Anti roll bar bushes

Post by **The_blue** » 17 Mar 2007, 16:23

I'm replacing the roll bar bushes on my '82.

I can't get them localy (unless VW have em?) so i need to order from somewhere.

I've seen em at just campers for about 3 quid a chunk.

What i want to know is how do you replace the ones where the bar joints the bent link arm? the bar end caps look to be welded on so i guess you strech the busc over 1st then have to force the link bar on after. Is this going to be a pain?

Any tips?

Post by **fairwynds** » 17 Mar 2007, 19:15

wrong way around....

its easiest if you take the lower joint apart first, so you can get the whole drop link off....

when I did mine I put the rubber bush into the top end of the drop link first, just pop it into a cup of hot water for a few mins first.

Then smear a little fairy or soap into the bush and on the end of the anti roll bar. The bush will then wind onto the bar easy.

NOTE: If you are changing the lower bushes too, when you put it all back together, dont tighten the lower nut up fully, until youve driven around a bit, or the new, tight bushes will force the top bush out of line/off! Just keep checking the lower nut is there! (or like me, youll have to buy more lowest bushes!) Use new nylock nut too.

Good luck

Post by **HarryMann** » 17 Mar 2007, 19:35

NOTE: If you are changing the lower bushes too, when you put it all back together, dont tighten the lower nut up fully, until youve driven around a bit, or the new, tight bushes will force the top bush out of line/off! Just keep checking the lower nut is there! (or like me, youll have to buy more lowest bushes!) Use new nylock nut too.

Never heard that one before

they're so hard to get on I can never imagine them coming off of their own accord

Mayeb there's a part mismacth going on here, the roll-bars do come in two or even 3 different diameters, and there's two rubbers, one for 19mm & one for 21mm bars - maybe you were given the wrong ones?

Main thing with these is to use a new sleeve on the lower 'damping rings' as VW call them, and pleanty of rubber gerase or some use copperslip to keep the moisture out, as they corrode like hell between the drop-link thread and the sleeve. Also don't overtighten the nut, the drop-link's threaded section are very prone to snap off...

Post by **The_blue** » 17 Mar 2007, 21:39

I've tried to mesure the thickness bt have no calipers at hand so i've tightened the adjustable wrench around it and measured the gap.

Didn't think until just now to try a 20mm open ended spanner. If it goes over it's 20mm or less. if not it's 20+ i.e. 21mm

Post by **HarryMann** » 17 Mar 2007, 21:52

Take the whole roll bar off is the best way and put the bloomin thing in the vise, even up to my eyaballs in rubber lubricant (!) it was a game and a half!

Post by **SteveW** » 17 Mar 2007, 22:21

I had to change a drop link last week. Had to take the complete roll bar off then struggeled to no avail to remove the link. A quick squirt with WD40 and it soon came off. Fitted the old bush to the new drop link with loads of WD40 then poped it on the roll bar no problem. Not too bad at all once all nice and lubed up

Post by **Sven** » 18 Mar 2007, 11:34

Showing my ignorance here but could someone post up a picture of these parts as i cant think what they look like.....thanks
Sven

Post by **The_blue** » 20 Mar 2007, 19:16

Quick update for anyone who cares

Got the parts from just campers. 10 quid cheaper than VW

Like said above, took the whole bar off. Spent 10 mins getting it to bits and 1 1/2 hours getting the bushes on the top of the drop link back on.

Came back in to post on here again when i spotted the tip about heating the bush.

Took 5 mins after that! 3 of them were boiling the kettle....

Thanks for the tips guys, I'll read more carefully next time.

Top ball joint to do next..

Post by **MINI_BUS** » 20 Mar 2007, 19:21

haynes manual is what i used

Post by **HarryMann** » 20 Mar 2007, 19:23

haynes manual is what i used

Do you think the MOT inspector will notice?

BTW Whats the temperature limit for rubber bushes

Post by **MINI_BUS** » 20 Mar 2007, 19:44

its what mine failed on on its pre test

Post by **The_blue** » 20 Mar 2007, 19:48

MINI_BUS wrote:haynes manual is what i used

It never said about the top bush, only the botom.

Post by **Horza** » 21 Mar 2007, 14:07

its what mine failed on on its pre test

What? Having a Haynes Manual instead of an antiroll bar drop link bush?!?!?

Post by **Hacksawbob** » 23 Mar 2007, 11:17

Cive what is your "rubber lubricant"? fairy liquid contins salt and oils can degrade rubber, I understand KY jelly is the best stuff!

honestly!

Post by **HarryMann** » 23 Mar 2007, 13:55

It's like a red grease, called 'rubber grease'' -comes in very small tubes