Rear ARB bush replacement

[Shougle]

Trying to replace worn ARB bushes - any tips on how to get the bushes round the 90 deg bend and onto the bar, please.

[John Vine]

Rubber lube is your friend

ETA: Something like this:

https://www.halfords.com/motoring/engine-oils-fluids/grease/halfords-silicone-lubricant-400ml

JV

[Shougle]

Thanks John, have used a rubber lube, as you suggested, which got the bush moving easily. The problem was getting it over the joint between the rod and the flat link bar. Found this tip and it worked well:

- Cut the old ones off with a knife.
- Warm up the new ones in some hot water. 
- Liberally apply lubricant to ARB.
- Loop a medium size cable tie through bush and fasten.
- Push bush onto end of ARB as far as you can.
- Using the cable tie as a handle, pull it round the joint. (I used a steel bar to help pull/lever on the  tie as just pulling on the tie is painful!)
- Clean off lubricant.

Job done and and new drop link ball joints fitted. Bushes still a bit loose on the bar, I guess that is wear on the steel bar but as the MoT tester only considered it was "advisory" I am not going to spend £198 on a new ARB kit this year.

[John Vine]

That's a neat trick!  Duly noted for the future.

JV