CV Boots / Diff bushes

[ianwayne]

I have a worn diff top bush on my 4.5. Rubber is starting to split

I'm leaning towards paying for it to be done, and since one CV boot is perishing and on the point of splitting and the diff will need to come out, they may as well get done as well.

I've searched on here and opinions differ on the OEM top bush and using polyurethane replacement. Mostly because getting an OEM bush back in is such a pain. Should I replace the 2 side bushes at the same time? The Powerflex ones are pricey.

TVR Parts and Racetech etc do the CV boots but these for £3.99 look an alternative but might they be made of chocolate?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-GRANADA-100MM-CONS...

They do 108mm too, it's a generic photo. I'm unable to ascertain for definite without getting it all apart if the CV joints are 100mm or 108mm like the Cosworth. Its the PCD measurement I think, like on wheels. Time to jack it up and get in there with a measuring stick!

The FirstLine FCB2196 look to be the other type a few quid below the TVR part sellers. It all mounts up when you add VAT and shipping:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/First-Line-CV-Joint-Boo...

Edited by ianwayne on Monday 29th April 22:56

[ukkid35]

The diff won't need to come out for either of those jobs which are pretty much unrelated

I replaced the rear bush first, and then the front bushes some years later, but if you are paying to have the work done, replace them all

The poly bush set of three used to be quite cheap - perhaps £35

You need access to a press to remove the front bushes from the brackets, and it's worth getting the brackets basted/coated if you are not replacing them

[Moose v8]

Yes, just done mine it's worth doing all of them being a early Griff used both Racetech & Tvr parts for the bushes in my opinion easier to remove diff , allowing more accessibility bushes can removed without press good engineering vice required and patience. Used bar a que to burn rubber bush out hacksaw remaining sleeve on opposite sides then couple of old sockets tap out. If paying a garage not a cheap job

[phazed]

If you are paying someone then I'm sure they will take the diff out, a much easier job for the renewal of the bushes.

They will be removing the driveshafts to renew the boots anyhow.

I would definitely buy the polybushes, (or similar), they are not expensive in my opinion.

I would always use the best quality boots as from experience the cheapies never last long. I fitted the TVR car parts boots and flanges and they are quality items.

[TwinKam]

Don't go for cheapy rubber anything... I've personally seen 'Firstline' gaiters fail within 12 months.
Not sure what they're making cheap 'rubber' from nowadays, but it perishes and cracks before your eyes in everything from tyres, air lines, fuel hose, joint gaiters, handle grips, matting...
Apply the 'Everest' principle and fit the best you can... from a trusted source.

[Wolvesboy]

Took me and mechanic mate 7 hours to change the diff bushes etc. I can see it being a nightmare on your back on jackstands. Getting off wasn’t too bad. Aligning the rear diff bush back was frustrating to say the least (choice words etc). I used the split orange bush items from TVR parts, easy to replace but kept spreading at the wrong time.

[ianwayne]

Thanks for all the replies. The chap I use regularly used to work at TVR back in the 1990s, and has specialised in them for years since. I've been going there over 5 years for jobs I can't do and MoTs. He doesn't exaggerate work and if he says the best way is to take the diff out, I won't argue. You have to undo so much stuff to get enough room to get the driveshafts out he reckons, and since the bushes need doing, diff out is advised. I've booked it in, it's a really filthy job too. I changed the front wishbones myself (long job at home!) on my Chimaera but I'm not doing this one. To reduce overheads, I'm still providing the parts. In fact, he says getting OE bushes back in is such a bh, he will only do the job if poly are used.

I had found Superflex and Powerflex do them (although the latter don't do them a set of 3) but the orange ones from TVR Parts themselves undercut both. In fact, it's cheaper than the OE bushes anyway!

£76 plus postage at Powerflex: https://www.powerflex.co.uk/products/Cerbera-135/1...

£84 at Superflex: https://www.superflex.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=SF...

The one CV boot is on the point of splitting:


As far as CV boots go, I tried to work out the CV joint diameter not being able to get in to measure properly.

Edited for my rubbish maths. Using old trigonometry and angles of a hexagon (distance between bolt heads), pythagorus etc, I thought I'd worked out, and somehow convinced myself that the CV joints (and hence the boots required) are 100mm across. But all my research points to them being 108mm across. ???

TVR places it'll have to be to be on the safe side.

Edited by ianwayne on Thursday 2nd May 15:07