Replacing rollbar bushes.

[David G Rand]

I have a 1997 Maverick 2.7 diesel, 5xdoor model and I'd like to attempt replacing the bushes on rollbar/s.
Can I do this with just a jack, or must vehicle be on a ramp; are there two or one rollbars and where is best place to buy bushes?
I'm sure these questions will seem silly to many of you out there, but I know nothing about this sort of stuff and I'm on a vertical learning path and need all the advice I can get.

 

[jims-terrano]

Personally I like the orange coloured polly bushes from Milners, we get discount too which to be honest normally covers postage but ever little counts.

I have to ask why do you want to replace them?

Reason I ask is that I've never had to replace the centre bushes under the clamps below the radiator. The anti roll bar link bushes on the ends of the roll bars usually last longer than the actual links. I would think that the blts for the centre bushes would be well and truly rusted in too so will easily snap. Personally if it isn't broke don't fix it is my opinion.

When I did my front antiroll bar links I needed my jack and axle stand to do one side at a time. Think I did the same when I did a rear too.

Good luck what ever you do.

 

[solarman216]

there are two ARB's front and rear, the front can be done without a jack on level ground, remove the two U brackets and the nuts in bottom of bottom wishbone and do the rest on the bench, the rear is not so easy to get too so ramps etc to be able to get under, Rick

 

[David G Rand]

Personally I like the orange coloured polly bushes from Milners, we get discount too which to be honest normally covers postage but ever little counts.

I have to ask why do you want to replace them?

Reason I ask is that I've never had to replace the centre bushes under the clamps below the radiator. The anti roll bar link bushes on the ends of the roll bars usually last longer than the actual links. I would think that the blts for the centre bushes would be well and truly rusted in too so will easily snap. Personally if it isn't broke don't fix it is my opinion.

When I did my front antiroll bar links I needed my jack and axle stand to do one side at a time. Think I did the same when I did a rear too.

Good luck what ever you do.

Vehicle had done 60,000 miles when I bought it and has now covered 61,000, but it used to roll really badly. I replaced shocks with, Monroe gas filled Adventure shocks, but though there was distinct lessening of roll, it is still present to a worrying degree; it therefore seems to me that the rollbar bushes might be at fault. When turning slowly and pulling away on right or left lock, it seems that the rear wheel is trying to walk away from the car and as I know nothing about Mavericks, I'm guessing that having fitted new shocks and finding an unacceptable degree of roll is still present, the next option would be rollbar bushes.
I suppose I could inspect bushes before ordering them?
I agree totally with the, "If it ain't broke don't mend it", school of thought, but the amount of roll I have suggests that something needs mending - just that I'm only guessing at what it could be.

 

[jims-terrano]

When you mentioned the rear axle walking away, this could be something else. Do you happen to know when the rear diff oil was last changed and if correct oil was used. If you can't say for sure, get your rear diff oil changed and make sure genuine limited slip diff oil is used and not gear oil as some people would stick in. There are seperate threads regarding diff oil and correct type to use.

There is more roll than a standard car tho so if theres another member close by you see if you can get together and compare.

Check your rear anti roll bar links too, when they are worn you can get a feeling of movement too, well I did or at least felt firmer once replaced.

 

[perelaar]

I think the drop links (the vertical arms coming down to your arb) would be shot before the bushes. Piece of cake to replace, once you get all the nuts undone.

I did mine (1997 T2), front and back, using a car jack and axle stands. Never get under your car when it's only supported by a jack!

 

[David G Rand]

Replacing ARB bushes.

When you mentioned the rear axle walking away, this could be something else. Do you happen to know when the rear diff oil was last changed and if correct oil was used. If you can't say for sure, get your rear diff oil changed and make sure genuine limited slip diff oil is used and not gear oil as some people would stick in. There are seperate threads regarding diff oil and correct type to use.

There is more roll than a standard car tho so if theres another member close by you see if you can get together and compare.

Check your rear anti roll bar links too, when they are worn you can get a feeling of movement too, well I did or at least felt firmer once replaced.

I'd like to thank all members for info you've offered me.
I have a trolley jack, but it seems I'll need a couple of axle stands as well: any suggestions for good value stands?
I just need stands that'll do the job - nothing too pricey - Halfords, maybe?
As I'll be working on a grassy area I'll wait for the ground to dry out before I start crawling around under Mav.
I live in Norfolk (NR29 5DB) and if any Maverick owner is ever in the area and would like an excellent cup or two of fine coffee, you'll be most welcome.
The Mav is due for its MOT on 23rd February and it was my intention to have all liquids changed then. I bought Mav last September and it had been used mainly on a farm and from it's MOT in Feb of 2012 to it's MOT in Feb 2015 it had only clocked 618 miles and to date has only done 61,485 miles. My normal mileage is usually about 50/60 miles per week and as I'll be having all oils changed at MOT in Feb, perhaps it'd be OK for me to check for correct oil in rear diff, then?
I'd be happy to hear of anyone in Norfolk who has a reliable track-record for servicing Mavericks.

Thanks for all your help, folks.

 

[jims-terrano]

Got to say I would probably prefer to go somewhere for strong axle stands, lets face it how much is your life worth? No idea what Halfords kit is like or anywhere else really as had mine for years. For what it's worth I also stick a wheeel under the car too if I've removed one. I guess it also depends how firm the grass is but I would have thought you would have problems with jack never mind axle stands sinking. Be very careful what ever you do.
I guess such low mileage that you are doing it won't harm too much to wait for mot time for the fluids. Do get correct grades of fluids though, plenty of threads on here regarding oil grades and it does make a difference.

 

[perelaar]

As said, don't save money on the safety. The higher-rated jacks will most likely also be higher, if you get budget jacks for cars you might not even have the wheels off the ground when the car is put on the jacks

For working on the grassy area: put a wooden or multiplex panel under the trolley and the jacks, so they don't sink into the grass.

For info on bushes, oil grades etc check out the workshop downloads. And if you plan on doing more work on your car, do become a member - it was the best £10 I ever spent...

 

[David G Rand]

replacing rollbar bushes.

As said, don't save money on the safety. The higher-rated jacks will most likely also be higher, if you get budget jacks for cars you might not even have the wheels off the ground when the car is put on the jacks

For working on the grassy area: put a wooden or multiplex panel under the trolley and the jacks, so they don't sink into the grass.

For info on bushes, oil grades etc check out the workshop downloads. And if you plan on doing more work on your car, do become a member - it was the best £10 I ever spent...

I thought I was a member already!

 

[Banshee]

I thought I was a member already!

You are from what I can see

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