Caster Rod Bushing

[thesameguy]

First off, I think I need reassurance that the thing in question is the castor rod... so, is the thing in my picture the castor rod bushing?



Second, anyone have any experience with the poly bushings sold on ebay? A useful thing, or a dumb thing?

Thanks!

[Craig]

Feel reassured.

[Rookie ROX]

Never seen the ones on eBay, but I've used ones from SuperPro here in Oz and they were fine, waiting on one's from Andy at Performatek so when I eventually get them we'll see how they go..

ROCK ON
R~R

[GVVGTV6]

If you mean the blue poly ones from alfabill I just put a set on my gtv6 - no complaints.

GV

[SamW]

One suggestion for the poly bushings on the castor rod, make sure you either use a new nylock nut or buy two thinner jam nuts to use, using the old nut can cause you to buy a new packet of bushing for just one lost bushing...

[NMMilano]

I got mine from International about 5 years ago, they still look new.

[thesameguy]

I assume a press is necessary to replace them? Any other special tools?

[SamW]

Nope, no special tools required, just undo the nut/bolt from the top A-arm (control arm), undo the nut you showed in the picture, and pull off. While it is off, take a measurement (although you should get it aligned again after replacing the bushings) of the overall length, then take the opportunity to take the castor rod apart and use some anti-seize on the adjuster in the middle of the rod, that way when you take it for the alignment, they won't tell you they can't adjust the castor due to the frozen rod. And make sure the alignment shop adjusts the castor, I have had several only adjust the toe, so you might want to mention that and verify it on the specs afterwards.

[thesameguy]

Very cool - thanks!

Now to do a little brake pad research. I think I'll probably replace 'em while the wheels are off.

[La Voce]

Just my $.02, but replace the bushings with original rubber unless you are adamant about poly bushings. I have been restoring my Alfetta for months now, and the castor bushing replacement has been hands down the most difficult and frustrating job so far. I got 'er done, but wow, I will never forget this job. It's a two-piece bushing assembly, and I was ever so thankful that the rubber compressed as I wrestled to line everything up upon re-assembly. And it still made me invent some curse words. Poly won't compress. The problem was trying to lever the upper A-Arm enough to align and reassemble the two pieces that comprise the threaded castor rod arm once the new bushing was in place. Perhaps those out there that have replaced with poly can offer some advice or tips? I readily admit, like Forrest Gump, that Ah'm not a smart man, Jenny.

[thesameguy]

My experience with poly bushings is that they're generally easier to deal with than rubber, which is why I was looking into them - I have zero performance aspirations for the Milano (two turbo cars for that...). With rubber, it's usually a force fit and some built-in preloading which makes the thing work; poly is usually a precise fit that doesn't require compression. I have no idea if that applies here, but it seems to most other places...

[NMMilano]

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesameguy Very cool - thanks! Now to do a little brake pad research. I think I'll probably replace 'em while the wheels are off.

[thesameguy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NMMilano First off, I agree with SamW. This is one very easy job. I recommend EBC brakes, geenstuff for road use. EBC Brakes - Home of the worlds largest range of brake products Good wear, little dust and they work well cold or hot.

[Rookie ROX]

Weird,

I had absolutely no hassles installing poly bushes on mine. Just took a bit of time as that does, but no struggles. *shrugs*

ROCK ON
R~R

[Craig]

G'Day Jim,

Quote:

Originally Posted by La Voce Just my $.02,