Track Control Arm Bushes

[pbar]

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

I've wondered that too actually. I guess the downside would be the integrity of the bush is compromised, but could it make that much difference? Especially when it's replacing something which is knackered and been in place for countless years anyway.

[Aidan]

rubber bushes have the steel bushes moulded integral, if you cut them you will probably find the arms migrate even more than they normally do and then they will be rubbing on the chassis.
You need the reducing tool to fit the rubber bushes, and suitable lube; it can be done with the threaded bar method as per Bentley with the tool, but it is slightly easier with a press and 4 hands
I prefer the compliance of the rubber over poly, but poly is easier to fit; the original rubber was geenrally good for 20 years, it will be interesting to see if poly does as well for as long

[maxstu]

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.

Yes. But for the rear suspension arms. It was discussed about cutting original bush in half and fitting a la Powerflex. Yet to hear of anyone actually doing so, though.

[pbar]

I'm seriously considering it, slicing through the middle with a 1mm grinding disc then installing. Even if they only last a handful of years it is such as easy job to do I don't mind doing it again, and at just around £8 each they can be done several times over the expensive Powerflex ones. Surely they would be back to 'normal' once fitted and torqued up, and be far batter than the decades old ones that are currently in place.

All thoughts welcomed, thank you.

[maxstu]

Tracking, camber and toe in settings for starters. Then excess tyre wear. Unbalanced braking even?
As said by Aidan. The bushes may well migrate back or forward; also mentioned in JA's video too.
Not saying any of the above will happen. But if you are into long term ownership of your current camper either go original uncut or Powerflex.
As l mentioned earlier, in 2020 I did everything up front with original OEM apart from one place. I used Powerflex on the steering rack because the PAS system hardly gives any room to work with rack attached to solid hydraulics pipe.
I paid for laser tracking (l did all the rear in 2019) front and back. The transformation was incredible.
Then someone mentioned getting PAS rack serviced! Where do you stop?

[pbar]

But all that from cutting a bush in half and losing 1mm, on a vehicle in it's 4th decade who's tolerances will be nothing like they used to be anyway, which has been happily driving around on visibly deteriorated old bushes for who knows how long.

I'm not saying you're not right, just not convinced that it wouldbn't make much difference in reality.

I bet back in the 70s (where I still live), people did this all the time had a cup of tea and didn't fuss about it.

You're quite right with these old vehicles - where do you stop! They're never finished.

[maxstu]

Oh so true. Reading back, I think l may have gone over the top with the old 'elf and safety!
It was driven into me, as a manager, when inspecting (and using) laser and bench guillotines in my job. You don't feck about with a razor sharp blade pushing down at two tonnes!
Keep us posted, though. Why not consider the cut though. Cant see how you are going to get a decent cut through rubber.
Perhaps at 45 degrees instead of straight through. Prevent one side spinning?

[pbar]

Fully understand, we had guillotine operators at my previous jobs. And actually had a machine related death on the factory floor unfortunately, not related to guillotine, so I do understand things from a health and safety point of view as that went to a very hgh level after that. I was thinking of cutting the bush at an angle also, great minds and all that, so that it would interlock to some degree. Although, if I've read the Haynes right the bolt is torqued to 90nm so I can't imagine it rotating really or even much consequence if it did. Yes will defintely intend to post results one way or the other, as it's awful when people start a thread off and it never concludes.

[pbar]

Go powerflex if you can

Well, I took your advice, and decided to go Powerflex, the ease of fitting them is just too enticing. I've ordered them from Powerflex themselves, as everything is free postage from them meaning they are much cheaper than the usual camper sellers. They've been dispatched just a few hours after ordering too. The old bushes are off, will give it a clean up under there then pop them in when they come. Thanks again for all the replies and info, very good of you and much appreciated.

[maxstu]

If you can, take some photos for the forum and your album.