lower control arm bushing won't fit

[ericos_bob]

Ordered a complete bushing set to rebuild the front end on my syncro and all was going well until I got to the front lower control arm bushings. It appears those that I have are much shorter than the ones that are presently installed. I have doubts as to whether the lip of the bushing will extend out beyond the control arm hollow. Was wondering if anyone here has access to part numbers for bushings to confirm if they are the correct size. They are labeled 251.407.183. cheers!

[syncrodoug]

I've just looked on ETOS and that is the correct part number for the LCA 'bonded rubber mounting'.
Doug

[toomanytoys]

it prob wont be much longer, they are a tight fit....

There is a special tapered tool that is supposed to be used to press them (with a bit of lube) in else the rubber can be torn..
So Aidan tells me (he has the tool)

[..lee..]

they are a git to fit i can measure a correct bush to compare sizes for you. make sure you havent been given the rear trailing bush by mistake as the are very similar.

[ericos_bob]

I've just looked on ETOS and that is the correct part number for the LCA 'bonded rubber mounting'.
Doug

Thanks for the effort doug that helps. It appears they should be the right bushings as the number is printed on both the bushings and packaging

it prob wont be much longer, they are a tight fit....

There is a special tapered tool that is supposed to be used to press them (with a bit of lube) in else the rubber can be torn..
So Aidan tells me (he has the tool)

Might need to find out more about this tapered tool. Spent close to half a day trying to get these damned things in. Managed to get one in using a press I'd used for the other bushings but then the bushing began to compress itself the further. I managed to push it through until all but the last 3mm was in. It was then stuck. bugger!.Pressed the bush out again and it has a crease at the end so I'll be tossing it in the trash.

they are a git to fit i can measure a correct bush to compare sizes for you. make sure you havent been given the rear trailing bush by mistake as the are very similar.

Thanks for the head up. I also ordered a set for the rear trailing arms and the front ones I received are definitely thinner and a little longer. I've come to the idea that perhaps the old bushes are narrower because the rubber has been compressed for a long time.

Also when I ordered the lower control arm bushings I noticed you can also buy a urethane lower control arm bush kit. unsure but it appears to be a kit made up of 2 split bushings per control arm. Perhaps it'll be easier to push in than a full length bushing?. here's a link for anyone who might know http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/smartl ... hings.html

[..lee..]

the split style bush will be easier to fit but i`ve not used them myself on a 4wd so cant comment on their durability. i decided to go 100% o/e rubber when i built my front end up knowing they would be both durable and compliant when off roading.

[v-lux]

Syncrosimon has used the polybushes in his lower control arms. Sure i remember him saying they were a doddle to fit.
Would have to ask him about how they are wearing, think theyve been in there for a while now.

I went for rubber in mine also, took a bloody big press to get them in there, they really are tricky little buggers.
What is irritating is that over time the control arm seems to have crept forward and the bushing is no longer in the center of the arm. Anyone know a way of stopping this happening?

[..lee..]

all the syncros i`ve seen do that Al, must be a common fault.