radius arm bushes !!!

[stuart147]

Stripped various bits off the back end of car to get then re-powdercoated. Removing the old bushes looks like it could be a problem on the radius arms. The metal that they are encased in does not look strong enough to take much force or abuse with a press. I know that the hard way is to cut the rubber from them and saw them out. If the worse comes to the worse, does anyone know if new arms are supplied with the bushes already fitted. For the cost of new ones it hardly seems wort the effort to remove old ones.

Any tips on removing bushes from A-Frame and De-dion tube would be appreciated.

Stuart

[Jonathan Kay]

Radius arm for S3 from Caterham Parts:

http://caterhamparts.co.uk/img/p/19-19-large.jpg

Jonathan

 

[stuart147]

That was quick Jonathan. Let's hope the picture is not just for "demonstration purposes" only.

 

Stuart

[Jonathan Kay]

:-)

I'd email them to check, but I understand that other media are available...

There's a fair bit in the archives on removing bushes, and which ones to fit. I'll have a look later on.

Jonathan

[simonpa]

New ones come with the bushes in.

They are pretty thin, but can be changed.

I have a full set of bushes for the rear end - message/mail me if you are interested!

Cheers - Simon

[Jonathan Kay]

Just checked, lots on this in the archives: search for "remove bush". Looks like most people end up using a press to remove.

Jonathan

[NedK]

Rather than a razor?

[stuart147]

Simonpa YHM

[Graham Howard]

I changed all my bushes about a year ago.  It needed a 10 ton press to get them out and even that was difficult. Also required was a cup shaped piece to support the metal round the bush and accept the bush as it came out. I removed the one in the De dion tube by drilling out the rubber with a 3 mm drill then carefully sawing the metal surround. Not a pleasant job on your back under the car.

For the cost I would just buy new radius arms. For the rest it's helpful if you can get the assistance of a local machine shop.

Here is what I wrote at the time, but my pictures seem to have got lost.

http://www.lotus7.club/forum/techtalk/changing-suspension-bushes-probably-dont-try-home

[Nigel Riches]

Redline have them both, bushes and radius arms, new arms have the bushes installed, and a very prompt service, even to the far side of the planet. 

Regards, Nigel. 

[stuart147]

Thanks for all of the replies. I have spoken to Phil at Arch and have decided it is more economical to let them sort out the refurbing of the Dedion tube, A Frame and Radius arms.

stuart

 

 

[stuart147]

Went and fetched my rear A Frame and Dedion tube back today after having them stripped, powder coated and rebushed by Arch. What a fantastic job they have made of them and at a very reasonable cost. I also had a pair of.new radius arms off them as old ones uneconomical to service. All in all, very pleased with the job and well worth having the work carried out by Arch.

stuart