Lower control arm bushes install

Hello all, I’m a new syncro owner and I’ve taken the plunge to replace the front lower arm bushes.

Both bushes have completely worn away, both sides are/were down to metal on metal, which I hope explains the squeaky bounce syndrome when driving. After extensive study at the University of Youtube I decided on a like-for-like replacement, so opted to use the original rubber bush.

Getting the old bush out wasn’t that bad, I managed to get the new one in which was a pleasant surprise. I’m not happy with the frontside positioning of the bush, I think I need to tease the rubber flange out, but it’s in for now with the bolt in. The rear-side positioning looks better i.e. the flange looks seated okay (could be a little tighter, but I’m assume/hope it will get pushed in a few mil once she’s running again).

The issue is I can’t get the alignment of the bush to the chassis mounts, so the bolt won’t pop all the way through. I managed to get the bolt in the frontside, but the alignment is about 5 mm out on the rear-side horizontally, so close, yet so far.!

Does anyone have any ideas on how the shift the arm towards the centre of the van? I try to avoid hammers and brute force as a rule, but happy to take guidance from those in the know. I’ve tried using a strap to pull the arm over but no joy. I’m beginning to think I might need to remove the driveshaft and other parts so that I can swing the arm in by 5 mm… the water might be getting deeper.

If all else fails, it might be handy to have a number for T3 Syncro friendly mobile mechanic that operates around west Melbourne, please share if any knows of one. I might need a life raft.

thanks,

Lee






Hi Lee,
I have not done this on mine, but if you remove the front radius rod so it can move freely until the bolt is back in?

Hello Richard,

Thanks for the reply. In the end the gods were on my side. I strapped the lower arm and lowered the van back to the ground, at which point the bolt lined up so i could get the nut on.! Out of interest is the front radius rod under tension, will i loss any teeth when removing this rod?

Thanks,

Lee