Rear bushing replacement
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 361
Likes: 6
From: Jamestown Ohio
Rear bushing replacement
Really the front trailing arm bushing on the rear suspension, if those were to be replaced, could the trailing arm be un bolted and lowered from the front or would the whole assembly have to be removed?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 805
Likes: 5
From: Naperville Illinois
Plan on taking the whole thing off. The pivot end of the trailing arm (where the bushing is) terminates in a frame pocket about 4" or 5" deep:
(Sorry it's kind of hard to see in this pic)
The entire arm would have to move aft this distance before it could be "lowered"; also the spring, strut rod and shock absorber would have to be removed. At this point, all that's left is the half shaft, brake lines, and e-brake cable.
The bushing in question must be compressed to a specific thickness when installed; it has an inner sleeve which must be flared over the outer washers to maintain this thickness. I'm not saying it couldn't be done on the car, but I wouldn't want to try it.
(Sorry it's kind of hard to see in this pic)
The entire arm would have to move aft this distance before it could be "lowered"; also the spring, strut rod and shock absorber would have to be removed. At this point, all that's left is the half shaft, brake lines, and e-brake cable.
The bushing in question must be compressed to a specific thickness when installed; it has an inner sleeve which must be flared over the outer washers to maintain this thickness. I'm not saying it couldn't be done on the car, but I wouldn't want to try it.
Last edited by Rally68; Jan 29, 2014 at 02:13 PM. Reason: corrected
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 32
From: Bowtie, Pennsyltucky
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15,'21
On the plus side, you'll be able to inspect/repair the u-joints, wheel bearings, etc. while you have it apart. Start spraying the bolts a few days before to maybe help them loosen a little easier.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
I do agree with everything written above EXCEPT for a specific thickness that eh trailing arm bushing has to be compressed to. There is not specific measurement of bushing compression....which is why you have shims to align the rear suspension.
The main thing is to make sure that you compress the bushing enough so you get a good flaring of the inner sleeve. Then take a grinder or file and file the protruding portion of the inner sleeve down flat against the outer tapered washer that is part of the bushing assembly. This is done so the shims lay flat against the bushings outer washer as designed.
Could it be done like you asked...YES...but it would take more time than taking the trailing arm out.
DUB
The main thing is to make sure that you compress the bushing enough so you get a good flaring of the inner sleeve. Then take a grinder or file and file the protruding portion of the inner sleeve down flat against the outer tapered washer that is part of the bushing assembly. This is done so the shims lay flat against the bushings outer washer as designed.
Could it be done like you asked...YES...but it would take more time than taking the trailing arm out.
DUB
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,503
Likes: 33
From: McGrady NC
St. Jude Donor '15-'16
If your car has many miles on it you need to bite the bullet and do it. I just did it to my 80 and found that I almost waited too long. Now I don't have to worry about it any more. Every new seal, bushing, bearing, u-joint, parking brakes, lines, hoses, everything that could wear out or fail was replaced from the transmission u-joint all the way to the rear wheels. Peace of mind is worth the effort and cost.
