Re: [Amc-list] Replacing Strut-Rod Bushings and old tires

[Ken Ames <ameskg@xxxxxxxxx>]

I had a 15 or so year old tire separate on my 80 AMX today. It happened in just
a few seconds - from smooth to almost shaking the car apart. The tire needed
replacing anyway but I had hoped it wouldn't have been so spectacular. The tire
might have lasted longer but right in the middle of the tread where it went
out-of-round is a hole from an old repair. Tire was patched but not plugged. I
suspect the cords got wet throuhg the opening and corroded.

Ken


Quoting Armand Eshleman <aje1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>:

> So far I have not encountered any difficulty with my poly strut rod bushings
> (all four pieces are poly) with the washers aligned thusly,   ( = washer,
> (bushing/bracket/bushing). When I pick the car up on a jack they sort of act
> like a droop limiter, but still the poly bushings give a bit so it appears
> OK. My original factory rubber bushings lasted about 100,000 miles and about
> 12 or so years. Then I put the car in storage for about 18 years. When it
> went back into cruising mode the bushings were shot but still there, just no
> longer had the ability to hold any true alignment.
> I am bout to put a new set of tires or wheels and tires, (haven't decided
> which wheels to go to) so I'll know even more with the new tires how the
> alignment holds. Over the years of driving the car for a daily runner, I
> never experienced evil alignment problems or poor handling until recently.
> The only reason it's bad now is because the tires were new in 1977 (rear)
> and 1980 (front). Those old bias ply are like Fred Flintstone tires now, and
> the car will follow cracks, it's so amusing. Can't wait to get new skins for
> it.
> 
> Armand
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "John Elle" <johnelle@xxxxxxxxx>
> To: <amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Saturday, June 02, 2007 2:47 PM
> Subject: [Amc-list] Replacing Strut-Rod Bushings.
> 
> 
> >
> > Snip
> > > What's your experience been with the one piece bushings? At least from
> > > the illustrations I've seen, it looks like that's what's available
> > now.
> >
> > really? You mean Rambler OEM 1963 style, where you push them through
> > from one side and a fat washer distorts them into "grommets"?
> >
> > The only modern types I've seen
> > Snip
> >
> > My experience has not been bad with strut rod bushings, however I have
> > not and do not own anything
> > older than 1970.
> > All of my 1970 and 1980 TSM' show that both the single and 2 piece
> > bushings are interchangeable
> > as far as application goes. However the line drawings clearly show that
> > if the single piece unit is
> > installed the cup shaped "fat" washers should be installed with the
> > pregnant side facing towards the
> > bushing on both sides. While if the 2 piece bushing is used the pregnant
> > side should be facing
> > away from the bushings.
> > To further clarify the installation of these parts, my 1974 TSM clearly
> > shows that if you use the one
> > piece bushing, the "fat" washer in front, pregnant side faces away from
> > the bushing while the one in
> > back clearly shows the pregnant side facing towards the bushing.
> > 'While if you use the 2 piece bushing both "fat" washers  pregnant side
> > face away from the bushing.
> > Now to further clarify the issue the 2 piece bushings have been all that
> > I have been using until now.
> > The set of instructions given with them clearly show a line drawing
> > application for Fords with a
> > direction arrow that seems opposite of the AMC on them with one pregnant
> > side facing towards
> > the bushing and the other facing away and I believe that one is shown
> > mounted on the end of
> > the strut rod.
> > All of these instructions have the common thread that the "fat" washers
> > should be used. However
> > I guess the idea is to pick the best application by going eenie, meenie,
> > Minie, Moe!
> > How ever I would be willing to place a good bet on the fact that if
> > installed correctly, they will work
> > correctly. I really have not had a problem with them on my cars, nor on
> > ones I have rebuilt for
> > others.
> > The latest purchase (from Kanter) supplied me with 2 sets of one piece
> > strut rod bushings.
> > At this point in time I have not used them yet and as there is some
> > question as to which
> > installation procedure is correct when I figure it out and install them
> > I will get back to some one.
> > John.
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