Explorer Radius Arm Bushings
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Explorer Radius Arm Bushings
How difficult is it to replace the radius arm bushings on a 94 explorer sport 4x4 with 108K miles/automatic? One of the books I have says to basically tear apart the entire suspension for one bushing to be replaced. Anyone have any thoughts, suggestions, or experience with this?
I have a cunking noise from bumps in rough pavement right under the drivers feet. I looked at the bushings and the drivers side one looks worn and I can move the arm by hand (slightly).
Also is this a necessary fix or can it wait for a few months. The truck is only used for short trips, <8 miles each way to/from work.
thanks- darrin
I have a cunking noise from bumps in rough pavement right under the drivers feet. I looked at the bushings and the drivers side one looks worn and I can move the arm by hand (slightly).
Also is this a necessary fix or can it wait for a few months. The truck is only used for short trips, <8 miles each way to/from work.
thanks- darrin
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,742
Likes: 2
From: UT
Should be fixed, otherwise, the radius arm will wear until you end up needing a new radius arm as well.
When I've replaced RA bushings, I've cut the rivets holding the radius arm brackets to the frame and dropped the bracket from the back of the radius arm. Then replace the bushing and put the brackets back in place, using Grade 8 bolts/nuts to replace the rivets.
When I've replaced RA bushings, I've cut the rivets holding the radius arm brackets to the frame and dropped the bracket from the back of the radius arm. Then replace the bushing and put the brackets back in place, using Grade 8 bolts/nuts to replace the rivets.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 0
From: West Chester PA
Ditto. When I did mine, it took about a week and a half. There were 4 rivets on each side that needed to come out. I work at home a few days a week, and the way that I approached it was to just go out into the garage at lunch time and take care of one or two rivets a day with a grinder. After a week or so, all 8 rivets were out. (when you're done, don't forget to put some paint on the bracked where the grinder wandered to prevent rust)
Two pieces of advice. First, make sure that you have a way to get the big nuts off the back of the RA. Either a torch or a big cheater bar should work. Secondly, when you are putting it all back together and one side is done, don't tighten everything. Keep it lose because you're going to need some wiggle room to get the other side together and lined up.
Good luck!
Matt
Two pieces of advice. First, make sure that you have a way to get the big nuts off the back of the RA. Either a torch or a big cheater bar should work. Secondly, when you are putting it all back together and one side is done, don't tighten everything. Keep it lose because you're going to need some wiggle room to get the other side together and lined up.
Good luck!
Matt
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 886
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati
If you are not a choosey, you can do it in about an hour by splitting the wheel side poly bushing lengthwise to the center. With the front frame sway bar bushings unbolted, the front axle easily pulls forward about an inch. Then you just cut out the old bushing and pry on the new one. My crossmember mount had chunks of metal missing and 70K later the replacements are still running fine. That hard poly is amazing!
New User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
I'm familar with the same noise..
I just replaced the outside bushings on mine the inside wasn't that bad yet. Hopefully I can get rid of the truck before the inside wears out. The noise went away. Mine is a 91 I guess this is a common problem on older Explorers.
I just replaced the outside bushings on mine the inside wasn't that bad yet. Hopefully I can get rid of the truck before the inside wears out. The noise went away. Mine is a 91 I guess this is a common problem on older Explorers.
