Rear Wheel movement and Radius Arm Bushing play

[cazman]

As I was working on my rear suspension, I noticed that when the rear tires are off the ground, I can hold the top and bottom of the tire and move it slightly (same motion to diagnose bad ball joints - in other cars). The movement can be seen in the Radius Arm Bushing. However the bushings are new and secured to the mount fine. Is there supposed to be play here? I cannot find anything in the manual that discuses this play. It is the same for both sides.

[jbcollier]

There should be no play.

Terminology can be an issue.  The "radius arm" is the long, sheet metal arm that attaches to the chassis up by the firewall and to which the uprights are inserted and bolted.  The arm from the transmission to the lower part of the upright is a "lower link".

Is it the lower link that has play?  If yes, inner or outer joint?

The rubber bushings are from an MGB upper a-arm to king pin joint.  Not a great choice for the Europa's lower link.  I would either fit polyurethane replacements or adjustable links.

[Pfreen]

I have found that the movement is usually in the universal joints. Many joints are not precision enough to prevent a small amount of lateral movement.  I really don't know of an application where a universal joint is used for rotational movement and lateral support.  Drive shafts typically just accommodate misalignment while transmitting torque.

[jbcollier]

GKN and SKF make good u-joints.  GMG are crap right out of the box.

Another example would be the Triumph Spitfire.

[cazman]

JB - the terminology I used is correct, as the play seemed most obvious on the Radius Arm bushing. However now that you all have given me other points to look at (using two people), I see most of the play is coming from the Lower Link outer bushing. Which I am not happy about since, some may recall that I am using the Banks Lower Adjustable links and had trouble with them from the beginning. The outer bushing is poly and is already worn or was too big to begin with. I will sleeve it or make new ones from scratch.

Pfreen - I just replaced one U joint - a Moog. I see another may have slight play though. Probably acceptable.

Thanks for the help - at least I know that the movement should be tight (which I suspected). 

[BDA]

I would replace those bushings with real good quality spherical rod ends. Problem solved.

[cazman]

I know, but I got into this mess because the vintage race group that I am getting ready for won't allow them.

[TurboFource]

Can use something like Global West’s Del-A-Alum bushings?

You could make your own with some machine work and Nyliner bushings.

[BDA]

You could also get replacements from Lotus Supplies.

[Pfreen]

That's terrible, because the stock setup camber may be way off, as mine was.  Especially if you lower the car.

[jbcollier]

The radius arm bushing is flexible as wheel camber changes with suspension travel.  You are seeing the radius arm bushing flex but the source of the play leading to the flex is elsewhere.  Play is most common in the u-joints and also lower link bushings, poor shimming, bad wheel bearings, etc.