Date:         Sun, 27 May 2018 10:10:11 -0700
Reply-To:     Neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Install grease fitting on upper control arm bushing(s)
Comments: To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <CAB2Rwfj-4-cr3=tCgdHrM90zN4F_ze-GbnjHrKgh_D3pi=XnBw@mail.gmail.com>
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As usual Dennis, great useful info. If bushings are failing (likely) im
certain I'll install either the GW or T3 part.

With the arm freed from the upper ball joint, if the bushing is failing or
failed, can that "notchy" feel be felt by hand when moving the arm up and
down?

Some years ago i cut open some failed circa mid 2000's bushings to see how
much weld time (heat it took to burn through to the rubber. Some images of
that here. Please excuse some images showing earlier more uneducated
efforts on my part:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/EzTVVmJB2KYTBPhc2

I doubt that the bushings shown are the factory installed parts.

None of the UCA bushings ive ever held in my hand have looked or felt
overly robust but then i have no real base line; ive never felt or seen the
factory installed part. I think one cause of premature wear on these
bushings is folks like me who drive over some fairly relatively challenging
dirt road to get to free or cheap camp spots. Im quite certain that some
after market bushings are not up to that task or at least a more extreme
range of arm movement etc.

- An uneducated guess and opinion -

I have to wonder if computer aided design etc. has, in part, afforded
makers of some parts to fine tune the design of a part to the point that it
can be made with the absolute minimal amount of material and material
quality for a specific range of use. eg UCA bushings designed to work well
on maintained paved roads only, with stock diamager tires, shocks, no
extreme heavy loads etc.

Neil.

On Sunday, May 27, 2018, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:

FWIW, when they creak it is not only the noise at issue. The creaking is
> usually caused by the failed insert jamming and binding. This causes the
> arm action to be extremely stiff and "notchy" and effects the ride and when
> extreme the handling. As for life expectancy this design is all over the
> place. I have had some fail in days. Febi and Lemforder along with those
> nasty looking re-pops have been the worst.   Can't explain but so far Meyle
> have had few comebacks less than a year.
>
> The T3 gives an improved solution with ride quality close to stock. I have
> had them fail once. The GoWesty is possibly the most durable and
> maintenance free
>
> Dennis
>
>
>
>

--
Neil n

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