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Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: bert knip on Thursday,January 13, 2022, 06:29:14 AM

Title: Installing bushes of the lower links
Post by: bert knip on Thursday,January 13, 2022, 06:29:14 AM
Is there a special trick to instal the lower link bushings?
I  tried with a vice, but when you press the rubber swells.
I only get them halfway in.
Also tried with a hose  clamp to prevent the swelling.
Next step for me would to place the parts in the freezer? Though the do not very long stay cold here in FL.
Title: Re: Installing bushes of the lower links
Post by: jbcollier on Thursday,January 13, 2022, 06:45:37 AM
Rear lower link?  From the bracket underneath the transaxle to the rear upright?  They are also used in the MGB between the upper a-arm (shock) and the upright.  There are four required, two at each end.  They are tapered and won't stay in place.  Lube them up with brake grease, squeeze and wiggle them into place.  Good time to practice your cursing.

They don't last very long and are best replaced with polyurethane versions or adjustable links with rod ends.
Title: Re: Installing bushes of the lower links
Post by: bert knip on Thursday,January 13, 2022, 10:49:14 AM
Yes the rear links,
I will give it another try, maybe with cursing when that helps
Title: Re: Installing bushes of the lower links
Post by: dakazman on Friday,January 14, 2022, 05:07:25 AM
   Bert , I used an extra long bolt and some large washers , thread the bushing through bolt and tighten nut. Use soapy water or some bushing lube.
Dakazman
Title: Re: Installing bushes of the lower links
Post by: bert knip on Thursday,January 27, 2022, 05:58:46 PM
I give up.
No way getting the bushes in, I tried greasing, the bolt method of Dave and extreme force.
Now I read that  R&D has bushes for twincam (they are one piece) and for S1 and S2  (two piece).
I have a S 2 but the one piece bushes, can that be the problem?
Title: Re: Installing bushes of the lower links
Post by: Fotog on Thursday,January 27, 2022, 06:38:26 PM
I can't offer you any advice, but maybe you could speak to Ray at RD, and he would be able to advise you.

Vince
Title: Re: Installing bushes of the lower links
Post by: GavinT on Thursday,January 27, 2022, 08:07:39 PM
Now I read that  R&D has bushes for twincam (they are one piece) and for S1 and S2  (two piece).
I have a S 2 but the one piece bushes, can that be the problem?

Wrong bushes may well be the problem.

Here's what the S1/2 bushes look like.
The blue ones are Polyurethane MG bushes - used on MGB, Midget & Sprite.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331404036162

Got some pics of what you're dealing with.

Title: Re: Installing bushes of the lower links
Post by: jbcollier on Thursday,January 27, 2022, 08:24:06 PM
Yup, S1/2 use two bushings, one on either side, 4 per link.
Title: Re: Installing bushes of the lower links
Post by: bert knip on Thursday,January 27, 2022, 08:48:23 PM
Ok, I will look for the S2 bushings.