Walter Fogle writes:
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I've discovered that the outer bushings on the driver's side front
trunnion/wishbone connection of my '69 TR6 need to be replaced. I've
ordered a bushing kit for both sides from BPNW and hope to do the job this
weekend. BPNW advises that if I support the spring/shock pad with a jack
and remove the large bolt and split nut that I can then lower the wishbones
in order to replace all the lower bushings.
What is your experience and advice on this project? I do intend to
completely rebuild the front suspension and steering after the 1st of the
year but need to correct this immediate problem/hazard. The Bentley manual
describes complete removal of the lower wishbones but doesn't specifically
address bushing replacement while the wishones are still attached to the
car. Any help/advice/cautions?
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Walter,
Yes I've done that before. Since you arent removing the spring pad bolts,
the spring is still captured by the spring pad and the shock absorber. By
jacking up the spring pad, you are removing the load on the trunnion bolt,
it should come right out, and the trunnion can swing out of the way. No
need to remove the brake rotor or the caliper either. However, it may be a
job to remove any rust from the insides of the wishbones. If you dont get
the rust and corrosion out, the bushings become hard to press in, and makes
it even harder to install the metal sleeves inside the bushings. It's still
worth a try, but make sure the jack is secure. I've jacked up under the
shock with a piece of wood in between. All you need to do is jack up just
enough (which should be very little) to remove the spring load on the
trunnion.
Getting the trunnion to go back in between the two wishbones without the
washers falling out is a little tricky, just be sure to keep grease away
from the back side of the brake rotor. My suggestion would be to cover the
openings on the rotor shield rotor with some duct tape or something to keep
from getting grease on the back side. If you get grease on the outer side
of the rotor at least you can clean it off.
Good luck!
John Lumia - 76 TR6
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