Replacing T/A bushings
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 40
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From: Long Beach Mississippi
Replacing T/A bushings
I am replacing my old rubber bushing with new poly and have a question about the fit of the pivot bolt thru the inner sleeves. Should the bolt move freely or tight when inserted thru the inner sleeve? The new bolts and sleeves that I purchased (from Corvette Central) will require me to hammer the bolt thru the sleeve as they arrived.
Thanks for the great advice.
Thanks for the great advice.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
I didn't use poly, it is my understanding that the trailing arm is one place you don't want to use them, but my bolt slide thru the sleeves easily if I remember correctly. I believe Van Steele can explain about the poly bushings.
Bernie
Bernie
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Lafayette IN
Originally Posted by BerniesVette
I didn't use poly, it is my understanding that the trailing arm is one place you don't want to use them, but my bolt slide thru the sleeves easily if I remember correctly. I believe Van Steele can explain about the poly bushings.
Bernie
Bernie
I think they ought to slide through rather easily...but then again, mine were rubber bushings. On a side note, I don't see how you're going to be able to swing a hammer up there, let alone fit something that big up in that "pocket."Maybe file down that metal sleeve a bit?....And apply plenty of never-seize to that bolt.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 40
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From: Long Beach Mississippi
I have the body off the frame and have already removed the trailing arms. Had to cut the old bolts since they had fused to the original sleeves. The rubber bushing were almost completely gone. So I have plenty of room to work, if needed. Filing the sleeves may just the ticket.
BerniesVette, not sure why you wouldn't use them?
BerniesVette, not sure why you wouldn't use them?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,101
Likes: 3
From: Cruising somewhere in St. Louis, Missouri
The bolts should fit snug but slide thru easily. Make sure the sleeve is no smashed or kinked that would bind them up. Maybe polish the bolts since they might have some corrosion.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
If I remember correctly, Van Steele told me at a Vette show that the poly does not hold up well in that application. I think the side loading the bushing receives causes the problems. He said the have to be replaced much earlier than the rubber ones. If you do decide to use them be sure to coat them with the lubricant supplied to keep them from squeeking.
Bernie
Bernie
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 365
Likes: 1
From: Glenview IL
Originally Posted by luerja
The bolts should fit snug but slide thru easily. Make sure the sleeve is not smashed or kinked that would bind them up.
If you used the flare tool that came with the poly bushings, you may have put the sleeve out of round just a bit (ask me how I know). That "tool" is not the best way to flare that sleeve. Anyway, find where it is binding in the sleeve, and smooth it out with a file. That bolt should move farily easily in and out of that sleeve.Good Luck
~Rich
