Date:         Tue, 8 Jan 2008 10:36:27 -0500
Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Upper Control Arm Bushing Replacment - Thanks
Comments: To: dlwilhite@COMCAST.NET
In-Reply-To:  <010820081352.17433.478380050007C4280000441922007636920A9B0708040799040B@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

Upper bushing failure is noticable. If they are not squeaking badly or loose
and clunking most likely they are OK. I have come across many vans where
there is not quite enough camber adjustment. Inside wear can also be cased
by toe or caster. The radius or strut rod mounts acjust and contro the
caster angle and it is extremely common for them to become distorted and
even if the look OK, can flex under load.

It is also normal for the right front to wear faster due to most roads being
crowned and tilted to the right.

Dennis


>From: David Wilhite <dlwilhite@COMCAST.NET>
>Reply-To: dlwilhite@COMCAST.NET
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Upper Control Arm Bushing Replacment -  Thanks
>Date: Tue, 8 Jan 2008 13:52:05 +0000
>
>Thanks for the info from everyone.  Since my van is my daily driver
>(weather not great for the motorcycle), I just wanted to have some idea of
>time and resources needed.
>
>Fortunately, I am able to get the nuts/bolts loose okay  My  main reason
>for attacking this, is that I have never been able to get the front end set
>up properly with the proper angle (camber?).  Basically, I run out of
>adjustment, so the inside of the tires have a tendency to wear, despite
>toe-in/out, etc.  The right side has always been  a little worse than the
>left.  I'm hoping the bushings will help with this.
>
>David Wilhite
>84' Westy
>Middle TN