Replacing Xantia S2 front control arm bushes?

[HDI]

The MOT today threw up slightly worn front control arm bushes as an advisory. So, I have a pair of front control arms with completely shot bushes, which I removed from another Xantia. What is involved in fitting new bushes? I recall the rear bushes(anti roll bar end) were tricky for some reason.

[Stickyfinger]

Make a note of the angle/rotation of the bush, press in the new one at the same angle. Only tighten the fixing bolts once it is back on its wheels.

[HDI]

Can totally worn out bushes be used as a reference?

[Stickyfinger]

If so bad, I do not know.

[CitroJim]

I'm assuming you mean 'P' bushes...

Badly worn ones, where the outer has come away from the inner and alignment has been lost can't but alignment is not difficult...

Basically the long 'ear' of the bush has to line up with the ground-down casting flash on the side of the arm.. Hard to explain and a picture is worth a thousand words... I keep some old arms as templates. I'll get some pictures of them and post them up and you will then see how they align... You may well be able to see this relationship on yours...

Alignment is critical as get it wrong and they will soon wear out.

No press is needed; best to drift the old one off with a hammer and cold chisel and then drift the new one - after aligning it - with a large hammer after lightly oiling the surfaces with light machine oil.

If the old one won't come off then very carefully angle-grind but be very careful not to go through to the arm itself as this can cause weakness and be a stress-riser leading to a potential fracture...

I'll get some photos up as soon as I can.

[HDI]

Thanks Jim, that would be most appreciated.

[CitroJim]

Thanks Jim, that would be most appreciated.

No worries.. Remind me if I forget

[Timmo]

I used this diagram - 4th post t down or so, when i did mine, worked as a great guide, i rested the bush inplace and drew a line with a touch up pen on the bush and arm pin so I got it as close as possible.
https://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/ ... hp?t=28485
Am sure others have said so but just in case, Don't buy cheap bushes! Lemforder if ypu can or febi-bilstein quality,
Is not too bad a job, especially if you have a vice to hold the arm as you bash the hell out of it trying to get the old one off!

[CitroJim]

Timmo, an excellent link.. Thanks for digging that one out