Date:         Tue, 19 Oct 2004 11:54:32 -0700
Reply-To:     Craig Oda <craigoda@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Craig Oda <craigoda@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Ball Joints and Tie-Rod Ends -- Squeaking suspension [was Re:
              Nice 84 California Westy for sale in Seattle/Vancouver]
Comments: To: David Beierl <dbeierl@attglobal.net>
In-Reply-To:  <6.1.2.0.2.20041019133901.081d1200@pop1.attglobal.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

David,
thanks for the info.

> Groaning/squeaking from in front tends to be the rubber/steel bushings at
> the inner end of the upper control arm.  Doesn't matter but sure sets your
> teeth on edge, changes with humidity and splash.  May be able to work some
> rubber lube in there for limited effect.  New bushings are ?$50-75? per
> side, two each side.  Replacing them isn't horrendous but it's by no means
> trivial, not a casual job.  If one actually fails and becomes loose you'll
> get a marked and dangerous uncertainty in handling, but they can groan for
> years with no harm.

It is really raining today.  Maybe change in humidity?   vanagain.com
has upper control arm bushings for $25 per piece.  If I need two per
side, then I could do both sides for $100 (4 bushings) plus some cash
for shipping and handling.

I guess I should buy a high-torque torque wrench for this too...
Maybe Harbor Freight?  My current torque wrench from Sears only goes
to 75 ft-lb.

Do you have any thoughts on why my rear suspension is squeaking too?

Makes my passengers a bit nervous.

Thanks.

Regards,
Craig