Excellent! Nice clear photos too. Well done on both counts
The photo's were taken using my mobile phone. Sony Ericsson C905 Cybershot. Produces nice clear 8 million pixel photos, great photo's from a phone IMO.
Excellent! Nice clear photos too. Well done on both counts
I'm inclined to doubt that the bushes used in the factory are any different to those sold by retail Fiat parts departments. The only reason I can think of for the retail bushes being 'oversize' is that Fiat technical may have ascertained that the axle housings expand after the original bushes have been fitted and, therefore need an oversize replacement bush. This could be why they say the bushes should only be replaced once.
I can see the logic in only doing it once when the interference fit is so heavy and a press is needed to install them. The forces that the whole axle has to go through to install the bushes is tremendous and would surely weaken it if it the process was done multiple times.
But I see no reason why the bushes couldn't be replaced 4 even 5 times if the interference fit was reduced to a more suitable level. Much less force is needed to install them and obviously a lot less force is applied to the axle, perhaps extending its life.
There's no need for FIAT to have such a heavy fit on a consumer part if they were to produce model/age specific bushes of a managable interference level, instead of 1 size fits all. Maybe they just can't be bothered and are happy to keep charging owners a fortune to do the job for them.
I've now done 2 cars by reducing the interference fit to a suitable level, both are working perfectly. Time will tell I suppose. Maybe I'll start fitting them for £200.
I can see the logic in only doing it once when the interference fit is so heavy and a press is needed to install them. The forces that the whole axle has to go through to install the bushes is tremendous and would surely weaken it if it the process was done multiple times.
But I see no reason why the bushes couldn't be replaced 4 even 5 times if the interference fit was reduced to a more suitable level. Much less force is needed to install them and obviously a lot less force is applied to the axle, perhaps extending its life.
There's no need for FIAT to have such a heavy fit on a consumer part if they were to produce model/age specific bushes of a managable interference level, instead of 1 size fits all. Maybe they just can't be bothered and are happy to keep charging owners a fortune to do the job for them.
I've now done 2 cars by reducing the interference fit to a suitable level, both are working perfectly. Time will tell I suppose. Maybe I'll start fitting them for £200.
Hello Shadeyman
What size 3 leg puller did you use?
HA! But, like Davren's, mine would have been of infinitely superior quality
I used an old threaded 3 legged bearing puller by Facom.
Max Reach was 230mm
The longer the reach the better.
If you can't get the bushes machined down to a more managable interference fit, Facom also sell Hydraulic Bearing pullers that are easily capable of producing the forces needed to push the bushes in.
For a much easier fit I recomend you get them machined(carefully) and remove about 0.15mm from the overal diameter of the bush.
Good Luck
Collected the three pronged press piece from Fiat dealer today. As Decks says, mine is of "infinitely superior quality".
For anyone wanting to make this themselves, the dimentions are:
Disc diameter...... Mine 85mm. Fiat 100mm.
Disc thickness..... Mine 20mm. Fiat 10mm.
Pegs diameter..... Both 10mm.
Pegs height........ Both 22mm.
Pegs PCD........... Both 67mm.
The pegs are not equi-spaced around the PCD. i.e. they are not at 120° to each other. You would need to match the peg spacing to the cut-outs in the bush end plate.
For those wanting to take the easier route, this tool is part number 2000000400 and available from Fiat for £12.76 +VAT.
Why did I bother. :shrug:
All I need now is to get the enthusiasm to fit the bushes.
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I have just paid 19.48 for the three pronged press piece
It seems that many Fiat dealers inflate the list prices. My local dealer doesn't and charged the same price as in the current ePER i.e. £12.76 +VAT for this tool today.
Thanks for the link.
I have ordered the 3 pronged press piece and the axle support from Fiat today .
I intend on getting the bushed machined down and try inserting them using a 3 legged puller. If that does not go to plan I will see if I can hire a hydraulic press for the day.
Would you say the following puller would be suitable.
Ebay Item 180567625608 ( I am not allowed to post links yet)
The listing says 12 inch so it should be big enough, although the photo makes it look too small.
I found the job to be a lot easier than I expected after machining the bushes down. Just be carefull when machining them.
I live near Wolverhampton, if your not too far away I'll do what I can to help you.
Do you think It would be possible to sand down the bushes.