TRbeginner Posted August 4, 2012 Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 (edited) Hi all I have recently fitted Superpro bushes to the trailing arms on my '5'. I'm now trying to refit the arms into their brackets which are already in place on the car. With the bushes being new/harder and possibly a few thou wider than the originals I am having trouble relocating them into the brackets. Is there a knack to this or is it a question of controlled forced (I am conscious that that the arms are aluminium and wont stand significant asymetric shock forces - maybe Im being TOO gentle!)? Any thoughts welcome eg is it easier/possible to fit the arms to the brackets off the car and then offer the complete assembly up to the chassis to locate with the trailing arm bolts? Thanks all David Edited August 4, 2012 by TRbeginner Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BlueTR3A-5EKT Posted August 4, 2012 Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 (edited) Give the ear of each bracket a light tap with a hammer to open each one out a bit. Perhaps also loosen the nuts that hold one bracket each side to the chassis frame (do not loose the shims!) That will allow a bit of jiggle if needed. The bolt will pull them back together OK. Use the silicone grease supplied! Re-tighten all afterwards. Cheers Peter W Edited August 4, 2012 by BlueTR3A-5EKT Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest ntc Posted August 4, 2012 Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 I would not do the above unless you are sure of the chassis,plus you will then need to renew the bolts and nuts,use two adjustable spanners and open the ears a small amount, imho Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tr4Tony Posted August 4, 2012 Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 Using a bolt with doubled up nuts allows you to stretch the bracket without loosening it on the chassis, or using heat. By using the thread pressure to open the bracket out you can be fairly precise .... Clouting it with a fat hammer will just muller the ends in my experience. Regards Tony Quote Link to post Share on other sites
harrytr5 Posted August 5, 2012 Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 It is a struggle I must admit.I leave the brackets bolted to the chassis with the bolts slightly undone to give a little bit of movement.With plenty of grease that is supplied with the bushes I man handle them in and using a rubber mallet to tap the alloy arms into place.I then use a pozi screw driver to line up the holes and push the bolts home through the bush.It works for, me although a struggle. Regards HarryTR5 Nutter Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TRbeginner Posted August 5, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 Thanks all for the advice and tips. I think Im going to try in reverse order of force - grease, bolt, adjustable spanners and then big hammer - depending on degrees of success. Will report back shortly! David Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest ntc Posted August 5, 2012 Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 BFH on your head be it Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rien Posted August 5, 2012 Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 It is not so difficult, use four pieces of thin sheet metal and a little grease as a funnel, let the arm hang down and hit him with a wooden hammer between the bracket ears. Regards, Rien Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TRbeginner Posted August 5, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 Neil I was joking about the big hammer - dont want any chassis damage! David Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TRbeginner Posted August 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2012 A successful conclusion using 14mm threaded rod and a couple of nuts to ease the 'ears' evenly apart as per Tony's suggestion, ,then tapping with a hide hammer to make final adjustments. Definitely a tip worth remembering. Thanks to all who replied. D Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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