Radius Rod Bush Replacement Video

[CovKid]

Yup. Pretty much every other bush is fine. To be honest, some aren't bothered but they're not right as they are.

Heres another example.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_z6OEohnPKw" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I've not had this happen with stock bushes but they're slightly convex, which is whats needed. In fact, Brickwerks had issues with the early gearbox mounts and had them made with cavities in them to reduce the vibration they were getting in tests.

Despite the hype, powerflex bushes are not always as good as stock ones. I ran all kinds of bushes on track racing bugs in the 80s and they could be a pain in the ass, literally. More recently started making my own so I could get the composite and shape just right (you can buy the raw materials). Currently you don't get any say in the hardness of these off-the-shelf modern bushes, or indeed the shape. Perhaps over time, they will get them right. Until then, reshaping them yourself is about the only route for swinging arms. We just shouldn't have to

[akw]

Looks like the single piece trailing arm bushes have the correct shape:

https://www.brickwerks.co.uk/trailing-a ... thane.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Harder to fit though.

[bigbadbob76]

Can anyone suggest why the Powerflex trailing arm bushes are one piece?
Most of their other bushes seem to be two piece and V easy to fit.

[jamesakers]

I'm not sure if there's any benefit being one piece.

I've seen some people fitting the spit T4 inner bush as it's the same size. Even the Brickwerks description says it's suitable for the T3 https://www.brickwerks.co.uk/trailing-a ... inner.html

[jamesakers]

I'm not sure if there's any benefit being one piece.

I've seen some people fitting the spit T4 inner bush as it's the same size. Even the Brickwerks description says it's suitable for the T3 https://www.brickwerks.co.uk/trailing-a ... inner.html

It even has the correct part number 251 501 131 A.

[bigbadbob76]

Cheers for the link.
I guess those are the square sided ones folks are talking about.
The once piece ones have a more rounded side cheek.
Nothing a lathe wouldn't sort.

[Sir Brixalot]

I like these vids - nice and clear. I don't suppose you plan to do a CV joint or drum brake overhaul soon James

[jamesakers]

Thanks mate.

Yes, I'm doing the trailing arm bushes at the moment and as part of I need to replace a brake back plate so that will be covered. I'm not refreshing the CV joints yet, just taking them off/refitting.

[Sir Brixalot]

Looking forward to it. Already plusgassing radius bolts although as usual I forgot to order bushed at same time as ARB bushes

[what2do]

Looking forward to it. Already plusgassing radius bolts although as usual I forgot to order bushed at same time as ARB bushes

Clean as much rust off the threaded part as possible as it will enable you easier to spin the nut when disassembling/reassembling. I know it's obvious but I witnessed someone struggle for over half an hour with a massive ratchet with something similar after my advice was ignored. He was sweating by the bucket whilst I chortled at his wasted efforts.

[CovKid]

Yeah, "bring out the deckchair and watch" time

[jamesakers]

Absolutely what2do, my radius rod bolts came straight off (suprisingly) after I wire wheeled the threads.

For the trailing arms i'm not having as much luck, the outer bolts have fused to the bushing sleeves and won't move. I'm thinking of cutting away the rubber lips of the bush, then an angle grinder to cut through the bolt itself.

[Sir Brixalot]

Did the ARB bushes - piece of cake. Cleaned threads and Plusgassed again ready for radius rod bushes. I'm going to get the cheaper ones from BW after reading posts and watching the vid