Trailing Arm large bushes

[Clifford Pope]

I've seen hole cutters advocated by people on previous threads.
It would have to be very deep though, otherwise the inner metal bush and the rubber core would surely impede progress beyond the depth of the cutting blade?

I've just re-checked the bolts after a few hundred miles and they were loose. I'd tightened them with a long extension bar when I fitted them, so I suppose it was the paint on the trailing arms quickly wearing away under the ends of the metal pin.
All tight again now, and the noise has gone.

I have to say though that the ride is slightly harsher than with the traditional rubber bushes. It seems to transmit vibration from the road surface more than it did, mainly at speeds between 50 and 60.

[Bob 1967]

There is a compromise between handling ,longevity and comfort.
The rubber originals will always be softer.
The hole saw would be used from both sides and meet in the middle.

[Clifford Pope]

Originally Posted by Bob 1967

The hole saw would be used from both sides and meet in the middle.

I thought of that, but you'd either have to dismantle the brakes, backing plate and bearing hub for access, or use something a lot shorter than an electric drill?

[Bob 1967]

Perhaps something like this?https://www.amazon.co.uk/Right-Angle...c=1&th=1&psc=1

[Derek UK]

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=53077

[crogthomas]

You are right in your assumption about polybushes being a bearing. Not all are of course, it is possible to get bonded polyurethane bushes, but I don't think anything is available for the 240 suspension.

The movement takes place between the central sleeve and the polyurethane material, which should be regularly lubricated with silicone oil or grease. The material is quite low friction, so many people don't bother with lubrication. Because of the way that the suspension moves the bush doesn't just rotate, there is some twist in other directions, which the polyurethane will accommodate.

The original rubber bushes flex and deform to allow rotational movement, which is why they must be tightened up in the at-rest relaxed position. If they are installed and sit in the flexed position they will fail early.

One of the benefits of the rubber bush is that there is no/less friction. About 20 years ago Formula one cars moved from using spherical bearings in their suspension wishbones to using carbon-fibre flexsures made as part of the wishbone for this very reason.