Date: Sun, 9 Aug 2015 09:53:07 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Needed one steel wheel and some advice.
In-Reply-To: <43357889-DD4E-4253-B6A2-9531B9EC2B5B@gmail.com>
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While it often seems to make sense to do an all-out replacement of
suspension parts the upper control arm bushings seem to have failure rates
all over the place. I have had some fail after just a few hundred miles.
That said the best way to inspect them is to remove the two screws holding
them to the upper ball joint and test them. Check that the arm moves
smoothly with no play, binding, or squeaking. If they are good leave them.
If bad replace.
Besides the usual suspension parts you do want check the radius rod and
lower control arm mounts. If you don't remember when the radius rod mounts
were last done they likely should be done. Look carefully for signs of
bulging, cracking, collapsing, and changing position. If you look at the
chassis mount and see wear from where they used to be they are shot. If
really bad don't be surprised if the chassis requires a welding repair to
restore the mounting hole.
For all the soft parts consider the products sold by T3echnique. Great
stuff. Chris also is great about warranty. Yes even his stuff can fail.
As for used wheels inspect carefully. Wheels are wear items, especially at
the lug nut-bolt connections. I have seen them so warn they couldn't be
tightened up.
As for tires if going for a set (you probably should) consider going for the
205/70-14 with the extra load rating.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Tony Collins
Sent: Sunday, August 9, 2015 12:02 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Needed one steel wheel and some advice.
Hello list,
Some of you may remember me asking questions about registration and
inspections in Pennsylvania. As part of this process, I have uncovered a
need for tires (no not a tire thread!!!). I will be buying good tires from
list vendor.
A rim with a bit of a bend has also been unveiled along with a passenger
side upper control bushings that have seen better days and a possible bad
upper ball joint.
I like to replace the bad rim. Both front tires have wear indicative of
negative camber. The inner sides are pretty worn down. The drivers side tire
always had to be refilled. If someone has one kicking around the
Philly-north Delaware area could you pm me about it?
Now to the advice needed. Given that the passenger side UCB's need to be
replaced would it not make sense to do the drivers side to, along with the
ball joints to? Now, should I be thinking that radius arm bushing along with
lower arm bushing also need to get a replacement?
A little job is turning into a bigger one. I have new shocks to that I
haven't replaced. Should this be the time for them to get in there??
I don't want to shell out money on tires and the UCB's r/r to then find out
that something else is causing the inner wear of the front tires. I can only
guess that an alignment will be useless if some other components are off.
What would you do if faced with this and why?
Keep in mind not having the money to buy Chris T3 state of the are powerflex
bushings.
Let me know what you think.
Thanks,
T
Sent from my iPod