Installing Metalastic Bushes - Help Please

[TroonSprint]

It's me again guys. I am trying to install new Metalastic (original style) bushes in the rear suspension frames. In the photo you can see the rig I have made up to help me do this. It consists of threaded rod, two nuts, two large thick washers, and to actually push the bush I have used an old disc brake piston which is as near perfectly square as can be and has a hole drilled in its base. The open end of the piston presses on the outer metal of the bush so there is no trauma to the rubber.

But I can't make the bush stay in line with the eye on the frame. As soon as I apply pressure it gets out of line and then it is never going to go in. How can I get this job done? Any suggestions gratefully received!

Mike

[rgh0]

I use a press these days but previously I have used a large vice to compress the assemble of components like yours. The rigid flat jaws of the vice help keep the components in line. You could lso try warming the A frame eye and chilling the Metalastic bush. Have a close look at the edges of the bush and the edge of the eye on the wishbone to see if that they are true with no damage and clean up any dammage that may not be allowing the bush to sit square in the eye before you start pressing it in.

cheers
Rohan

[stevebroad]

if you have access to a lathe, machine a shallow chamfer on one end of the bush as this will help to locate and guide it.

A press or large vice are better methods, as mentioned above.

[wotsisname]

I have used the method you describe and found it cheaper than the vice I broke at the first attempt.
I don't think you need the piston unless you are pressing old bushes out.
the fridge and oven, after a good clean up definitely helped

[stevebroad]

Good point. Ditch the piston and it will be easier to keep the bush square. If necessary you can use it for the last few mm.

[TroonSprint]

I used the piston so that I wasn't pressing on the centre of the bush and thus distorting the rubber. Anyway, eventually my tool did the job and I have got all four bushes inserted on the LH wishbone frame. By gum, it was hard work. My threaded rod gave up the ghost after a while but I found a good quality long bolt to take over and got the bu*gers in. The little bushes on the outer pivots were a doddle by comparison.

Now for the RH one

There is a small gap between the new outer bushes and the surface of the rear hub carrier now that the assembly is on the car (I have Spyder wishbones). Should I pack the gap with a washer or allow the bolts to squeeze the gap closed? Answering my own question, I would think a washer would be best rather than slightly distorting the arm. Opinions?

Mike

[c42]

Hi Mike

When I changed bushes I used the same method that you are using, on the bushes I bought only one end had a chamfer and it was important the get that end towards the wishbone which helped the location and lead in.

As for the gaps definitely pack with washers.

Regards
John

[Craven]

Hi
It?s no bad idea, in fact some recommend it, placing a steel washer between the bush and the aluminium carrier, as often the steel bush inner has worked in the aluminium. Personally I just press the bush a little further through the eye, obviously not more than would bring the bolt head in contact with the frame.
FWIW
Ron.

[john.p.clegg]

Mike
Too late I know,but the thick washer on the right hand side should be stepped to fit the eye,that keeps the bolt/screw central..

John

[gus]

You just don't have the mechanical advantage there. A large bench vise has plenty of strength to do the job. Warming the wishbone with a propane torch wouldn't hurt. Neither would never sieze, for the next poor soul who needs to do them. A large vise will keep the parts pretty square

and if you are concerned about pushing on the center section an appropriately sized socket will do the trick
removing is usually the hard part and that becomes easier with judicious use of heat[no burning]

[TroonSprint]

Thanks all. The job is now completed using the screw tool I showed in my photo. All 8 bushes safely installed. I did try my bench vice but I couldn't apply enough pressure to move the bushes. It was hard work with the screw tool on the large inner bushes, but much easier on the small outer ones.

Now to see what the car is like. I have removed poly bushes because the ride was too harsh for my liking - not at all what I think an Elan should be like. I'll have a test drive tomorrow if this rain stops.

Mike

[l10tus]

Where are you, Scotland ? - You won't be driving tomorrow then!

[TroonSprint]

Actually the overnight rain has gone and we have a fine but windy day up here on the west coast. I shall be using the Elan to go out to rehearsals tonight.

Mike