ScottR

I've got a knocking sound coming from the front when braking and over speed bumps.

Garage tells me my anti-roll bar bushes are worn.

But, they are saying it needs a new bar too because it's a bit corroded and the powder coating is worn where the bushes go and therefore new bushes would not fit snug.

Sounds feasible but that pushes the price up somewhat - £3.76 for each bush, £273 for roll bar (+labour and +VAT of course!!).

So, was thinking, assuming it's still straight and no damaged in anyway, would I be able to get the roll bar refurbished? I guess it's tricky to get it back to the same diameter for the bushes to fit tight?

Anyone done this?

And anyone know where could get this done in the UK (south-east)?

Thanks
Scott

warmfuzzies

For that price you could go H&R adjustable and get new bushes to boot....

http://www.design911.co.uk/steering_susp_hr.htm £261+del and vat....

kevin

ScottR

Hmmmmm

Now that seems tempting and cheaper than the OEM part!

Is this a good aftermarket make?

I've fitted roll bars to my beetle (old) and VW camper, which were simple enough. Is it a DIY job on the 964?

Garage has quoted me 1.5 hours labour, so I could save myself 90+

boxsey911

The body of the bush is the same regardless of the bore. Your standard bar would normally require a 20 mm bushes (I'm assuming it's a C2). If there's no coating left you could use 19 mm bushes to make it snug.

I noticed that my bar was also a bit worn when I replaced my bushes but it certainly didn't appear to have weakened. I used the newer 20 mm poly bushes which fit very snuggly on the bar. However, they cost nearly £30 a pair.

If changing the bar I would go with Kevin's option because the H+R kit gives you front AND rear bars for that price AND they are thicker

ScottR

It's actually a C4, so does that make a difference?

Thanks for the advice. I'm picking the car up tomorrow so will have a look at the bars condition to see which way to go.

I didn't pick up on the fact that the H&R price was for front and rear - even more of a bargain!

boxsey911

According to PET, the C2 and C4 both have 20 mm front bars unless they have the M030 option in which case the bars are 22 mm. To be safe, I measured the diameter of mine before buying new bushes just in case the bar had been changed in the past.

demonfish

does the H+R kit come with droplinks? i need to replace my rears.

Thats a very good price for a pair of bars. very very tempted before my geo.

PWW

The H&R does not come with drop links but does come with new bushes (I have the kit).
ScottR where in Kent are you I have a spare in good condition with good bushes of my 90 c4 (72k miles) if your interested (I'm near Bromley)
If you can change one on the camper you'll be able to do the 964 also (you obviously have the tools)

boxsey911

Slightly off topic question but if changing the ARB, is it just a simple case of undoing the bottom nuts on the drop links with one spanner? I've not seen where you would put a second (locking) spanner while doing this?

Of course, I know that the ARB bushes need to be removed aswell because I've already renewed but the drop link question came into my mind when examining it for future reference.

ScottR

PWW - I'm in Sevenoaks, so not far from you.

Could be a good option, how much are you asking?

Annoyingly I picked the car up this morning, hoping to get there whilst it was still on the ramps to see the condition but they'd already taken it down and now of course it's covered back up. So I don't quite know what mine looks like as a comparison - now I've got to get out there in the cold and wet to check!!

joey bagadonuts

Do you mean a wrench? Yes, you put a wrench on one side and a socket on the other (parts # 24 & 25). It's fairly straightforward. On the rears, you usually need to loosen the nut sitting atop the trailing arm (#23) to detach the bar.

PWW

Scott call it an early christmas present...
BTW who's the garage you been taking it to.

boxsey911

Thanks Joey. I didn't see anything that looks like a head of through bolt, as shown in your diagram, that I could get a second wrench () on. Maybe it's corroded so badly that I didn't spot it. I'll check again when I get the chance.

And for those refurbing their bushes, here's a pic of how worn they could be if they've never been changed:

ScottR

Too kind Sir! I knew Father Christmas was real!!! I'll PM you.

I take mine to La Rose, in Kemsing just outside Sevenoaks - on the A25 towards Borough Green. They share premises with Paul Devyea.

How about you?

PWW

Pm received.
I wondered if you knew about La Rose in Kemsing they know what there doing.
I know Cliff quite well (there tech and a good bloke). Dont tell him you got the bar from me or he'll loosen my valves when I'm not looking next time I pop down for a coffee.
As for me I use my very own hands....and the money saved goes to buying other goodies.