anti-roll bar bushes sizes?!

[BenRymell51]

hi all trying to get some powerflex anti roll bar bushes, (front) but dont know the size of the inner and outer bushes.
if anyone can help would be most grateful
cheers

 

[BenRymell51]

Anyone?

 

[Mikeyjp]

ktec?

 

[steve f]

25mm inner and 23mm outer

 

[BenRymell51]

Thanks

 

[bearne1]

Has anyone attempted to replace the inner ones, if so can you let me know best way to fit?

Interested to know OEM Vs Powerflex difference too?

 

[BenG]

They're a total pain to fit as the access is very limited. The bracket that clamps over the bush needs to be mechanically clamped so that the securing nut and bolt can be fastened. I had a very small set of G-clamps that I used to clamp it but I also had to use some pipe grips that I could lock in position once clamped. There was a lot of swearing involved. If you have a good selection of grips/clamps etc then you will be ok. The main issue is that it's difficult to clamp the bracket without blocking the bolt holes and getting them both to line up enough to get the bolt through.

I'll take some pictures tomorrow...

 

[bearne1]

They're a total pain to fit as the access is very limited. The bracket that clamps over the bush needs to be mechanically clamped so that the securing nut and bolt can be fastened. I had a very small set of G-clamps that I used to clamp it but I also had to use some pipe grips that I could lock in position once clamped. There was a lot of swearing involved. If you have a good selection of grips/clamps etc then you will be ok. The main issue is that it's difficult to clamp the bracket without blocking the bolt holes and getting them both to line up enough to get the bolt through.

I'll take some pictures tomorrow...

Great stuff that makes perfect sense. I think I'll bung my mechanic a few ££ for doing both inners and outers as he's had a few RS Clios. With a ramp and the right tools imagine this will be easy.

 

[BenG]

Yes, a ramp would definitely make it much easier. I did mine before I installed the lift so I just used axle stands and rolled around on the floor which made the job 10x harder. At the time I wished I'd just paid someone to do it but once you've took the old ones off you're pretty much committed.

 

[bearne1]

For anyone wanting to stick OEM these both match the Renault part numbers and currently 90 ish % off RRP.

Have ordered both sets so will report back once fitted.

 

[bearne1]

Can confirm that both of these FEBI parts are exact matching parts for original Renault items.

Bizarrely the inner bushes were sourced from Ebay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Anti-roll...211658?hash=item4661e6934a:g:skAAAOSwWxNY15oL) but they are 23.5mm internal diameter and not 25mm as listed. They fit perfectly and FEBI part is listed as 23.5mm so looks like they know how to use a ruler!

 

[bearne1]

Yes, a ramp would definitely make it much easier. I did mine before I installed the lift so I just used axle stands and rolled around on the floor which made the job 10x harder. At the time I wished I'd just paid someone to do it but once you've took the old ones off you're pretty much committed.

Have mine booked in next week and can only imagine this will be easy for a decent garage (my mechanic has had Renaults for many years). Given mine have covered 132,000 miles can only imagine this being a worthwhile replacement. From the side the rubbers look very cracked and hopefully the cause of my creaking.

 

[BenG]

I replaced mine a couple of years ago, They would have covered less than half the miles as yours, mine were also cracked around the edges. When I removed them the majority of the bush looked ok considering they were 10+ years old. I think the outer bushes wear out quicker, that might be because they're more open to the elements where as the inner ones are tucked away, the ARB will also flex more on the outer edges.

Anyways, I'm rambling on..

A garage will have them off and on easily enough, saves mucking about. Hopefully it will solve the creaking. When did you last change your steering rack bushes?

 

[MarcB]

Inner = 25mm
Outer = 23mm

Inner OE number - 7700847383
Outer OE number - 7700784171

 

[bearne1]

I replaced mine a couple of years ago, They would have covered less than half the miles as yours, mine were also cracked around the edges. When I removed them the majority of the bush looked ok considering they were 10+ years old. I think the outer bushes wear out quicker, that might be because they're more open to the elements where as the inner ones are tucked away, the ARB will also flex more on the outer edges.

Anyways, I'm rambling on..

A garage will have them off and on easily enough, saves mucking about. Hopefully it will solve the creaking. When did you last change your steering rack bushes?

I have a set of rack bushes but never thought about replacing them, does this make a big difference?

 

[BenG]

I was relating the rack bushes to your creaking issue, although, they generally cause a clunking or knocking noise when worn so perhaps it's not related so much. I was just curious. I replaced mine at the same time as the ARB bushes as they also looked worn. They're not as difficult to chance as there is more access.

 

[bearne1]

Had the inner ARB bushes replaced and was charged 0.8 hours labour so a worthwhile trip to the garage.

What a difference, the car feels very tight and precise.

 

[BenG]

Definitely worth while. It took me a while longer than 0.8 hours.

 

[bearne1]

Finally got to the bottom of the creaking, it was the Evol dogbone so must have tightened it a bit too much.

Have since replaced all the ARB bushes and the balljoints anyway which didn't cure the problem, but the car is finally driving rattle, squeak and knock free and it drives so, so precisely I'm over the moon!