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JeremyC · Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 5:31 pm Post subject: "Rear axle tie rod bushes worn"

"Rear axle tie rod bushes worn " as an advisory on my car's recent (today) MoT pass. Does one replace the bushes or the whole arm. Sources? Easy job?

Thanks for your thoughts.

J.
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'93 Black 33 1.7 16v

Ian M · Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 9:36 am Post subject:

Replace the bushes.
There are ten in total if you count the panhard rod as well.
Not a difficult job if you have a vice or some other device to press the old ones out and replace with powerflex, standard bushes are a pig to press in.
Having said all that many MOT testers don't realise that these bushes are supposed to have a little movement by design, I've never had one fail they just get more flexible.
I always gauge it by the amount of rock you have on the handbrake.
If that is excessive then they need changing, if not leave well alone.
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Presntly own
Red Abarth 500c

john 33_16v · Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 2:45 pm Post subject:

Never had to do any rear bushes (touch wood).

You probably know, but worth noting 16v/ all s3? have a different trailling arm setup to s2.

Cheers,

John
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If it aint broke, fiddle with it until it is!
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93 33 16v Mirtle Met
08 Fiat Grande Punto Exotica Red
90 Yamaha FZR600 Genesis- Silky white/red/blue

Oggie · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 8:51 pm Post subject:

I agree with Ian, swap for Power flex or super flex (I believe a little stiffer).
I had standard bushes on my car at a track day way back at Donnington, I couldn't understand why I was being caught by a 1500 33 estate in the corner's, anyway the owner of a Gtv on the track day pointed out my car bushes were worn by the way it behaved and it was due to excessive play on all the bushes front and rear and poor tyre rubber. It made the car feel skittish and you had no idea when the rear was going to break away, since changing them it gives real confidence in the cars ability to turn in.
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PHAT 33

paulhide · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 10:01 am Post subject:

I believe it was a 1700 estate owned by Rufus Greenway that had just been polybushed all round Exclamation

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Owner's Club 33 Registrar. Now from P4 & S2 1.7 QV
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