Track bar bushing, question for the machinest on board.

[moparguy]

I replaced the trackbar bushing the other day with a Carquest bushing made by Moog, pn K7252. And it tightened things up.



Now I'm wondering if I could have a better replacement bushing turned from brass stock. For those that haven't seen the stock bushing, it's about 1 1/2" in dia. with a 1/2 sleeve in the center. Outer shell is steel with rubber then the sleeve for the mounting bolt.



My thoughts are to turn a replacement brass bushing the same size as the hole in the end of the trackbar, prehaps boring the center mounting hole to accept the recycled steel sleeve from the stock bushing. Then freeze the new bushing and install it in the heated end of the track bar.



Now for the questions, do I need the steel insert, reason for including it is wear concerns. Second, would freezing the brass bushing allow it to be a hand install in the heated opening of the track bar, I thinking heat to 300 or so degrees.



And lastly, would this be a forever replacement that would tighten up the stock track bar. I've already installed the Lindstad kit on the other end and would like to not re-visit this issue again.



Thanks, Ronnie

 

['956Wheel]

Use "naval bronze" as it will wear better than brass, brass is too soft for load type bearings. When machining the O. D. of any press fit bearing give it a tapered lead to allow easy installation. Heat on the part that has the bore will give you more expansion than cold will do contraction due to the mass of material. Heat gently from the outermost area (away from bore) so as to "allow" expansion. Yes you can, and will, get the bore to open up by heating it directly however you are expanding material within an area of "no give". Use a rosebud torch tip and GENTLY heat the piece. 400*- 450* with a templestick will do it. If you do not have all that is needed to do it right send it out.



Hope this helps.



Mike



P. S. Where in AR are you... I got a sister in Pea Ridge.

 

[tgbol]

The steering should feel even tighter than it does now. The only problem I can think of is that you will notice more harshness and road noise. I am sure that the track bar can be machined to take a hiem joint as to relieve the binding that a solid bushing might cause.

 

[Briar Hopper]

The bushings available from Energy Suspension are really low-cost, high-quality. I'd go that route.

 

[moparguy]

Thanks for the feedback guys, I may give this a try just to see how it works. If I do I'll report back.



Mike, I'm in the south central part of the state, wish I were in the Pea Ridge area, it's nice up there.



Thanks Ronnie



PS, any additional input is welcome.