Front Radius Arm Bushes Kaput.

[NZ Terrano Owner]

On a recent club run I noticed that there was a clunking sound coming from underneath the truck. It sounded like it was under my foot. I originally suspected that the engine or transmission mounts were loose. Back in the shed, I climbed underneath with a range of spanners, but all the bolts for the engine and transmission were tight as. I noticed however that the Bushes for the Front Radius Arm looked worn, so I undid them and got quite a shock! They were Knackered!!. The compression collar was worn through in the middle where it had been wearing on the chassis mount and the rubbers were all hard and broken - Ugly, see photos.

Installed some nolathene bushes, and no more clunks when I go over bumps now.

Well worth checking yours out next time you have the front end up. Just takes a few minutes to undo the 2 bolts, and the big nut at the end, to slide off the bushes and have a look. Make sure you measure the Radius Arm diameter, and the length of the compression collar before you order the replacement, as there are two sizes ( for the '95 anyway). I didn't, and you guessed it, I got the wrong one the first time. Bugger!

 

Cheers

Al

[NZ Terrano Owner]

Worn Compression Collars

[NZ Terrano Owner]

Nice new red Nolathanes installed.

No more nasty clunks

[88pathoffroad]

Mine looked just like that before I replaced 'em. Good call.

[Harbinger]

Where can I order those nolathene bushes at? Anyone know the part #'s for a first gen pathy?

 

Its the stage in my pathy's life where I need to start replacing all this small stuff :-) Then later I can sacrifice her to the mod gods.

[88pathoffroad]

Energy Suspension and Daystar both make tension rod bushings(same thing, different name).

[Slick]

Good catch! glad you got the right ones installed in the end...no more squeaks..mmmm....glorious huh?

[Reido]

Does anyone know if the polyurthane (or whatever they happen to be) bushings will decrease articulation compared to rubber? I'm talking about suspension bushings in general.

[88pathoffroad]

They shouldn't, no. I guess if you put them in dry with no grease they'd be a bit tougher to move around(and squeek a lot), but other than that, they should work the same.

[madhatter_xe]

Anybody know the PN for these bushings for an 88 pathy from energy suspension? I can't find the PN on their website.

 

thanks.

[edta1]

Nice! Very nice! I have to do that this weekend. Check my bushings...

[jj big shoe]

I can't remember the Energy Susp. part #, but the info I got from this page says the Moog part # is K9515.

[madhatter_xe]

Thanks,

 

So it's called a Front Strut Rod bushing set! Too many names goin for this thing :confused: .

 

Anyways, looks like the energy susp. PN is 7.7106

[Mr. Pickles]

I got them from Central 4 Wheel Drive for like $20.

[BigMike]

any one have trouble taking the compression/strut rod off? cause im having a hellof time, i already broke a wrench a ratchet and a socket and the sucker is pretty much welded on. i soaked it and lube over night adding lube multiple times, heated the bolt, tried a breaker bar with two feet of cheater tube stuck on the end. and nada. so any idea?

[88pathoffroad]

Yeah, they're tough sumbitches to get off. Even more fun to put back on. Watch for that later. I suggest more PB Blaster or WD-40 and time. They DO come off, but evidently yours don't want to.

[BigMike]

imma try some pbblaster for a week, and if that doesnt work its getting the hammer dropped and a new set of bolts.

[Mr. Pickles]

Mine are stubborn b@st@rds too. I've soaked them in PB, hit them with a hammer, broke a socket, 3/8-1/2 adapter for my breaker bar, and a 3/8 ratchet with an extension. All cause I was too cheap to buy a 1/2 socket set so far. Haven't tried heat yet though. I think I'm gonna take these bushings, the new UCA's, ball joints and tie rod ends into the mechanic and let them have fun. I'm too busy for this isht!