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Suspension rebuild

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 6:39 pm
by FrankM83
HI all I have started to rebuild the front suspension on my van, I have two problems

1) the upper pivot of the trunnion seems to be stuck to the damper how can I take it out?

2) how do I take out the half lower arm that is connected to the torsion bar?

Thanks

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 6:59 pm
by MoggyTech
No need to take out the upper link pivot pin from the damper arm, just slide the trunnion off the pin to get at the rear bush. These pins being stuck in the damper arm is common.

To remove the rear of the wishbone, you tap (read thump) it along the torsion bar till it clears the splines. If you hold the outer portion of the wishbone arm, and belt the middle, it comes off easier (prevents the wishbone from going back at an odd angle on the splines.)

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 7:06 pm
by FrankM83
Thanks MoggyTech I have to remove the rear two bolts of the torsion bar also to do this or better leave them there till the arm is out?

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 7:11 pm
by MoggyTech
FrankM83 wrote:Thanks MoggyTech I have to remove the rear two bolts of the torsion bar also to do this or better leave them there till the arm is out?
Sometimes there is enough clearance between the front of the torsion bar and the spigot on the inner fulcrum pin, to let the torsion bar down slightly, without taking the bolts off at the centre crossmember end. Then again, on some cars the whole lot has to come off.

Make sure to keep fingers clear when you jack up the wishbone to refit the outer fulcrum pin. There is a stack of energy in that torsion bar, just waiting to bite fingers.

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 7:15 pm
by FrankM83
sorry for the questions but I'm not understanding much sorry! I bought a lower trunnion kit and there are 2 fulcrum pins one thicker than the other I understand the thick one go in the lower part of the arms and the other where does it go?

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 7:23 pm
by MoggyTech
FrankM83 wrote:sorry for the questions but I'm not understanding much sorry! I bought a lower trunnion kit and there are 2 fulcrum pins one thicker than the other I understand the thick one go in the lower part of the arms and the other where does it go?
No worries, better to ask than get it wrong :D

The smaller of the two is for the eyebolt end of the wishbone. However, unless the one on your car is pitted or damaged leave it alone. There is a locating spigot for the rear wishbone on one end of the inner fulcrum pin, and they are often stuck solid to the pin, and, it's not available as a spare part from any supplier. Easy part to turn up on a lathe though.

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 7:23 pm
by aupickup
the spare one is the same size as the rear shackle pins

you all ways 2 in a pack

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 7:24 pm
by FrankM83
thanks Den so the one that is the same size as the rear shackle pin is a spare and isn't used?

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 7:42 pm
by aupickup
yes they are the same size also maybe for the eye bolt as mt says never tried that one though must admit