A frame bushes

[iantrinsic]

I've a live axle vx1600 classic which is steering to the right under hard breaking.
The brakes were checked out by my local specialist who said the problem lay with the rear bushes which had some play in them.
I'm attempting to do the job myself to cut down on costs.
I've ordered the bushes from Caterham, one for the rear bracket of the A frame and two for the front A frame brackets.Can anyone advise especially with any useful tips for fitting???
Thanks
Ian

[BertBert]

If these are the normal Cateham metallastic ones, then the easiest is with a small press.

It might be possible with a vice, but much less easy.

Bert

[TeflonT]

I would doubt any significant steering issue would arise from the minor geo change a worn bush would introduce.

I would re-check your brakes. I have seen this issue caused by fitting a pad the wrong way around (i.e. the metal backing to the disc). It made no noise, and only under hard barking did the car pull to one side.

Whatever issue you have. I would look very closely at the left front.

[Farlig]

I´d be inclined to agree with Arnie above - check the front brakes more thoroughly first - was the specialist a garage and did they get the car on a brake dyno?

In any case you can make a simple suspension bush puller / insert tool from some suitably sized sockets (1/2" drive), a length of threaded rod and some nuts / washers... It helps a lot to use a suitable lubricant when fitting the new ones...

[HustleRussell]

The metalastic bushes at the leading edges of the 'A'-frame are unlikely to have worn out, and even if they did I don't think they could allow sufficient play to cause the effect you describe.
The top hat bushes at the trailing edge of the 'A'-frame, though (where it bolts onto the clevis on the axle tube) do wear out causing a clonk when taking up drive.
Check the rear axle components for play, including the radius arms, but as above pulling one way of the other under braking is often a tyres/brakes issue.

[BertBert]

I've had play in one of the lower front spherical bushes cause similar problems.
BErt

[iantrinsic]

Thanks guys appreciate the comments. The garage is Andy Waters Motorsport, very reputable and he knows his stuff.
I'll replace the rear A frame bushes anyway, and then take your comments into account. I'll let you know how it goes.

[TeflonT]

BertBert said:

I've had play in one of the lower front spherical bushes cause similar problems.
BErt

Yes, that'd do it. Eventually of course the wishbone and wheel would separate. Seen that too....

[BertBert]

TeflonT said:

Yes, that'd do it. Eventually of course the wishbone and wheel would separate. Seen that too....

I was lucky, I got Relate involved and they had a long and harmonious relationship together!

[JB052]

iantrinsic said:

Thanks guys appreciate the comments. The garage is Andy Waters Motorsport, very reputable and he knows his stuff.
I'll replace the rear A frame bushes anyway, and then take your comments into account. I'll let you know how it goes.

Have you had a chance to replace the A frame bushes yet?

Probably need to do mine and curious to know how you got on.