Front suspension Bushes

[Garth]

I think I have traced the problem with my juddering down to the front suspension bushes. I have checked all the steering joints etc. and they all look and feel OK. When it is icy cold the juddering is worse and reduces after a few miles.
So I am after any advise about replacement bushes. Which ones to change. How to check them. How to get the old ones out etc.
So far looking on the net Polybushes seem to be the best answer. Has anyone used them, if so best type for general road use with some light off road and towing a caravan (Red or Blue).

[Range Rover Blues]

I've just fitted the Deflex ones from Rimmers to the front.  I notice that I feel every bump n th eroads surface now, the body rolls even less than before (I have very heavy Anti roll bars) and the steering is very positive. Now I just need to do the back.  I would advise polybushing the panhard rod for an upgrade on the steering, the others are a matter of preferance.

[Garth]

Haven't heard of Deflex going to have a look now.  Mine has the uprated Anti roll bars (Jan 1991) is this what you mean.

[Range Rover Blues]

Deflex are the brand that Rimmers Bros and Paddocks sell, as opposed to Iron-man or Polybush themselves.  They are stiffer than the OEM metalastic bushes and the radius arm bushes resist the rolling of the front axle (articulation), on the EFi they were stiffer to cope with the extra performance.  Our car is retro fitted with anti-roll bars front and rear from a later Range Rover, so they are standard bars, but I have twin ones on the back to cope with the weight of the LPG tanks and the dogs.  The extra stiffeness in the polybushes has stiffened the front with the same effect as the extra anti roll bar at the back, quite a difference.

[Garth]

Have ordered a full set of Deflex from Paddocks yesterday.  Reasons VERY much cheaper  (half the price of other brands) and they supply Orange bushes (midway between Blue comfort and Red hard) for a RRC.

Thank You RRC

Does anyone know the tensile rating of the bolts as I am able to get cheap fasteners from a company we use at work.  I can measure the size but the rust has taken off the rating on the head (if there ever was any)

[Garth]

Can I remove both Radius arms and the Panhard Rod at the same time. I have got all the bolts loose and have access to a fly press tommorrow to remove old bushes but its 30 miles away so I would rather not make several trips.

[Paul]

You should be ok providing you chock the wheels well.
I'd chock all four wheels just to make sure it don't move.

[Garth]

Cheers Paul
It all came to bits tooo easy for my likeing Feel like I am being lulled into a false sence of security.

[Range Rover Blues]

No all mine came apart really easily, with the exception of one radius arm bolt, behind the axle.  SO loose the water had got in and rusted the bolt into the sleeve, 3 hours to get it off.

Remember the old saying, the best way to improve a new Land Rover is tighten all the bolts up.

If the bushes don't come out with the press set fire to them!  I burned mine out with a gas torch (before you say anything the heat incinerates them, honestly) and then you can cut the steel outer with a hacksaw, once through it it looses all it's tension and slides out.

[Garth]

Hi All

Happy Dave here.

Radius Arms and Panhard rod completed on Saturday. Bushes came out fine with the fly press. Few probs lineing axle back up but nowt too difficult
Managed to get the Radius arms off without removing the steering arm so made life a bit easyer (I hate ball joints).  Took out for road test and much better still has a bit of vibration but feels more like an out of balance wheel rather than "square" wheels.  Whent to change shocker bushes today and drivers side was changed no problem but when removing the pass. side two of the cone bolts snapped and as I have to use it tomorrow I thought I had better stop there till I get a new mounting plate, (the one that goes on top of the spring) I presume the bolts are captive to the plate.

Dave

[Garth]

I forgot to mention regarding tightness of bolts all the bolts on the radius arms were quite loose as in a normal ratchet brought them loose with no great "OOOSS"

[Range Rover Blues]

Yes the bolts are captive in a plate that is sandwiched by the road spring, for what they cost I'd fit 2 new ones whilst your at it.  You'll need to remove the damper though and lift the car away from the axle or use a spring comressor I'd guess.

[Garth]

Allready done one side with no problems.  Acording to the manual no need for spring compressors just remove shocker mounts and drop axal till spring becomes free. Whatching the brake pipes though.  I will post result.  When complete

[Garth]

Manual was wrong spring compressors definately needed (lucky I had some)  I was removing damper anyway to fit Deflex bushes.  All done now so waiting for drive to work to find out results