Re: 164: Front Suspension Information

[Alfa Romeo Search and Rescue Society <alfabill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hanley, David A wrote:
> 
> Bill Harkell,
> 
> A few questions on your recent replacement of the Front A bushes...
> 
> (1) How did you remove the ball joint on the A-Arm - using a
> conventional ball joint puller, or just unbolt it ?
	Hi David, 
	Living in Florida, rust is not an issue on front end parts, Sorry
northerners,
I just undo the nut to thr top and give it a wiggle with my prybar. Pops
out. I also put anti seize grease on all front end parts on reassembly.
> 
> (2) Rear Bushing I assume just pulled off, you only had to burn out the
> front bushings ?, please confirm
	I replaced both bushings, and Superflex only gives you the "rubber"
part.
I burned out th e front, retrieved the center pin, removed the metal
sleeve, and on the rear bush, burned out the rubber, and reused the
aluminum carrier and center metal sleeve. Discard the nylon center.
> 
> (3) Whats the great lubricant you used ? Molycote 7544 PQ54 as
> recommended by Alfa Romeo
	I used a lubricant I sell, ( at least for 30 days, I just gave
notice...) called Zep 2000, a clear spray lube/grease. any good NON
ALCOHOL based lubricant that is water resistant should be fine.
Superflex insists on no alcohol based lubes.
> 
> (4) Is their any reason you chose the Superflex Poly bushings over the
> AR Overload items?
> It seems with the 94 onwards models the Overload items are not
> available.
	In the USA, we don't have an overload # available. just the a-arm @ $80
USD and the rear bushing assm. @ $30 USD. 
	Superflex was the first mention I saw, and I bought them. I'd do it
again. I found the OEM bushing to be short lived and appears undersized
for the load.
> 
> (5) Did you consider replacing the anti-roll (sway?) bar bushing at the
> same time ?

	I did the links at the a-arm, mine were shot. I used and modified
slightly, a universal urethane bushing from the local parts store. $9
USD. 

> Regards
> David Hanley
> '94 164 TS (Silver, looks like Bills on the Web, but no red sticky tape
> ever)
	Sophia loved her sticky tape session at Sebring. it isn't permanent...
Made the hicks at the gas station look, but in Sebring, they have seen
it all, for a small farming community.
- -- 

Bill Harkell
Tampa Florida
'91 Alfa 168 B
http://pw2.netcom.com/~alfabill/welcome.htm

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