What bushes to check next

grinder · July 30, 2006, 11:24:32 PM

Hiya fellow FC owners

right then always had a handling issue with the FC - not a major prob but its time to see how to sort it

done the rear DTSS bushes and the back end seems fine now

all the other lower bushes on the back end were OK - no real play in them ( or not that we could see and they all looked solid and not falling apart )

so onto the front end now

are there any OBVIOUS ones to check ( i know the DTSS is a prime example on the back ) - so what about the front ??

when i back it off the drive - it always seems to clunk when the passenger wheels drops off the curb ( 1 inch tops ) and onto the road on full lock - does this indicate something ??

i was out in the rover at the weekend over the twisties and it seemed soooooo firm on the road - i want the FC like that

so any ideas where to start - or do you jack it up and just have a look ??

i have looked at some powerflex bush kit thingy and there are about 40 bushes in there - is there really that many in the front ??

surely some wear quicker than the rest

anyways - bed time for me - so you lot have a think and i will check back tomorrow night

Stu

Brett · July 31, 2006, 08:02:49 AM

Clunking could be caused by a knackered shock, worn roll bar mount, the list is endless!

Prof · July 31, 2006, 08:14:47 AM

I had this said same clunk - turned out to be the control link arms - one was badly bent and the other broken. They are only about 6 inches long - but these affect stability of the rear end. They are used to prevent the wheels going out of alignment on the vertical plane (camber) when you go over a bump / pothole - which fits with the curb clunk symptoms.

Incidentally, I noticed the curb clunk first, then when driving in a straight line and hitting a hole on one side it would upset the handling more than I expected.

Might be worth checking these babies.

Cheers,

Prof :cheers

grinder · July 31, 2006, 08:52:23 AM

Prof - are these on the front or the rears

Prof · July 31, 2006, 09:42:23 AM

Rears - See the attached bitmap - it\'s item no 4.

FD3SNuttah · July 31, 2006, 11:02:14 AM

end links are always weak on jap motors!

but id change the main bushings on your front arms to begin with and replace your shocks with newer items. i bet your still on the originals?

grinder · July 31, 2006, 01:32:55 PM

should have said that its a front end clunck ! - or would this still make that noise

i have had a look on the FSM - and there are some of these on the front aswell - maybe i need to check them out

and yes Nas - still on the stock suspension components

Stu

Grizzly · August 06, 2006, 08:16:43 PM

Get a pry bar and gently lift all the Ball joints and see if there is any Movment, if there isn\'t grab hold of your Strut as high up as poss and force it about (your best forcing the strut rather then the spring as it works better) see if there is any movement in the Top mounts.

It may also be a good idea to get some one sat in the car holding the steering wheel (Well!!) and you grab hold of the Steering arm and push it in and out to see if there is any play in the rack.

Still no Joy buy a pair of Anti roll bushes and the 4 lower arm Bushes and replace them (Easy job compared to the Rear steer Bushes

)

Grizzly · August 06, 2006, 08:19:53 PM

Knowing the front of a T2 if it Clunks when you are on flat ground (No bumps) its very likly to be the Lower Ball joint or Track rod end, if it Clunks when the suspension moves its more likely to be Drop link,Anti roll bush,Top mount Bad strut.

grinder · August 06, 2006, 10:51:32 PM

cheers chris ( and long time no speak )

i will get reading what all that means and shall investigate further - once the weather improves

Stu

Grizzly · August 07, 2006, 12:59:10 AM

Yeh i think we\'ve had our two week summer

grinder · August 07, 2006, 08:53:28 AM

yeah i know what you mean matey !! LOL

i really would like to get the car sorted - but its knowing where to look !

like i said you mention the back and everyone says "oh yeah its the DTSS" but the front is a whole new ball game

thanks for the info though - will start pricing up parts ( ouch ! )

Stu

antnicuk · August 07, 2006, 10:48:37 AM

Stu
The front are really easy. Once you have the hub off, its 2 bolts for the front shock, then 2 bolts hold the whole wish bone on, once you get this off, the bushes are quit easy to fit.

grinder · August 07, 2006, 01:59:18 PM

it always sounds easy when you write it down !! LOL

im thinking of getting a full set of bushes for it and do what i can

just need to find a "grinder" friendly price now

Stu

Prof · August 07, 2006, 03:01:48 PM

Stu,

If there is enough interest, then what about a \'group\' buy ?

I for one would be interested.