Radius rod bushes

ratters · Post by **ratters** » Wed Nov 06, 2013 11:53 am

I had grand intentions of replacing bushes in the front end of my L series while i had the whole front end apart doing the suspension so I bought a few different ones. Turns out I didnt need the control arm bushes or lower swaybar bushes i bought as they were very tight so I didnt bother. Upper swaybar and radius rod definitely needed doing.

I couldnt for the life of me get the nut on the radius rod undone on the first one I tried, and I started to round the edges of the nut so I abandoned it right there. Does anyone have any tips or experience with this? When a ring spanner starts to round a nut you know your in trouble..

At the moment those bushes make a nice big squelching squeaking kind of noise all the time so Im keen to get them changed out.

Post by **Bantum** » Wed Nov 06, 2013 2:38 pm

I'd clean the exposed threads up as much as possible, spray with a penetrative lubricant and let it soak for few days. Then get a pair of vice grips and use them to loosen it.

If that doesn't work get a nut splitter ( you will need to replace the nut anyway ) Finally - clean up the thread with a die ...

Cheers, Bantum ...

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Wed Nov 06, 2013 3:55 pm

I'd go with what bantum has said with penetrate and clean the threads as much as possible. I also use a spanner that only has 6 sides, as these reduce the chances of rounding out bolts and nuts. I just replaced mine in the yellow MY wagon and found what a difference to the handling. I used the red nolathane ones.

NachaLuva · Post by **NachaLuva** » Wed Nov 06, 2013 11:17 pm

+1 to soaking in Penetrene & using a 6 sided socket or spanner...they grip the nut better

ratters · Post by **ratters** » Thu Nov 07, 2013 1:55 pm

Thanks for the suggestion I will give it a go! Are 6 sided spanners easy enough to come by, the popular auto stores carry them?

NachaLuva · Post by **NachaLuva** » Thu Nov 07, 2013 2:54 pm

believe it or not, Bunnings isnt too bad on price for sockets! Any auto or tool place will have em. I think its Sidchrome or poss Kinchrome have special non-slip sockets that have little grooves in the face to help grip rounded nuts. Brilliant idea but I think they only come in sets