Date:         Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:01:15 -0700
Reply-To:     Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Subject:      sway bar drop link bushing question
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed

Hi,

I'm working on the sway bar of my "new" '86 syncro (7 passenger). One
of the drop links had broken at the shoulder. I managed to mount the
drop link on the lathe, ("ring" end held in 4 jaw chuck so that the
broken end swung true, helped with steady rest, there is a slight
bend in this version of the drop link.) and I faced the broken end
flat, and drilled and tapped for a 10 X 1.5 bolt. I am going to screw
in then weld threaded section

The old "ring end" rubber bushings are VW and my question is:

  is the sway bar hole offset in the bushing? It appears to be in the
old bushings but I can't tell if this is due to wear.

(The thing about finally getting a lathe is that everything looks
like a fun turning job. I'm playing around with old urethane
skateboard wheels seeing how they machine with an eye on trying to
make new bushings)

Thanks,

Alistair

'86 syncro 7  passenger
'82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94
http://www.members.shaw.ca/albell/