Radius Rod Bush Replacement Video

Big lumps of metals and spanners. Including servicing and fluids.

Moderators: User administrators, Moderators

User avatar
jamesakers
Registered user
Posts: 238
Joined: 20 Apr 2015, 14:26
80-90 Mem No: 14421
Location: Manchester

Radius Rod Bush Replacement Video

Post by jamesakers »

I've completed the next stage of renewing my front suspension, this time it was the Radius Rods. I was worried about doing this one, but luckily didn't hit any major hurdles.

Image

Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4D5WCIBmB7Y

Blog post: https://vwt25.blog/2018/02/27/radius-ro ... placement/
Sir Adventure - 1991 Autosleeper Trooper 1.9DG Petrol
https://vwt25.blog/

User avatar
Dubworth
Registered user
Posts: 210
Joined: 31 Dec 2015, 10:56
80-90 Mem No: 16562
Location: Manchester

Re: Radius Rod Bush Replacement Video

Post by Dubworth »

Thanks for the write up and video, very informative. A job I'll be looking at either tackling/or having done so good to know what is involved :)
1985 Sheldon High Top 1.9DF

User avatar
King Kenny
Registered user
Posts: 167
Joined: 25 Feb 2012, 19:22
80-90 Mem No: 10965
Location: Wiltshire, UK.

Re: Radius Rod Bush Replacement Video

Post by King Kenny »

WOW. Thanks James, the video is fantastic. Very clear. I have to do this job myself before the next CT (French MOT). I have to get a 27mm open-ended spanner but I will also get a 1.1/6 as you advise.
Again, thanks a million.
I don't know where I am, but I'm having a lovely time!

1990 CARAVELLE 1.9cc petrol : watercooled

crazyhorse
Registered user
Posts: 857
Joined: 21 Aug 2013, 15:01
80-90 Mem No: 15202
Location: Llantwit Major, Bro Morganwg, South wales

Re: Radius Rod Bush Replacement Video

Post by crazyhorse »

Great work again Mr Akers,

Detailed and informative.
87 Transporter 1.9 WBX DG and LPG. In Maroon

http://www.guestwho.biz

RogerT
Registered user
Posts: 1798
Joined: 10 May 2013, 11:59
80-90 Mem No: 13706
Location: Central Scotland

Re: Radius Rod Bush Replacement Video

Post by RogerT »

Good clear video, thanks! Impressed you got the radius rod out with an open ended spanner. Mine refused, simply rounding off the flats. I succeeded by putting another nut on the front end of the rod after removing the front part of the bush to make space. Tightened the two nuts together with my foot braced on one end of a 27mm ring spanner for the lower nut, and pulling with all my weedy strength on a 750mm breaker bar socket for the top nut, ending up with the nut flats aligned so I could remove the ring spanner. Once locked together I stood on the breaker bar, with the socket slipped over both nuts, and after marvelling at how much twist the rod could absorb, it cracked free. RHS was easier than LHS, simply in terms of positioning myself to use my strength/weight.
Have you ever seen an unhappy fool?

88 Transporter with hitop camper conversion, 1.6td.

User avatar
jamesakers
Registered user
Posts: 238
Joined: 20 Apr 2015, 14:26
80-90 Mem No: 14421
Location: Manchester

Re: Radius Rod Bush Replacement Video

Post by jamesakers »

Thanks. Yeah, I was surprised how easily they came off. I've been dreading it for months! I got a deep socket expecting to use your technique. Bit of an anti climax really. Haha.

Kenny, its a 1 1/16 imperial size I used (I think I said it wrong in the video). The old spanner was much stronger and better quality than the new 27mm.
Sir Adventure - 1991 Autosleeper Trooper 1.9DG Petrol
https://vwt25.blog/

User avatar
King Kenny
Registered user
Posts: 167
Joined: 25 Feb 2012, 19:22
80-90 Mem No: 10965
Location: Wiltshire, UK.

Re: Radius Rod Bush Replacement Video

Post by King Kenny »

Kenny, its a 1 1/16 imperial size I used (I think I said it wrong in the video). The old spanner was much stronger and better quality than the new 27mm.[/quote] Got it, thanks. I will get a 27mm and a 1 1/16th. Plan on doing the job after this years holiday season. I have saved your link in Favourites and will view it again before I start.
I don't know where I am, but I'm having a lovely time!

1990 CARAVELLE 1.9cc petrol : watercooled

colinthefox
Registered user
Posts: 858
Joined: 20 Oct 2009, 18:42
80-90 Mem No: 16447
Location: Somerset
Contact:

Re: Radius Rod Bush Replacement Video

Post by colinthefox »

Good informative video.

I agree about using the imperial size spanner. Many vintage tractor/implement owners will have a 1 1/16" open ender :wink: , which was the standard size on agricultural implements. Those agricultural spanners are real beasts, and eminently suitable for this job, which can spring a lesser tool.
1.9D (AEF) pop-top. Aaaaahhhhh........that's better.
Image

User avatar
jamesakers
Registered user
Posts: 238
Joined: 20 Apr 2015, 14:26
80-90 Mem No: 14421
Location: Manchester

Re: Radius Rod Bush Replacement Video

Post by jamesakers »

^ Thanks Colin. It was your post in an older thread which made me get one. Worked great. :ok
Sir Adventure - 1991 Autosleeper Trooper 1.9DG Petrol
https://vwt25.blog/

User avatar
CovKid
Trader
Posts: 8409
Joined: 30 Apr 2006, 13:19
80-90 Mem No: 3529
Location: Ralph - Coventry (Retired)
Contact:

Re: Radius Rod Bush Replacement Video

Post by CovKid »

I found a tenon saw to remove bush end and a drill to weaken the bush was quickest way to get it out. Pressing it out doesn't yield much in results as corrosion tends to hold it fast. Drill takes 5 minutes at most. That said, in common with trailing arm powerflex bushes, they bind much more than stock bushes. I wish they'd get the shape right. :evil:
Roller paint your camper at home: http://roller.epizy.com/55554/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for MP4 download.

User avatar
sarran1955
Registered user
Posts: 1440
Joined: 11 Mar 2009, 18:51
80-90 Mem No: 6754
Location: 6, les Hauts de Sarran 19800, Sarran ,Limousin ,FRANCE

Re: Radius Rod Bush Replacement Video

Post by sarran1955 »

Hello,

I've posted a comment.... :)

You might get more views if you change the title to read:

VW Vanagon, T25, T3 radius bush replacement..

Just sayin'.. :wink:

Cordialement,

:ok
Image

User avatar
jamesakers
Registered user
Posts: 238
Joined: 20 Apr 2015, 14:26
80-90 Mem No: 14421
Location: Manchester

Re: Radius Rod Bush Replacement Video

Post by jamesakers »

sarran1955 wrote:Hello,

You might get more views if you change the title to read:

VW Vanagon, T25, T3 radius bush replacement..

Good point, fixed!
Sir Adventure - 1991 Autosleeper Trooper 1.9DG Petrol
https://vwt25.blog/

User avatar
jamesakers
Registered user
Posts: 238
Joined: 20 Apr 2015, 14:26
80-90 Mem No: 14421
Location: Manchester

Re: Radius Rod Bush Replacement Video

Post by jamesakers »

CovKid wrote:I wish they'd get the shape right. :evil:

What is wrong with the Powerflex shape? They seemed to match the ones I took off.
Sir Adventure - 1991 Autosleeper Trooper 1.9DG Petrol
https://vwt25.blog/

User avatar
CovKid
Trader
Posts: 8409
Joined: 30 Apr 2006, 13:19
80-90 Mem No: 3529
Location: Ralph - Coventry (Retired)
Contact:

Re: Radius Rod Bush Replacement Video

Post by CovKid »

Powerflex ones are totally flat at the ends where stock are curved. There are several videos bemoaning the moulds used to make them. Last ones I fitted in trailing arm had to be reworked slightly on a lathe. In most places it doesn't matter too much but any arm that swings needs to be right for free movement or they just rub away on the bracket.
Roller paint your camper at home: http://roller.epizy.com/55554/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for MP4 download.

User avatar
jamesakers
Registered user
Posts: 238
Joined: 20 Apr 2015, 14:26
80-90 Mem No: 14421
Location: Manchester

Re: Radius Rod Bush Replacement Video

Post by jamesakers »

Right I see, so its the Lower Control Arm and Trailing Arm bushes that may bind?

The Radius Rod ones I fitted seem to be the correct shape.

Image
Sir Adventure - 1991 Autosleeper Trooper 1.9DG Petrol
https://vwt25.blog/

Post Reply