BUGA Community
Technical => Driveline => Topic started by: Gordon on August 06, 2013, 04:25:45 PM
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Hi All
Earlier today my new set of upper suspension arm bushes arrived. They are Superpro kit number SPF0383K which according to Matte's posting are the correct kit for the upper suspension arms. However this kit has an outer shell which my original bushes do not have. The originals push directly into the arm with no outer shell. I've taken a picture of my old and new bushes. Am I missing something ? ??? ???
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OK guys and gals, I'm in serious need of your help. I ordered a set of upper Superpro front suspension bushes on eBay before stripping down my front suspension. Now that I take a close look at the new bushes they not only have an outer shell that my existing bushes don't have, but the inner crush tube on the new bushes has a bigger inner diameter than my originals. I've double checked the Superpro catalog and the part numbers are correct SPF0383K. There is absolutely no way that these bushes will push in to my existing arms with an outer shell. Has anyone successfully fitted these kits before and did your upper arms definitely have outer shells on the bushes ?
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Hey Gordon dont stress do you have the top arms out [silly queston ] of course you have can you put some pics up Its been a few years since I done mine but it seems that the old outer shell is still stuck in the top arm that's why your new one wont go in you have to knock the old outer shell out Just a thought check it out Cheers Reid
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( inner crush tube on the new bushes has a bigger inner diameter than my originals ) Gordon, if this is the case, I can get some inner tube machined up to give you the right dia needed.
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Hey Reid, I think you may be on the money. I've just had a close look at the arm in better light and what at first looked like an integral part of the arm, may actually be the old outer shell. Pics below.
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Yeah man thats it Knock that sucker out & the loose fit on the crush tube is ok makes it easy to assemble & the serations on the tube lock on to the subframe & outside washers Dont tighten the through bolt till the weight is back on the wheels then tighten it up Put plenty of grease on the through bolt to stop it from rustin to the subframe Dont forget to put new bushes on each end of the struts stops the subframe from moving back & foward when your braking Cheers Reid
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Hey restoreid, instead of grease, is there any reason you can't put anti-seize on there- I have some I used years ago on a disk brake job I did. supposed to be good at high temperatures, but expensive as? For those who don't know- made by Loctite.
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You could use anything as long as it keeps moisture out Was the bolt rusted up & hard to get out ya just have to keep it from rusting in there otherwise there a bitch to get out
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hey gordon, i'll let Matte know you have a querie, I know hes doin 12 hr days at the mo, so he'll be super spent.....as restoried said don't stress, mate plenty of knowledge and solutions here bud.....just a shit load of k's between us all....;)
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Thanks for your help Reid and Dano. Its funny how you look at something from a different perspective once you are pointed in the right direction. Its clear now that what I thought was a permanent part of the A arm is actually the removable outer shells. Thanks again. I appreciate the support. Cheers Gordon
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Those bushes look pretty neat. What did they sting you and were they available local purchase or overseas?
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Re the grease, for over 30 years I've used KOPR-KOTE (ftp://http://www.jetlube.com/KOPR-KOTE-Industrial-P748.aspx) on things from motorbikes to three story steam boilers I had a small jar of it. Works a treat.
recently ran out so I found this replacment Copper eze (ftp://http://www.penriteoil.com.au/products.php?id_categ=15&id_subcateg=85&id_products=533) works just as well.
You don't realise how good it is till you go back a year or so later and try undoing a bolt, just so easy.
Application
Used to coat flanges, threads, nuts, bolts etc prior to assembly, to enable easy disassembly.
Is also ideal for exhaust manifold studs, turbocharger connections, spark plug threads, drum and disc brake assemblies.
It may be used in all types of industries including in corrosive marine and mining environments, petroleum (exploration, refining) industry.
It may be used at all temperatures from sub-zero to 1093°C.
Warren
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You might want to check your links there Warren. You've prefixed the http:// with ftp:// so they don't work.
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Those bushes look pretty neat. What did they sting you and were they available local purchase or overseas?
Hi Garry
Bought them on eBay out of Australia. NZ$106 including postage. Have ordered the lower ones too at NZ$144 including postage. They should arrive early next week. Cheers Gordon
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Hey mate,
I've just seen your troubles, its good to see you've been advised on the shells issue.
With the inner diametre of the crush shell, what size is it? I'll go out and have a look at mine over the weekend and see what size they are, however mine all fitted up nicely.
Take a measure across the ID of both the new and old bushes and let me know the difference in size.
I'm wondering if you've been supplied the wrong bushes in the right packet, or whether there are actually 2 sizes needed for bedfords
Cheers
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Hi Matte, thanks for your reply. The original crush tubes measure 19.1 mm inner diameter. The new ones measure 19.4 mm so not much in it. When I slip the new bushes over the through bolt there is a noticeable amount of side movement compared to the original bushes. Just wondering if this will cause any issues. Cheers Gordon
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cut out and roll up a piece of a coke can for a shim :) theres not a lot in it but its probably enough to cause play in the suspension!
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Coke can is a bit ruff, it's aluminium in between steel, it will be crushed in know time. Its not the right bush if it has slack in it. A bush has to be tight to work properly, for one it will rattle over every bump and will wear every thing to a point of disrepair. A BUSH NEEDS TO BE TIGHT ;) ;)
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It's not actally a bush that has to be a snug fit When the through bolt is done up tight it locks that tube tight between the subframe & the outside washers That'swhy there are serrations on the ends of the tube they stop the tube from turning that's why they have rubber or nolithine between the center tube & the outer shell If it was a tight fit it would rust onto the through bolt & you would never get it out
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Hi Reid
That is the other thing that worries me about the new crush tubes. They don't have the serrated edge.
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I noticed that prob wont matter Are the tubes loose in the new ones if they are you could burn the rubber off the old ones clean them up & see if they are the same OD as the new & use the old tubes
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I've just been out with the verniers and have the following measurements from what I have here.
Standard (or atleast - rubber bushes that were in my control arms previously)
19.53mm
Superpro (fitted to other control arms mounted on my van)
19.60mm
Nolathane (bushes I bought but the suspension mob had burnt out the bushes then pushed out the shells requiring me to buy the superpros)
19.57mm
Admittedly, the standard bushes were giving me a dimension more like 19.34mm the first few times I measured them as the sleeves were full of hardened antiseize or grease etc, however once working the verniers around to find the accurate measurement they were VERY close to that of the aftermarket counterparts.
In reality a small amount of slack will not be an issue due to the tension created by the spring. Provided you put in adequate grease or lubricant of some sort, I wouldn't think the issue is that great.
If I weren't so lazy, i'd go dig out the spare thru bolts I have to measure what the differences are.
I hope this helps somewhat.
Cheers,
Matte
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Thanks Matte
Your vernier is probably more accurate than mine. I really appreciate you taking the time to check those measurements for me.
Cheers
Gordon
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Hi Reid
Yes, the new tubes are easy to push out and the originals are still in pretty good condition, so there is merit in your suggestion. Yesterday I had to drop my upper arms with the old bushes off at my mate so he could double check the geometry as he is modifying the lower arms for my dropped spindles, so I can't check to see if the outer diameters are the same. Should get them back from him next week and will check it out then.
Cheers
Gordon