Newbie Needs Advice Please.

Hi All.

I am new to the site and still feeling my way around, so be gentle

I own a 240GLi estate 1989 which i love to bits, She was run down a bit when we got her ie: brakes knackered, shocks flat, and exhaust rotten (which have now all been repaired) - The only problem that remains is a mystery, There is a knocking sound which occurs occasionally from underneath, it usually occurs when pulling away or when i drop the clutch, I have checked the propshaft bolts (which is what the manual troubleshooter says could be the problem) and had a general feel and prod underneath but can't see anything untoward. The Kwik Fit guy who supplied the exhaust said it sounds like (from my description) that the trailing arm bush's have gone, which i hear is a common complaint!? - but the knock 'feels' more towards the front of the car, especially when i press the clutch. A local garage quoted me £150 if it is indeed the bush's which sounds a bit steep to me!? - So, is there a way to check if indeed the bush's need replacing, and is it a fairly simple task for a somewhat novice? (brake disc's replacing is my most adventurous task so far).

Many thanks for any advice,

All the best,
Grub.

[Erling]

Hi Grub;
If the bushings have never been replaced, you can be quite certain that you will notice a difference. One way of checking is to get under the car with a pry bar. If you can twist the arm/axle assembly more than just a bit, the rubber is too soft (or disintegrated if very bad). Take a look at the control arm bushings too when you're at it.

An easier way is to move the steering wheel from side to side when driving (slowly!). If the rear end feels like it wants to do some steering of its own, I'd say you need new bushings.

The Haynes manual says that this is a workshop job, as replacing the TABs require a special tools. Many of us have made a copy of the tool using ordinary plumbing parts though, and done the job ourselves successfully.

If you want to see some pictures, I have put some on my 240 page:
http://home.no.net/ebrox/

[classicswede]

The hollow bushes are a real pain. £150 is very steep. If you intend to keep the car go for some poly ones you should even be able to fit them yourself with a few basic tools.

Originally Posted by Erling

If you want to see some pictures, I have put some on my 240 page:
http://home.no.net/ebrox/

Many thanks for the replies gents, and thanks for the Link Erling, i have added it to my favourites and no doubt will refer to it on many occasions.

Thanks.
Grub.