Tringsaint
Member Since: 25 Mar 2019
Location: Tring
Posts: 20
  
|
| Misaligned chassis bush in rear subframe |
|
Hi,
I am trying to fit a witter towbar and have removed the two retaining bolts from the frame but in doing so two bits have sprung out of alignment.
The first is a metal plate that is bolted to a spring weight - this I can sort of move but can this be loosened and realigned.
The second is the bush itself inside the frame. I have tried everything to loosen it (I can make it turn but not loose) and this has moved 2-3mm out of alignment.
Any thoughts on how to sort the bush?
Thx
|
 16th Feb 2020 4:44 pm |
|
|
L319
Member Since: 14 Dec 2013
Location: Herefordshire
Posts: 2080
|
On mine there was a small hexagon on the end of the stud sticking out of the internal bush which I used to stop it from turning when undoing the nut . Having freed the nut a turn or so I was then able by putting a ring spanner on the small hexagon move it around to align with the hole, and start the screw.
|
| 16th Feb 2020 5:38 pm |
|
|
Tringsaint
Member Since: 25 Mar 2019
Location: Tring
Posts: 20
|
I have tried the little hex nut but couldn’t shift it. Suspect it’s seized up.
|
| 16th Feb 2020 5:41 pm |
|
|
L319
Member Since: 14 Dec 2013
Location: Herefordshire
Posts: 2080
|
Yu could split the nut off & replace with a new one.
|
| 16th Feb 2020 5:49 pm |
|
|
Tringsaint
Member Since: 25 Mar 2019
Location: Tring
Posts: 20
|
How would that work?
I would then have a bush floating in the frame I can’t get to and would then need another to refit (or am I misunderstanding)?
|
| 16th Feb 2020 5:55 pm |
|
|
Hardware
Member Since: 28 Jun 2016
Location: Hiding under the M60
Posts: 12709
 
|
Can you not get a thinner diameter bolt into the bush then wriggle bush back into correct position? .
Dean
====================================
2011 D4 XS - OBD port protection, RLD spare wheel protector, All LED interiors lights, Timed Climate enabled, iiD tool paired.
2011 D4 Landmark - Stolen from same dealer before I paid for it
2011 D4 GS - Stolen whilst at dealer  ... All LED interiors lights, DRLs, Spare Wheel protector.
1996 300Tdi - Eaten by tin worms
|
| 16th Feb 2020 6:01 pm |
|
|
Tringsaint
Member Since: 25 Mar 2019
Location: Tring
Posts: 20
|
Tried that.
Unfortunately the  from Solihull who made it has done such a poor job that it is solid.
Why did I ever sell my Toyota for this?
|
| 16th Feb 2020 6:10 pm |
|
|
Tringsaint
Member Since: 25 Mar 2019
Location: Tring
Posts: 20
|
I’m thinking that the only option will be to cut the bolt off on the side with the hex nut and then try and remove the bush from where it’s located and then just put a longer bolt through. Only problem is that there is a plate on the outer edge so if I cut the bolt off flat with that then there will be 3/4 mm of bolt still in that hole plus the thickness of the frame itself, so 5-6mm of bolt will remain attached to the bush and with that I don’t think I can remove the bush from its position.
Am truly stuck with this. Just can’t understand why they used such a fiddly little hex bolt to hold the bush, knowing it would get covered in road grime and would corrode making it impossible to undo.
Can’t think why the uk car makers all went bust - maybe it was something to do with the bad engineering and poor workmanship!
|
| 16th Feb 2020 6:20 pm |
|
|
lynalldiscovery
Member Since: 22 Dec 2009
Location: Maidstone
Posts: 7274
|
Sell it
|
| 16th Feb 2020 6:27 pm |
|
|
Tringsaint
Member Since: 25 Mar 2019
Location: Tring
Posts: 20
|
Don’t tempt me!!
I actually need to fit the tow bar as I am picking up some sheep in 2 weeks.
Stupidly I thought this would be a 2 hour job, going to turn into a marathon I think on account of one misaligned bush!!
Taking it to a garage tomorrow to see if they can sort.
|
| 16th Feb 2020 6:33 pm |
|
|
Globetrotter448
Member Since: 21 Mar 2017
Location: Londonderry NSW
Posts: 1782
 
|
Trying to visualise, do you have any pictures
|
| 16th Feb 2020 11:38 pm |
|
|
Tringsaint
Member Since: 25 Mar 2019
Location: Tring
Posts: 20
|
Just imagine 3 misaligned holes with 2 misaligned 180 degrees from each other by 2-3 mm in opposing directions
Just a mess!
Poor welding is the cause of one and the other, god only knows ( or the guy who put it together!!)
|
| 17th Feb 2020 12:55 am |
|
|
Tringsaint
Member Since: 25 Mar 2019
Location: Tring
Posts: 20
|
Managed to finally loosen the bolt with the aid of a creme brulee torch!
Now just struggling to get the arms to line up with the flange plate.
Maybe I have put them on the wrong sides but something is definitely amiss!
|
| 17th Feb 2020 10:49 am |
|
|
sputnixb51
Member Since: 23 Apr 2013
Location: Morayshire
Posts: 833
 
|
When I had this problem I tapered the bolt end and also filed grooves at an angle the temper pulls the bush into line and the grooves aid keeping the female thread clean as you bolt it up
|
| 17th Feb 2020 11:44 am |
|
|
Tringsaint
Member Since: 25 Mar 2019
Location: Tring
Posts: 20
|
Finally, after much swearing, it’s fitted!
Just have to hope it doesn’t fall off now!! 😳
|
| 17th Feb 2020 11:48 am |
|
|
