Charlie Bar Bushings

spsfiend · 02-10-2010, 02:10 PM

Hey gang, I would like to replace the bushings on my sway bars. I purschsed the car with the charlie bars so I am not sure what bushings they have for replacement since these sway bars are no longer produced.

I have lots of squeaking sounds would like to change everything out in an attempt to quiet things down. Things have progressively gotten worse over the last month especially after all this rain.

Or perhaps are there areas where I simply need to grease?

Thanks!

spsfiend · 02-11-2010, 10:30 AM

Anyone?

KTL · 02-11-2010, 01:07 PM

I believe Charlie Bars are made by Charlie Wrightwood, who's still in business. You could call the shop and see if they'll help you out with a part # or brand to point you in the right direction.

However you need to be sure the bushings are the squeak source. It could be your spherical bearings in the drop links. That's where the squeaking recently appeared in a The Racers Group (TRG) rear bar assy I worked on n(which incidentally is a copy of the Tarett bar). I replaced the drop link bearings with a suitable replacement FK rod end from McMaster Carr industrial supply and no more squeaks!

James Brown · James Brown's Garage

What are these Charley bars you speak of, are they sway bars? can you disconnect them and see if the noise stops?

CRNT918 · 01:28 AM

I had the same problem of replacing my Charlie Bar bushings a few years ago. Yes, Charlie is still in business, but does not want anything to do with the sway bars(another story). I wound up getting mine from my local bearing distributor, Bearing Headquarters, although I think I remember seeing them in the McMaster-Carr catalog. $3.00 item.

KTL · 02-12-2010, 05:50 AM

Thanks for sharing your hands-on Charlie Bar experiences Pete. Hope to see you at safety Tech session in March, or sooner at Melrose karting!

Mr9146 · 02-12-2010, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KTL

I believe Charlie Bars are made by Charlie Wrightwood...

I don't believe it.

spsfiend · 02-12-2010, 01:22 PM

Thanks for the input everyone! I did not think to take a spin with the sway bars disconnected! That will hopefully be a good way to make sure that is where the noise is coming from or help me narrow it down.

Can someone confirm if I have to take the gas tank out in order to change out the bushings? Also, how do I know what size etc to buy?

KTL · 02-12-2010, 02:01 PM

Believe it Marco. Don't let the coincidence of names fool you!

But take Pete's (CRNT 918) word for it if he says Charlie no longer supports these bars with replacement parts. Your only choice is to remove the bushings (if necessary) and measure them with a pair of calipers. Then start your search at McMaster Carr.

Whether or not you need to remove the gas tank depends on how the bearing blocks are installed in the front chassis wall. Shoot a picture of the sway bar installation and post it here or ask Pete!

CRNT918 · 02-12-2010, 02:29 PM

The gas tank does NOT need to come out, if memory serves me correctly. I'll take a peek over the weekend to refresh my memory