A-Frame bush

[JKJ]

Just wondering if any of you guys could tell me how easy it is to renew the A-frame bushes, and more importantly how to do it. The said item appears to have degraded, with part of the exposed bush splitting, no obvious affect on the handling, and the rear end seems quite stable. Thanks in advance.

[Baby Bucket]

Very easy,

 

There are various threads on here. But as a summary,

 

1. Jack up the car and support where the A frame joins the chassis using axle stands.

 

2. Remove bolt from A frame bush and pull down A frame.

 

3. Remove old bush and check to see whether there is a washer between the two halves of the bushes - some do, some don't.

 

4. Insert new bush - USE NO OIL or GREASE!!!!. It help to squeeze the two halves together using mole grips or G-clamp.

 

5. Push A frame back into locating lug and replace bolt.

 

Cheers

 

Peter

 

PS Oil & grease is what causes the bush to degrade in the first place.

 

[Rod Thonger]

Thanks for that, Peter. I can remember having a hell of a problem getting new bushes inserted in the past.

 

However, this business of oil/grease, and split casings, old 7 problem. Mine's dripping a bit, despite strengthening.

 

Why hasn't this problem been solved????

 

Rod

 

 

[AndreK]

A little lubrication with washing up liquid may help, particularly if cold. Also warming bush in house may be worthwhile

[tony isherwood]

I was thinking of doing a rearend overhall (ooer) this winter, generally how much of a job is it to remove all the bushes ? In particular I am thinking of the rear arms which connect under the mudguard to the axel. Do they size ? nothing has been done to them for at leat 4 years? (10 thou miles). Probably the originals In which case nealy 7 years. Am I looking a loda grief ?

[Jam Mad]

jkj,

 

i did this with a friend of mine earlier this year for the first time... it's a bit fiddly, but easier than i thought. all in, it took easily under an hour.

 

the key to success was a pack of red budget g-clamps from b&q. they come in three sizes, and the smallest one ( i think ) was extremely useful to compress the bushes before pushing it all back together again.

 

there is a lubricating paste that you can apply to rubber ( not copperslip, i've forgotten what it's called ) that helped a bit.

 

have fun ! it's an essential baptism of seven tinkering.

 

see ya',

 

j

 

 

[Dave H]

Tony,

 

The Bushes can get siezed in place, as can the bolts that hold it together. I had to resort to a large club hammer, hacksaw, and finally the big press at the local garage to remove all the bushes from the back of mine when I did the rebuild this year (first time in 14 years some of them had been removed).

if it was assembled properly, with plently of the right sort of lubricant, and its not been out in the wrong conditions (salty roads esp.) you may be OK.

 

Dave H

[Super_Rich_Bernie]

The special friendly to rubber and non-corrosive lubricant is available in a tube from your local pharmacy.

 

Just ask for something to ease insertion....

 

A couple of strips of aluminium and some G-clamps help too.

 

Jonathan

[Alex Wong1697456877]

I removed all the bushes from front and rear suspension over the weekend.

 

You really need a press to remove them, although Roger's made a tool involving a recieving "cup" and a big bolt which makes getting the A-frame bush out easier.

 

They so seize into place and require alot of force to get out.

 

 

 

Alex

[tony isherwood]

Thanks Guys. like most things in life, the more you do it the easier it becomes.

 

Dave, Got Nuttys phone number, I have a nice warm garage waiting, lodsa coffee, if he's at a loose end ;0)))))

 

On second thoughts maybe not.

[Dave H]

Careful Tony - Nutty is now on line, and has plenty of time to read these threads, and he knows where you live...blush.gif

[warrent]

Jonathan,

 

Whats the lubricant called, that you get from you pharmacy. Does it really help getting in tight bushes??

[Graham Sewell]

I assume it is called KY jelly - apparently it has uses other tban putting A-frame bushes together but I wouldn't know about that. Otherwise, H*lfrauds sell a product called Holts Rubber & Nylon Lubricant.

[Super_Rich_Bernie]

A 'Super 7' should be OK with all but the tightest of bushes using the prescribed lubricant or Halfords equivalent Rubber & Leather lube.

 

Those who talk of needing special tools, presses and lump hammers are possibly boasting.....

 

J

[Jam Mad]

super7, teeth.gifteeth.gifteeth.gifteeth.gifteeth.gifteeth.gif

 

nice one my son...

[I reply to every thread]

Mines 12" - but I don't use it as a rule!

[warrent]

The misses is always moaning about me playing with the v frame bush in the bedroom!! Dont know what she would say if I popped out the H*alfrauds equivalent Rubber & Leather lube aswell.....

[Alex Wong1697456877]

JonathanG,

 

There are 2 types of A frame bush. The older kind (2 bushes) is easy to get out. The newer kind (single metal sleeved bush) is a pig to get out and needs a press, special tool or a lump hammer.

 

smile.gif

 

Alex

[edmandsd]

When you start putting reasonable power through a live axle, or even drive a standard live axle car hard for that matter, the A frame bushes last 5 minutes and the diff nose leaks. HT Racing have solved both of these problems and now have several satisfied Caterham owners with box section strengthened English axle replacements at reasonable cost. They are designed to be direct replacements for the Ital giving strength, light weight and a wider choice of cwp's with lsd provision. In addition they don't need your axle and are returned fully powder coated. Telephone Aaron Tucker at HT Racing for more details on 01474 872888.