I'm putting together the rear suspension and getting around to installing the control / A-arm on. They have poly bushings I received from the TFS. I had to beat them in to get it aligned for the bolts. Now that I have it in, bolted l and torqued to spec, it is about as tight and stiff as if it didn't have bushings. It takes some effort to move the arm up and down. Is this normal?
I thought it was a bit loose and free moving, but I could be wrong. It's in tight, almost as if the bushings are a tad bit long, but the pin is flush with it. Have to check with the experts here before installing the other side.
It should not be loose. You should expect some resistance. But, it should move smoothly (although with a bit of effort). Did you lube the bushings? I think a silicone based grease is usually recommended for poly bushings.
It should not be loose. You should expect some resistance. But, it should move smoothly (although with a bit of effort). Did you lube the bushings? I think a silicone based grease is usually recommended for poly bushings.
Yes. The bushings are well lubed. I installed the other side and they both are the same as for as resistance. Yes, they do move smoothly, but it does take some effort to move them up and down. I feel confident that they are just right!
Thank you for helping me confirm this.
[This message has been edited by Wichita (edited 09-11-2021).]
Now that I have it in, bolted l and torqued to spec...
Are you planning on loosening them again? And why do I ask? Because from what I understand, the control arms are to be torqued to spec with the suspension loaded... and judging from your photo, you're not quite there yet.
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 09-12-2021).]
Are you planning on loosening them again? And why do I ask? Because from what I understand, the control arms are to be torqued to spec with the suspension loaded... and judging from your photo, you're not quite there yet.
My understanding is that is just for rubber. If you torque down the rubber then put it under load you can rip and ruin the rubber bushings.
Are you planning on loosening them again? And why do I ask? Because from what I understand, the control arms are to be torqued to spec with the suspension loaded... and judging from your photo, you're not quite there yet.
I will do that. I'll go back over everything and double check the torque setting once I get all the suspension on.
I did read in the shop manual that for the axle nut, that you should torque it to 100 ft/lbs, then once it is on full suspension load, wheels and all and on the ground, then finish the torque to 200 ft/lbs. That was the only one that I've read that suggested a pre-install and finished-loaded torque spec.
My understanding is that is just for rubber. If you torque down the rubber then put it under load you can rip and ruin the rubber bushings.
I wondered if what I suggested might've normally only applied to rubber CA bushings. I've heard how a car would sit too high if the CA bolts were tightened while the car was raised. When I read what was quoted below however, I figured it wouldn't hurt to perhaps treat these poly CA bushings the same way.
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Originally posted by Wichita:
Now that I have it in, bolted l and torqued to spec, it is about as tight and stiff as if it didn't have bushings. It takes some effort to move the arm up and down.
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 09-12-2021).]
