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Posted by: Lawrence914-6 Jun 16 2003, 09:33 AM

Since I'm going to have the front and rear control arms out, I'm going to replace the bushings with Weltmeister streets.

Roller bearings would be great, but I just don't have the coin for that this year.

I've searched the archives, and can't seem to find the threads about this - so I'm asking for help.

Tips, tricks, BTDTs??

Posted by: Mueller Jun 16 2003, 09:56 AM

Cut grooves on the inside of the bushings with a Dremel

Install the bushings into the bushing housings
(stamped metal) Trial fit the assembly onto the a-arm, it should be snug, but not too tight, if too tight, then ream the bushing (sandpaper on a wooden dowel)

Once happy with the fit, lube the bushings with the monkey snot grease that comes in the little yellow containers from Welt.

Buy ear plugs to wear once they start sqeaking

The rear is similar, but I hope you have a press to remove the rear bushings.

To remove the rubber bushings from the front, I use a propane torch to heat up the shaft of the -arm and use a big screwdriver to "twist" the rubber bushing off the -arm....some people light it on fire, I'd rather not breath those toxic fumes

Posted by: Lawrence914-6 Jun 16 2003, 10:26 AM

Hi Mike!

Why grooves on the inside?

-Lawrence

Posted by: Lawrence914-6 Jun 16 2003, 10:29 AM

I found this picture on the net. First time I've seen it.


Attached image(s)

Posted by: Jeff Krieger Jun 16 2003, 10:40 AM

Do the Weltmeister street bushings at least improve the handling of the car? My preference would be to go OEM but I guess they're NLA.

Posted by: brant Jun 16 2003, 10:49 AM

Jeff,

I don't think the stock bushings were ever Available, at least not as a bushing.

They are molded in and probably are available if you want to buy an entire new front A-arm or rear Swing arm from the factory....

I don't know if a rear swing arm is still sold, but I'm sure it would be a few hundred each, if still sold new.

Thus the problem.
brant

Posted by: SirAndy Jun 16 2003, 11:23 AM

so they don't squiiiiek ...
you fill it with lube.

Andy

Posted by: Lawrence914-6 Jun 16 2003, 11:35 AM

Okay. I guess it's an excuse to buy a Dremel.

Posted by: ! Jun 16 2003, 11:48 AM

When does someone NEED an excuse to buy a tool?

Posted by: Lawrence914-6 Jun 16 2003, 11:53 AM

When I just spent two thousand dollars on parts and powercoating supplies.

Posted by: seanery Jun 16 2003, 12:23 PM

and trust me THEY WILL SQUEEK!!!!!

Posted by: Bleyseng Jun 16 2003, 12:41 PM

Yeah, but the groves do help some. I am going to install grease fittings as soon as I get the chance. I would do that when everything is apart, Rusty. Save some time later...
I cut the groves at 3/8ths from the edges inside and outside on the bushings. Hasnt started squeaking yet.....

The Dremel is nice for cutting the rust out of the body sheet metal too if you buy the little metal cutting wheels. You can cut some really small areas out cleanly with it if you take your time.

Geoff

Posted by: Jeroen Jun 16 2003, 01:22 PM

Hey Lawrence,

IIRC I gave you two links to threads here on the BBS just last week.
Read 'em, they've got good info on the rear bushings install!
(you may have to scroll, because they might seem OT at the beginning)

cheers,

Jeroen