to get the spirit bubble dead centre?
I've also changed some of the other bushes lately so a garage alignment is on the horizon anyway.
Thanks  
I am no mechanic, but I try......
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual

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maxstu
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Re: Upper wishbone bush

Post by maxstu »

Yes zero camber.
TBH l have done camber at home many times. But after changing both rear suspension arm bushes and all front bushes and bearing discs etc in 2020 l gave camper to a local trusted VW garage for laser alignment. £120. The results were incredible. Sure did make a considerable difference in steering and tracking. The rear is adjustable in both directions. See slots in rear jacking points and inner mounts. Thats the bits some owners' neglect.
MaxStu
1989 DJ 2.1 Auto Leisuredrive rusty bucket.
"Blissfully happy in your presence".

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shrig1969
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Joined: 03 Jan 2013, 21:10
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Location: cornwall

Re: Upper wishbone bush

Post by shrig1969 »

Update……
New Lemforder bushes in and just got back from a good hours run with no squeak. Seems to have cured it so thank you for your help in sorting.
:ok
I am no mechanic, but I try......
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual

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maxstu
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Joined: 07 Feb 2008, 01:05
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Location: Margate

Re: Upper wishbone bush

Post by maxstu »

Great stuff. And thanks for posting outcome. :ok

By coincidence my camper now has a squeaky one too! One out. All out! :roll:
MaxStu
1989 DJ 2.1 Auto Leisuredrive rusty bucket.
"Blissfully happy in your presence".

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