Radius arm/Tension Arm Bush

[Matty]

I'm after some help if possible please gang!  I have decided to replace the bushes on the front of the radius arm/tension bar.  I have 2 manuals (haynes and a workshop manual) and they both say to remove the bar,

1. jack van and allow front suspension arms to hang free
2. remove appropriate wheel (Seems uneccessary to me but did it anyway)
3. remove tension rod front nut
4. remove tension rod rear nuts
5. remove tension rod!

For all intents and purposes this should be a 5 to 10 minute job but i cannot for the life of me manage to free the 2 rear studs on the rod from the suspension arm.  I have tried some gentle persuasion but i just can't seem to gain the last couple of millimetres needed to release the rod.

I attach a couple of pictures to show what bit i mean and what i am talking about.  Any help gratefully received!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll60/MattyChappas/radiusarm002.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll60/MattyChappas/radiusarm003.jpg

[>>CHOP<<]

Yes they are tight matty and they are a nylock  nut...use a good fitting spanner and extend it with a tube give it a squirt of easing oil (wd40)and rather that gentle persuasion...pull it like tarzan pulling a rampant gorilla off jane....

if that fails ...then heat is probebly the next option ...but you will need a new nut..

[Matty]

Hi Chop, i have got the nuts off all the threads with no hassle at all.  The problem i have is the rod will not lift up high enough to release it from the suspension arm.  The rod hits the bottom of the front shocks and no ammont of grunting will allow the rod to lift up high enough for the stud threads to clear the arm.

[>>CHOP<<]

just turn the steering fully to the left and it should have clearence,,


and if that fails just undo the ball joint and lower it...

[Matty]

Cheers Chop, i will give that a go tomorrow.

[Dell Boy]

The easiest way to do the radius arm bushes is to leave the wheel on, unscrew the large retaining nut & remove the front bush. Unbolt the mounting bracket from the chassis & pull it of the radius arm. Replace the rear bush & put everything back together. Derek.

[Matty]

Hi Derek and Chop

I have now managed to change the bushes.  Chop - good idea but turning the steering still didn't allow enough clearance to withdraw the tension bar.  Derek - spot on, removing the actual bracket that holds the front section of the tension bar is quick and simple.  Maybe you should write a "Fox" manual as the Haynes one was well off the mark!

[>>CHOP<<]

ok...never thought of just taking bracket off..good old derek...he is a star....so long as your sorted ....and happy.....we aim to please...lol