Changing GTV spring pan arms bushes

[Rewe 8]

There is a decent guide here: http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_GTV_ ... uide.shtml

 

I'd add the following though.

 

Don't ignore any knocking noises from the rear suspension. Wear in the spring pan bushes (particularly in a TS) could well result in the spring pan wearing into the soft aluminium subframe flanges, making them unsafe and resulting in you having to replace the whole subframe. (£££).

 

You have three options:

1. Powerflex bushes. Lots of people swear by these but others complain about squeaks and a slightly harsher ride - do you really need that in a GTV?

 

2. New spring pan arms from Alfa. This is what mine had. They cost a fortune, but come with new "rose joints" (actually spherical bushes)that were standard for a V6 and a good upgrade for a TS. Spring pans are often rusty anyway and it can be a false economy and dangerous to rebush a seriously weakened pan.

 

3. You could use the original spherical bushes that Alfa workshop have been able to source (rumour has it that they are a MB part).

 

It can be difficult to get the spring pan back against the resistance of the spring. There are plenty of stories of people who have broken a flange off their subframe by trying to force the pan home (new subframe time £££). If you line it up perfectly, it should just slip in. I found the easiest way was to use a jack gently under the hub and use a ratchet strap across the arm to a loop on the other side of the car to tweak it gently back and forth until it is in the right position. A press is useful for getting old bushes in and out, but it is also possible to force bushes home using a length of threaded bar, a suitable spacer, nuts and a spanner. All in all a job which is eminently achievable from home.

[Smaky 73]

Tolet you see what you are saving.... http://www.ebspares.co.uk/PNF/PNF.cfm?i ... 062432640d

 

 

And that is PLUS delivery and VAT