Front Anti Roll Bar Bushes - any pointers?

Gigagator · 14th August 2018, 20:06

Hi all,

Looks like my front anti roll bar bushes need replacing, so have picked up a new set from DMGRS.

I am generally looking at doing more work on my own cars so wondering if anybody knows of a good how-to to replace these - is it doable by oneself using ramps or axle stands?

Owning a Rover 75 and a 25 has been, if anything, a brilliant lesson in doing car maintenance as I've always taken mine to garages to get work done - even oil and filter changes which I will never pay someone to do again if I can help it.

Thanks all in advance.

*EDIT: Forgot to mention it’s a 1.8 ‘55 plate if that makes any difference.

RogerHeinz57 · 15th August 2018, 10:36

Re: Front anti roll bar bushes on a 75.
Not the worlds end of jobs to do on a 75, but as always on suspension work on these has its own limitations in terms of room and access.
I have done a few of these and you will find your own way as many of us do, but some advice:
The obvious one is to support the vehicle SAFELY !
The new bushes go in DRY, but ensure the contact points are clean.
Observe the torque setting for the bolts, many have over-tightened these resulting in bolts snapping, which will result in much fun removing the broken part from the subframe. One of the ones I did had to have the subframe removed as no snapped bolt tools could be used in the exercise due to a lack of room.
Disconnect the drop links off the front to allow freedom of the bar.

These are the the things I did, and found it an ok job to do.

Good luck.

Gigagator · 18th August 2018, 21:01

Thanks for the advice.

Unfortunately, I chickened out of doing it myself - took a look underneath while I had it on ramps to do the lower engine mount, saw the location of bushes and though "Err, they look like a PITA to get to".

Maybe if weather is better when they need doing again (was drizzling all day), I will have a go myself.

My preferred garage charged an hours labour as I supplied the bushes, fair enough really.

Pleased with the results, no faint knocking noises when going over small bumps in the road now. Coupled with my new lower engine mount it's like a new car!

Jakg · 20th August 2018, 19:33

For future reference they are easily doable DIY on axle stands, it just takes a bit of time to find the right position to get a spanner on them. Counter-intuitively I found better access from behind.

paul d · 20th August 2018, 20:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jakg

For future reference they are easily doable DIY on axle stands, it just takes a bit of time to find the right position to get a spanner on them. Counter-intuitively I found better access from behind.

Have to agree, from behind is a bit easier & a knuckle head ratchet spanner also helps

Regards

Paul

trikey · 20th August 2018, 20:45

The best way is to drop the subframe, refurb it then fit the bushes while its out

Sheraton · 21st August 2018, 01:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by trikey

The best way is to drop the subframe, refurb it then fit the bushes while its out

Maybe next year.

I DO have these Bushes to do tho

I'm not too Comfortable working under the Car on stands at the End of my street

I'll maybe pay to get them done

I don't mind tackling the top-end engine rebuild tho

Paul.

14th August 2018, 20:06	#1
Gigagator Avid contributor Rover 75 Saloon, Rover 25, Mazda 6 Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Cardiff Posts: 219 Thanks: 143 Thanked 112 Times in 49 Posts	Front Anti Roll Bar Bushes - any pointers? Hi all, Looks like my front anti roll bar bushes need replacing, so have picked up a new set from DMGRS. I am generally looking at doing more work on my own cars so wondering if anybody knows of a good how-to to replace these - is it doable by oneself using ramps or axle stands? Owning a Rover 75 and a 25 has been, if anything, a brilliant lesson in doing car maintenance as I've always taken mine to garages to get work done - even oil and filter changes which I will never pay someone to do again if I can help it. Thanks all in advance. EDIT: Forgot to mention it’s a 1.8 ‘55 plate if that makes any difference. Last edited by Gigagator; 14th August 2018 at 21:38..*

15th August 2018, 10:36	#2
RogerHeinz57 I really should get out more....... A Reasonably Priced Car Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Burton Latimer Posts: 2,530 Thanks: 408 Thanked 1,064 Times in 712 Posts	Re: Front anti roll bar bushes on a 75. Not the worlds end of jobs to do on a 75, but as always on suspension work on these has its own limitations in terms of room and access. I have done a few of these and you will find your own way as many of us do, but some advice: The obvious one is to support the vehicle SAFELY ! The new bushes go in DRY, but ensure the contact points are clean. Observe the torque setting for the bolts, many have over-tightened these resulting in bolts snapping, which will result in much fun removing the broken part from the subframe. One of the ones I did had to have the subframe removed as no snapped bolt tools could be used in the exercise due to a lack of room. Disconnect the drop links off the front to allow freedom of the bar. These are the the things I did, and found it an ok job to do. Good luck. Last edited by RogerHeinz57; 15th August 2018 at 10:37.. Reason: .

18th August 2018, 21:01	#3
Gigagator Avid contributor Rover 75 Saloon, Rover 25, Mazda 6 Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Cardiff Posts: 219 Thanks: 143 Thanked 112 Times in 49 Posts	Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately, I chickened out of doing it myself - took a look underneath while I had it on ramps to do the lower engine mount, saw the location of bushes and though "Err, they look like a PITA to get to". Maybe if weather is better when they need doing again (was drizzling all day), I will have a go myself. My preferred garage charged an hours labour as I supplied the bushes, fair enough really. Pleased with the results, no faint knocking noises when going over small bumps in the road now. Coupled with my new lower engine mount it's like a new car!

20th August 2018, 19:33	#4
Jakg This is my second home N/A Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Suffolk Posts: 6,867 Thanks: 0 Thanked 397 Times in 302 Posts	For future reference they are easily doable DIY on axle stands, it just takes a bit of time to find the right position to get a spanner on them. Counter-intuitively I found better access from behind.

20th August 2018, 20:45	#6
trikey Premium Trader Rover 75 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Devon Posts: 33,764 Thanks: 8,837 Thanked 14,831 Times in 8,030 Posts	The best way is to drop the subframe, refurb it then fit the bushes while its out