Arb Bushes Fitted With A 'gap'

[matty_gti 20]

I’ve already had a search but couldn’t find anyone with the same problem.

 

I’ve just been getting the subframe built up to get it bolted onto the car when it came to puting the ARB on. the ARB is 17mm and so are the bushes (I’ve measured both) but when I put them on and tighten them up the ends of the bushes don't touch when tightened and has left a gap about 2-3mm. The ARB and sub frame have been powder coated but I’ve rubbed both down slightly to allow the bushes to fit snugly but still no luck.

 

Cheers.

[hengti 2]

were the clamps hard work to do up? i think the bushes are designed to be 'compressed' (as much as poly will compress anyway) around the bar, primarily at the mid point of the clamping bracket. as ever, there may be more to it than i've written

 

additional thought - the bushes are presumably moulded for the locating bump on the bar?

Edited April 11, 2009 by hengti

[matty_gti 20]

were the clamps hard work to do up? i think the bushes are designed to be 'compressed' (as much as poly will compress anyway) around the bar, primarily at the mid point of the clamping bracket. as ever, there may be more to it than i've written

 

additional thought - the bushes are presumably moulded for the locating bump on the bar?

 

Not really, they tightened up easily but the gap didn't really compress.

 

Yeah I've located both bushes correctly. Blue = no bump, Orange = bump.

Edited April 11, 2009 by matty_gti

[pug_ham 241 3 Cars]

The paint on the subframe shouldn't matter but you want the paint off the arb inside the bushes imo.

 

I've just checked a front subframe / arb I have downstairs & there is a small gap between the edges on the bushes when fitted but not 2-3mm although these bushes are an un-known age but I'm expecting they are as old as the subframe / car they came off which is at least 18 years.

 

Graham.

[matty_gti 20]

Yeah one orange and one blue. I had a look at another sub frame I had and ARB but there was no gap present so was left scratching my head.

 

Ive removed alot of the paint so you can see bits of metal showing through but theres still a gap.

[hengti 2]

is there any play in the bushes if you lever the bar? also, i think you'd expect to be able to turn the bar within the bushes (obv. with the links disconnected), but it shouldn't be loose - shouldn't drop under its own weight, etc

[matty_gti 20]

is there any play in the bushes if you lever the bar? also, i think you'd expect to be able to turn the bar within the bushes (obv. with the links disconnected), but it shouldn't be loose - shouldn't drop under its own weight, etc

 

There as tight as anything, I can move the bar with a bit of force and theres no play in the bushes. Ill have another crack at them and see.