Trailing Arm Bushing Replacement?

dharder · 02-21-2003, 07:45 PM

I just bought a '73 914 with 89k original miles that has a nasty clunking sound in the left rear when I go over a significant bump or start up my steep driveway. It's not the shock. I've come to the conclusion that it must be the trailing arm bushing and am steeling myself to replace them (all). Someone I talked to said that this is a half an hour job. Is this truth or trash? Any suggestions on how to go about this?

Bleyseng · Bleyseng's Garage

Could also be the rear spring slipping in its perch making the noise. Jack the car up and try to move the trailing arms to see if thats it.
Geoff

dharder · 02-21-2003, 08:49 PM

Good idea!! I'll try it tomorrow.

korijo · 02-21-2003, 10:08 PM

Yeah, half hour? Right. Maybe to get just the arms off. (and thats w/ the motor already out!!) Thats the easy part, too.

Getting the bushings out, w/out a press, is a B!TCH Do a search, prolly a tech article too.

J P Stein · 02-21-2003, 11:32 PM

"Rear Clunk" ....I love these technical terms...is often a loose pivot arm nut and the shaft is busy ovaling a hole in your suspension mount......this is a bad thang.

Mike914six · 02-22-2003, 09:47 AM

The bushings are hard to get out. When I replaced mine, I used a tourch and melted the old ones out. The new ones go in easier than the old ones go out. Takes longer than 1/2 hour!.

Bleyseng · Bleyseng's Garage

JP, I always start with the little things that could make that "clunk" noise before getting to the "big problem" since we can't hear nor drive the car on the internet. Could well be a loose pivot shaft which is not good.....
Geoff

jc9 · 02-22-2003, 11:03 AM

i replaced the trailing arm bushings on my `74 that had 75,000 original miles. the original ones were as new but i replaced them with poly graphith ones. since the original ones were so good they were a nightmare to get out. without a proper press it took hours to get the stock ones out. the supplier told me the poly ones are noisy and they sure are. they really grunt when when i get in the car.the rear of the car is very stable and predictable and they were part of a complete rear suspension overhaul with new bearings rotors pads stiffener kit and #140 lb springs. it was at least $1500 in parts and welding. good luck. jc

mike mueller · 02-22-2003, 07:08 PM

A 50 dollar press from Harbor Frieght will press out the shaft in just a few minutes....i have the small 6ton press and just did this a few nights ago....money very well spent, highly recommended.

Rubber bushings?...no way!!!!....my new rear trailing arm roller bearing kit should arrive from the machince shop this week !!!!

Details to follow.....

J P Stein · 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mike mueller
Rubber bushings?...no way!!!!....my new rear trailing arm roller bearing kit should arrive from the machince shop this week !!!!
Details to follow.....

I doan wanna hear no effin details......I'm NOT buying any more trick goodies.......maybe next winter?

BTW, I use fire on bushings.....a propane torch does a number on em'....quick and easy.

Zeke · 02-22-2003, 07:32 PM

There was a thread once upon a time here about removing the rear bushings using a clamp or all thread or something like that. Anyway, the hell of it is, I did exactly what was said and can't remember how I did it. But, it was fairly easy. I believe there was an air impact wrench involved.

This is what building a car from ground up over 14 mos. can do to you. You don't remember what you did in the begining or how you did it. Somebody find the thread and help out

bernbomb914 · bernbomb914's Garage

I took a hack saw and cut the rubber thru the shaft hole then rolled them out with a pair of pliers. Went easy

Bernie

dharder · 03-02-2003, 11:54 AM

Thanks for all the interesting info. I pulled the brake and shock off and removed the trailing arm and there doesn't appear to be anything amiss. The pivot shaft bolts were tight. The housing wasn't ovaled. The bushings looked good. The shock and spring looked OK. I can't see where there's any wear or wear marks indicating movement. I'm going to throw some new bushings at it anyway. I conveniently have a very nice OTC 55 ton press. This makes me wonder what the noise culprit really is.....

74914 · 03-02-2003, 06:02 PM

I pressed the shaft out with a 3 jaw puller. First side worked great. Other side, jaws kept slipping off so I spot welded some scrap steel to hold in place..broke them off when I was done.