Track Control Arm Bushes

[pbar]

It's TCA inner bushes time for me. I prefer the original spec rubber bushes (as opposed to the Powerflex ones), so was going to fit those, but I've seen reports that you need a press to insert them, rather than the traditional threaded bar method. My question is, has anyone successfully used the theaded bar method with the orignal bushes, surely it must be do-able? I prefer to have things original and standard if I can that's all. Any input appreciated, thanks.

[maxstu]

I replaced bushes without a press. I used a large vice. I took out the arm. Drilled multiple holes through the old bushes with a wood drill to collapse bushes and pushed them out.
Inserting new bushes is tricky. Took me about 30-40 minutes per bush. A bit of a sweat.
Make sure your new bush is nice and warm. And the hole its going into is squeaky clean. I added some grease. I pinched the outer collar with a jubilee clip.
Once you start, dont stop. Maintain forward pressure. A buddy helping is better. They can remove jubilee clip once outer collar goes in. Also make sure everthing is to hand. A bigger vice would have help. Or a correct size spacer.
A nice warm day is best. Or indoors.

[maxstu]

However, in hindsight, l would remove old bushes. Then take arms with new bushes to an engineering firm. It was tough. But got easier as l adjusted things and as l gained confidence.

[pbar]

Thanks very much for that, great info and super pics. Looking at what you went through to get the bushes in, it looks very doubtful that it's possible with the arms still on the car which is what I was hoping. Whereas the Powerflex ones are easy to fit on the car but if I opt for those it would be becuase I'm wimping out rather than because I want them.

How easy is it to remove the TCA's from the car? Looking at the Haynes it seems a faff. I've had suspensions apart on other cars so I'm not too green, but not on the T25 so far.

[maxstu]

Early or late suspension/ track control rod?
On late remove wheel, caliper and disc. Then remove damper and spring. And Drop link. And track control rod. Unless apart recently all likely buggers to release. Even the TCA bolts were rusted in place. On drivers side RHD also consider speedo cable.
Because l did the whole front end during lockdown 2020 it wasnt an issue. I had plenty of time on my hands. But not money.
However l would consider Powerflex if just doing the arms.

[pbar]

Thanks, I have a 1985 van. I'll consider my options now, really appreciate it. Now I have your info, I think I'll first jack the van up and get cracking on removing the old bushes and I can see from that how difficult the rest of it would be as regards to removing the whole arm. I'll either take the arms out and buy a press (one of those bottle jack types as it would be handy to have) and fit the standard bushes, or take the easier option and fit the Powerflex ones. Thanks again!

[maxstu]

Have you early or late suspension? 1985/86 VW changed the track control rod. From three bolts to a single in line nut and the track rod threads in to the knuckle.
Just make sure your van is nice and secure on axle stands.
How much are the powerflex nowadays?

[pbar]

It is the later suspension type. The Powerflex ones are a whopping £50 it seems.

[maxstu]

Go powerflex if you can

[pbar]

I'm favouring that option, easy life   But if it turns out that other suspension parts are a mess I may take more off and have the arms out anyway. Will see!

[maxstu]

No such things with these vans.

I forgot one important item...Radius rods!
You will need to disturb their position to remove from knuckle. This is when you will find the bushes on chassis are knackered. And likelyhood that the spacers have worn out hole they pass through.

Videos for you; curtesy of forum member Mr James Aker.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=ja ... AR&PC=SMSM

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=ja ... AR&PC=SMSM

[pbar]

Thanks for hopping back on with that info, really appreciate it, doing so can really keep someone away from a right pickle! I have actually seen those videos thank you, they came up as I was researching this. He has done some fantastic videos, I can see myself watching his stuff a lot. Thank you again. I have heard about that hole enlarging, what's the solution to that? I do weld a little so I guess it would be that. I do have a little question, I know these as Track Control Arms, or Lower Arms, but Just Kampers names the bushes as being for front lower wishbone. I assume they're referring to the same part?

https://www.justkampers.com/251407183-p ... -1992.html

[maxstu]

Yes. That's the one. If you put the original VW part number in JK search box it comes up with original bush and powerflex alternative.
As long as you are confident other suapension bits are sound, in particular radius rods, then this is the easiest option.
If you decide to remove radius rods, dont expect to find clean and perfectly shaped mount hole in the chassis like Mr Aker's camper. Mine were a mess!

[pbar]

I can tell that the deeper I get into this job the more despair I'll find, think I might wear blinkers as I do it hehe. Think I've spotted that you can get a repair piece for the elongated hole problem, seems very common. Thanks for the info on the code number, I put that into Just Kampers and indeed got the results you mentioned. Interestingly the Brickwerks Powerflex ones are 'heritage' black. Think I prefer purple as it will remain a good identifier for myself in years to come or another owner/repairer.

Weather permitting will be starting this in a day or two, will post results. Very good of you to help so much.

[TONYT25T25]

Is there any mileage in using the normal bushes in certain areas and cutting them in half and using the same principal as the Powerflex ones, or is this risky due to strength and density of the normal bushes, vaguely remember this being mentioned some time back in another post.