Rear suspension alignment - car wanders

[peteracs]

Yep, that will not help the back end stability….

Peter

[squiglyzigly]

The failed bush would make setting the tracking an impossible task.
As for the crossmember rocking, it’s normal if not ideal but check the nuts are tight to the chassis rails just for piece of mind (2x on either side).
Also remember to tighten the long bolts that pass through the bushes with the load of the car on the floor. Otherwise the bushes are twisted in a normally rested position and will fail prematurely.

Ian

[peteracs]

I seem to remember Eric? suggesting having a weight in the boot to load up the rear end before tightening. As you say the bushes will constantly under tension if you do not tighten them under load.

Peter

[JohnFol]

Bushes are sub £10 so I'm going to swap them out anyway and have the offer of welding gear should I need to strengthen the bar.

Ian good to hear the rocking is not abnormal, and I'll check the bolts, plus what it's bolted to

[JohnFol]

Ok, bush has disintegrated (left). I have a new bush (right) but it has a metal outer sleeve unlike the one fitted (which may have been incorrect

Does the new one look like the right one?

[WestonE]

Hi John

Yes I think so assuming you have measured the OD /hole ID. Glad you have found the cause.

Eric

[JohnFol]

Just gone to press it in, checked measurements (thanks) and they differ a few mil inner and outer dimensions.

Mark shows out of stock so looking for alternatives

[SanRemo78]

I may have a spare arm, condition unknown. If that's a potential solution for you drop me a PM and I'll check tomorrow. I think it's in the shed!
Guy

[chrisc]

Interesting to see how this has developed. Have you paid the first place a visit to get a refund on what was evidently a poor job!

[peteracs]

Just gone to press it in, checked measurements (thanks) and they differ a few mil inner and outer dimensions.

Mark shows out of stock so looking for alternatives

Hi

Interesting, I wonder if that bush is from the earlier round arms? I would however have thought the inner diameter would be the same.

If Guy does not have a spare arm, I have the suspension off the Coupe which is the same and one of them probably has decent enough bushes to get you going, though I would change them whenever you can.

As to Mark, drop him a message as he may have some coming in?

Peter

[SanRemo78]

I have this arm. Neither bush is perfect but will be better than none at all. The bolt is partially out and stuck at the moment but I think I can persuade it to move later today if I can find the right diameter thick wall tube an an appropriate washer. I have a plan…

If you want it please PM me your address John.
Guy

[JohnFol]

Hi Guy, Peter many thanks for the offer.

Car is on 4 stands as taking the opportunity to get wheels refurbished, new disks pads and possibly strengthen cross member. Finding out the 4 cotter pins in rear caliper wedges were missing, and front disks on order with Mark so I have a bit of time to track down a pair of bushes(after symmetry)

Good to see the diagrams as my new-original look a bit different.

If the offer of a flying visit is there though, seeing how it should look would be appreciated

[WestonE]

Hi John

Remember you can go with 4 adjustable links deleting the pressed links and the design was carried over to Integrales. Perhaps a conversation with Tanc Barret with the hole center to hole center dimensions to hand along with the bolt hole size which is the same both ends.
You probably then have options for brand new links with bushes fitted delivered. He will also have assorted rose joint options.

Given how rusted and weak many of the pressed links now are I would explore options with Tanc.

You might need to make a mod to hook up the rear brake balance valve but this would be in the easy category in my world.

Eric 

[peteracs]

Hi John

I do not think you mean cotter pins, I suspect you mean the 4 small spring type which stop the wedges coming out?  I think Mark also has those or you could just use a piece of wire ….

Peter

[JohnFol]

This is what I mean and yes, bent bit of wire installed

[peteracs]

The originals are not R clips they are simply figure of 8 springs.

I have dug out the two rear supports I have. Both are ok to use with solid if old bushes which will get going in the short term. Message me if you want to have one.

Peter

[JohnFol]

Thanks for all the offers of help and spare parts.
Cross Member blasted and ready for painted and new bushes now arrived (many thanks Mark) and doddle to fit.

Just need to put it all back together

[JohnFol]

Progress, all reassembled, loaded, tightened, wheels back on before a final check and, errr..

https://youtu.be/EMt1xe7_HBg?feature=shared

Video shows rear bar flexing as I first grab right wheel and wiggle (in  3/9o'clock position), then do the same on left wheel.

Cross member to chassis is bolted tighter than Haynes misprint suggests although not yet followed a suggestion to add thick washers to spread load.

What I'm seeing is the cross member twisting along the length rather than rotating along the length. ie distortion rather than a solid bar not bolted tightly enough.

Does that sound about right?

[peteracs]

Hi John

I think considering where you cam from originally, I would accept it for now, get it tracked and see what the result is. Most of the lateral force will be at 6 o’clock, so I think you may be being too cautious, though I have not tried that on my Spider, but could do when I return to the U.K. also I assume you have both wheels off the ground which is also not real life. One quick question, did you tighten the bushes up with the rear end loaded up to avoid premature bush damage?

Peter

[JohnFol]

I did, bit of 1" stick with right angled bracket whilst wheels off the ground.

Weather in UK looking good this weekend so a few local trips in order.

Thanks again