Suspension: 140: - Rear Bushes

Snowman · Oct 7th, 2008, 11:10

I suspect that the rear end of my 144 is due a bit of attention and as I reckon the bushes are getting dated, have added that little job to my list. I'm inclined to got for poly but wonder if anyone has done the job and just how hard was it with 'home mechanic' kit?

Sam Barker · Oct 13th, 2008, 21:41

I've been working overseas a lot......
Rear bushes are loads easier than the fronts.
Good axle stands, and solid bits of car to keep them underneath, I used the jacking points on mine, they are still good. I only mention this cos one of my alfas slowly tried to kill me as the axle stands gradually were forced upwards (or the body downwards) as the rusty sills gave way.....

Anyhow, the bolts are all easy to access, you may need to put aside half a day for hacksawing, the worse were the lower control arms to axle, I just cut them through, you can buy replacements easier than pratting about with 40 year old "nylocks".

The best tool I ever bought was this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BALL-...mZ310087506567

It just pushed the old bushes out, and the new ones in lovely. Never seen them for sale in the UK though.

Mine's all polybushed now and it's ace, my only regret was I also fitted a cage at the same time so I don't know if the stiffness and "precision" came from the bushes or the cage.

Either way, it's an easy weekend, and go crazy with hammerite, waxoyl and copper slip while you are under there!

Snowman · Oct 14th, 2008, 10:00

Thanks Sam

Looks like I can do it then. Don't think I would have trusted a jacking point on any of my Alfas in the past, very brave of you!

On another issue, if you like to 'use' your 144, there could be a vacancy in the 144 team doing this years LeJog www.hero.org.uk. We won the team prize last year and the team entry makes a whopping difference to the price. Huge fun, I've done it six times and still look forward to it every year. Let me know if you're interested.

Sam Barker · Oct 15th, 2008, 22:51

Hi S-Man,
Well, the Alfa had done that clever trick of looking solid from the outside......

I'm afraid I'll not be able to do the Le Jog just yet, too much other stuff, and no money I'm afraid. Maybe in a couple of years time, if I haven't gone bonkers and tried to convert the 144 to a dragster!

All the best, I've still got that radiator....

Sam

Oct 7th, 2008, 11:10	#1
Snowman never knowingly slow Last Online: Aug 8th, 2012 09:31 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: near Bath	Rear Bushes I suspect that the rear end of my 144 is due a bit of attention and as I reckon the bushes are getting dated, have added that little job to my list. I'm inclined to got for poly but wonder if anyone has done the job and just how hard was it with 'home mechanic' kit?

Oct 13th, 2008, 21:41	#2
Sam Barker Member Last Online: Aug 26th, 2020 14:12 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Lymm	Howdy Snowman! I've been working overseas a lot...... Rear bushes are loads easier than the fronts. Good axle stands, and solid bits of car to keep them underneath, I used the jacking points on mine, they are still good. I only mention this cos one of my alfas slowly tried to kill me as the axle stands gradually were forced upwards (or the body downwards) as the rusty sills gave way..... Anyhow, the bolts are all easy to access, you may need to put aside half a day for hacksawing, the worse were the lower control arms to axle, I just cut them through, you can buy replacements easier than pratting about with 40 year old "nylocks". The best tool I ever bought was this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BALL-...mZ310087506567 It just pushed the old bushes out, and the new ones in lovely. Never seen them for sale in the UK though. Mine's all polybushed now and it's ace, my only regret was I also fitted a cage at the same time so I don't know if the stiffness and "precision" came from the bushes or the cage. Either way, it's an easy weekend, and go crazy with hammerite, waxoyl and copper slip while you are under there!

Oct 14th, 2008, 10:00	#3
Snowman never knowingly slow Last Online: Aug 8th, 2012 09:31 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: near Bath	Thanks Sam Looks like I can do it then. Don't think I would have trusted a jacking point on any of my Alfas in the past, very brave of you! On another issue, if you like to 'use' your 144, there could be a vacancy in the 144 team doing this years LeJog www.hero.org.uk. We won the team prize last year and the team entry makes a whopping difference to the price. Huge fun, I've done it six times and still look forward to it every year. Let me know if you're interested.

Oct 15th, 2008, 22:51	#4
Sam Barker Member Last Online: Aug 26th, 2020 14:12 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Lymm	Hi S-Man, Well, the Alfa had done that clever trick of looking solid from the outside...... I'm afraid I'll not be able to do the Le Jog just yet, too much other stuff, and no money I'm afraid. Maybe in a couple of years time, if I haven't gone bonkers and tried to convert the 144 to a dragster! All the best, I've still got that radiator.... Sam

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