Date:         Thu, 23 Jun 2005 13:23:00 -0400
Reply-To:     Wil Haslup <wil@CHARMFX.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Wil Haslup <wil@CHARMFX.COM>
Subject:      Trick to replacing the "Eye" bushing in the stabilizer link
Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Hi all,

I offer this as another approach to what's available in the archives for
replacing the stabilizer link bushing.

After searching the archives I found mention of inserting the bushing
into the "Eye" in the link, putting the bottom end through the hole in
the A arm and pressing it on the end of the bar noting this requires
some effort.  Ha!

I also received replies to my recent queries that others had gone the
other way...putting the bushing on the stabilizer bar and beating it
into the "Eye" after positioning the link.  I found this even less likely.

I tried both routes and found I made more progress with the first option
but couldn't manage to get the thing on either way.

Then I had a brain wave....

I pressed the bushing into the "eye" of the link
in a bench vise (with a piece of board on either side to keep from
mangling it much) BUT ONLY pressed it about HALF way into the hole from
the side of the "eye" that the bar will need to go into....driver's side
link/leave the bushing protruding from the passenger side of the eye.

Soap up the bushing and the end of the bar.
Then I put the bolt end through one washer, one lower bushing and into
the hole in the A arm.  Then I positioned the eye over the end of the
bar and with little effort got it started.  Effort is still required now
though but it wasn't nearly as difficult for me.  Your effort is both
pressing it onto the bar and moving the bushing into the "eye" at the
same time.

I placed a piece of 1"x 3" or 1"x`4" over the outside face of the "eye"
and if you're careful and keep it away from brake lines you can wedge an
end in there to stabilize it.  Then take a hammer or rubber mallet and
beat on the board over the "eye" face.  The effort will press the
bushing further into the "Eye" and further onto the bar at the same
time.  By the time you get the bushing nearly all the way into the "Eye"
the end of the bar should also be nearly all the way through.  Work it a
bit and you should have things where they need to be.....put the sleeve,
lower bushing and washer on and bolt to spec and things are good.


--

Wil


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