1997 R GLS Vectra Hatchback
Does anyone know how easy it is to change the lower rear trailing arm bush on a Vectra? Mine is knocking & needs replacing.
I dont want to start a job I cant finish but would love to save the money by DIY.
THANKS
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Another case of vauxhall reinventing the wheel. I have had to resort to removing the arm completely on several occasions to get it on to the press. There are specialist tools available to do the job in-situ but the job is compromised by the angle of one of the bushes (you should really change the whole set). If you are resourceful with a decent tool kit and luck is on your side it can be done but I now send them to Vauxhall!
Andrew
Happiness is a T70 at full chat!
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Thanks alot for these comments Andrew.
Do you know what the specialist tool is like? I have access to a lathe & could get something made up if its not too complicated. (I\'m guessing its a specifically dimensioned \"drift\" which I can them whack merrily with a hammer??????).
By a \"whole set\" do you mean the top & bottom bushes or does it include the one at the front of the arm?
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Just the top and bottom bushes. You need to turn up a plate which is a few thou\' smaller in O/D than the diameter of the bush you are trying to remove and about 3/16\" thick with a 3/8\" hole in the middle. Then turn up a cylinder with one closed end & a wall thickness the same or slightly bigger than the O/D of the housing with an I/D a few thou bigger than the bush. The length of the cylinder should be a little longer than the bush. The closed end of the cylinder should have a 3/8\" hole in it. A suitable bolt or studding can be passed thro the cylinder then thro the bush and finally thro the plate. Fit a nut and draw the bush out of the housing into the cylinder and remove. Obviously you may have to fine-tune it but it should work.
Andrew
Happiness is a T70 at full chat!
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Try looking at:
www.asttools.co.uk/products.asp?ID=105
I'd like to know how you get on as I've got to do the same job myself.
Chris M
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Thanks Andrew & Chris
I have e-mailed Ast Tools for a price for the tool but it looks expensive.
Before I buy one or have a something made I will ask my local Vauxhall garage if they would lend me a tool over the weekend (a very very long shot but you never know till you ask). If I buy the bushes off them they may oblige???
Thanks again
Richard
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Richard,
I don't know what you had envisaged spending but Franklin Tools do a tool for what looks to be a good price.
franklin-tools.co.uk/acatalog/index.html
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The actual link to the tool in question is franklin-tools.co.uk/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_SUS...l
Price: £39.50 (Excluding: VAT)
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Richard
Try a couple of local Motor Factors, they often sell tools from stock or can order them in.
Chris M
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Thanks All. For now I've bought one bush & a friend is going to turn me up a tool on his lathe. Once I get the "tool" I'll try changing the bush & let you know.
Thanks Richard Foster
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After several attempts I finally got a tool (made by a friend) which enabled me to change the TOP bush. It drew out quite easy. Unfortunately the cylinder was to long to fit in the space available for the bottom bush, so I'll have to ask my patient friend to make a shorter cylinder & have another go next week.
In hindsight I should have bought the tool from Franklins but having gone this far I'll try & persist with my DIY tool.
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Nice to see someone being resourceful for a change. Its good to see someone taking good advice offered here and putting it into practice. Its easy to say 'oh, buy a tool here or there, its X quid' but motoring these days is keeping costs to a minimum. I hope you are successful in your efforts. You may even wish to publish how to make the tool for others to see and maybe make their own. Good luck!!!
These are the views of Robin the Technician. With 35 years in the trade, I fix, therefore I am....
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DONE!!! (finally) - Now succesfully changed all four bushes. Once I got the home-made tool right (dimension are very important due to limited space) the bushes came out easily & new ones went back in without a hitch.
Saved around £100 labour (Vauxhall price).
(Paid approx £100 for parts plus 4 cans of cider for my colleague who made up the tool)
Thanks to all for info/advice.
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