Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Moby on July 01, 2023, 02:54:03 pm

Title: Replacing bushings on sway bar.
Post by: Moby on July 01, 2023, 02:54:03 pm
I might have a line on replacing my sway bar bushings.
The hole diameter for the replacement bushings, where the pin goes through, is 0.2" smaller than what I measured for the pin.
I'm going to remeasure on my end, but I'm thinking it should work.

I'm also contemplating doing it myself.
Is this a DIY job?
  I'm thinking:
  Floor jack to support bar itself while losening connecting bolt/pin.
  Slowly release jack to lower bar arm.
  Replace bushings.
  Jack back into place.

 
Title: Re: Replacing bushings on sway bar.
Post by: wolfe10 on July 01, 2023, 03:47:20 pm
Sway bar bushings (totally unrelated to the torsilastic suspension) are very easy to replace. Sway bars are found on leaf spring and air suspensions as well.

Sway bar end link bushing replacement: As long as the coach is close to level side to side, you don't even need a jack-- the sway bar doesn't weigh that much and likely the mounting bushings will dampen movement when you take loose the end links.

Sway bar main bushings: Loosen end links. Should give you enough "wiggle room" to replace the large bushings one at a time.  Worse case is remove sway bar completely.  Be sure to lube the main bushings. Green aqualube is the common lube.
Title: Re: Replacing bushings on sway bar.
Post by: Moby on July 01, 2023, 03:53:46 pm

Sway bar end link bushing replacement:


 Do you think that .2" difference between pin size and bushing ID is significant?
(Still plan on doing a re-measure)
Title: Re: Replacing bushings on sway bar.
Post by: wolfe10 on July 01, 2023, 03:59:08 pm
Drill out the bushing center hole to the proper dimension.

It may be possible to force the pin as there is some elasticity in the bushings, but I would drill it myself.