lowerh front suspension arm play

[jcasey007]

How much play is acceptable in the lower front suspension arm bushes ?

I'm abount to replace the stearing rack and track rod ends and was under the ex this afternoon checking out the procedure and with my wife moving the steering back and forth, I noticed that the front off side bush has about 2mm of side to side movement. the nearside front and both rear bushes show no play.

the haynes manual has nothing on this and I can't find anything about the bushes on the forum.

can anybody answer the following questions.

1. is this too much play (it passed the MOT 3 weeks ago)
2. are the bushes replacable and available, i've not seen any for sale. can you get upgraded bushes
3. is this an uncommon problem?

it's a bit of a pain finding this on a sunday night, especially as I thought the rack and rod ends was the last of the front end to be replaced (done both upper arms and both lower ball joints, shocks, antirollbar bushes and drop links

any views or advise gratfully received

cheers

Jim

 

[janolsson]

I would be inclined to change out the bushes if i found play on one that wasn't there on the others, especially if you're pulling the whole lot appart anyway.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FORD-EXPLORER...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item518979a81c

They also do the uppers.
I've bought a serp belt from these guys and turnaround was 1 day
Regards

 

[jcasey007]

thanks Jan

I guess it's all in the search text on ebay, as I could not find any.

I'm tending to agree with you, any play will only get worse with use.

I had been doing a search of US sites and had worked myself up to fitting Poly bushes from Energy Suspension, But I will get these OEM ones quicker (bugger)

I don't need the uppers as I have replaced both upper arms already.

The Haynes manual is a bit light on detail on removing the torsion bar, or is it that simple?

The bit that worries me is the use of a 2 leg puller to wind down the bar.

Thanks again Jan