Long crack running up the middle of my bush?

[Yozza]

Ay up.
Finally got the front lower control arm off for a closer look as I suspected the bush might need replacing? The bolt wasn't seized in which was a pleasant/unexpected surprise (first time for everything I suppose), however, on closer inspection there appears to be a crack running the length of the cylindrical sleeve within the bush. Surely this isn't normal? I only ask because the crack/split is straight as if it was meant to be there?
What are these bushes like to remove and more importantly - replace? Is special tooling (as suggested in Bentley) really required, or is it large sockets and a vice job? Any good (relevant) tips welcome.
Cheerz

[syncrosimon]

Saw off the protruding ends, then hammer out. If it is reluctant then heat the metal around the bush with a blowlamp. This lubricates the joint and with warm rubber and makes it easier to hammer out. A big vice is great.





A crack doesnt sound good. Should not be there. Try syncrospares if it is knackered.

[Aidan]

polybushes don't require tools
I have the press tools for the rubber bushes
you are welcome to come and use them for beer

[Yozza]

Simon/Ade,
Thanks for your replies, very useful info. Ade, thanks for the offer, I may come knocking on your door, you've been warned!!!
I wasn't sure if the Polybushes are still available, if so, how do they compare to OEM rubber originals? Who sells the Polybushes? Are the same parts used in the Rear Trailing Arms?
Cheerz

[SyncroSwede]

Simon/Ade,
Thanks for your replies, very useful info. Ade, thanks for the offer, I may come knocking on your door, you've been warned!!!
I wasn't sure if the Polybushes are still available, if so, how do they compare to OEM rubber originals? Who sells the Polybushes? Are the same parts used in the Rear Trailing Arms?
Cheerz

I did the same as Syncrosimon on my Syncro at home but used my local garage's press to pop the old bushes out & new lower ball joints in (hammering lumps of rubber seemed too much like hard work to me!).

The purple urethane bushes all came from Brickwerks along with new ball joints, radius arm bushes, CV boots & urethane anti-roll bar bushes. I obtained new washers and sleeves for the bottom of the drop link and the drop arm to anti-roll bar donut from GSF. The urethane goes in really easily and I managed to do mine, just, on my own.

Brickwerks does kit prices for a lot of the bushes and his ball joints are Lemforder or similar. He may well also do the trailing arm bushes but I don't need those, yet...

(Nice 5% discount too, thanks Simon!)

As for ride, sooo much better (new steering rack urethane bushes there too). I did more than was worn out as it was all apart and is the best bit of maintenance I have done for driveability etc.

[slobbo]

Now if you were a woman I was going to say the long crack is meant to be in the middle of your bush.

[The BCE]

Now if you were a woman I was going to say the long crack is meant to be in the middle of your bush.