Changing Top Trunnion Bushes

[manxminor]

Hi All

My car went for it's road worthiness test today and thanks to your help and guidance apart from a brake hose that needs to be replaced, the braking side of things was fine. However it did fail on the top end Trunnion bushes and before I attempt to change them, I wondered if there was any tips or things that I should avoid. I have a Haynes manual and althought the exploded view is helpful, it dosn't really explain how to change them. Any help/guidance would be appreciated.

Regards

Steve

[GeordieDave]

Steve,

Have you looked at the Technical Tips section on here? There's a guide to trunnions, although I think it is only available to MMOC magazine subscribers.

[manxminor]

Thanks for that, I don't get the magazine but will certainly consider it. Looking at other posts it looks like I undo the nut which holds the tab washer etc and leave the castellated nut well alone. I am assuming the once the nut is removed that the trunnion becomes a little more movable so that I can get at the bush on the other side? I'm sure in reality that it won't be that easy but here's hoping?

[philthehill]

You must safely support the car under the 'chassis' and then lift the lower suspension arm with a jack to take the pressure off the top trunion bushes before you try to remove the trunion bush retaining washer/nut. Once you have got the first bush out you can twist the top trunion to remove it off the pivot pin and you can now remove the inner trunion bush. Rebuild in reverse.

[manxminor]

Thanks for this, it sounds fairly straight forward then?

All the best

Steve

[mike.perry]

Check the swivel pin threads as they wear equally with the trunnions. You may as well replace the assembly for peace of mind

[manxminor]

Thanks, will do.

[Declan_Burns]

You may have to loosen the damper or remove it to get the pin out. There is a captive plate securing it. I always insert a bolt to stop it moving just in case it's no longer captive.
Regards
Declan

[manxminor]

Thanks for the advice, job done.

[PaulTubby]

Get a greese gun and give the trunnions and good greeseing while you there and track rod ends if they have greese nipples, alot of aftermarket ones dont have greese nipples fitted (throw away britain!)

[philthehill]

It always pays to jack up the car under the lower suspension arm when greasing the top and bottom trunions so as to take the load off the trunion threads and bottom bush/pin. It allows the grease to find its way into all areas of the trunion thread and bottom bush/pin not just take the easiest route out. Just because you see grease oozing out past the seals does not mean it has reached all of those parts that need it. Make sure that you see fresh grease oozing out before moving to the next nipple.

[bmcecosse]

Do not attempt to take the bolt/pin out of the damper arm...It is not necessary. As above - just twist the trunnion off the pin. DO however fit poly bushes in the top trunnion, they make a HUGE improvement.