BajaNomad - Rubber thingie ID

Rubber thingie ID

BFS - 8-8-2010 at 12:24 PM

I have a dreaded metal to metal sound under my truck and have identified it as this worn out rubber thingie pictured (in red). Does anyone know the name of this part so I can buy a new replacement at auto zone in La Paz? Can I just undue the big nut and put on the new part or wiil the entire engine fall to the ground if I take off that nut???

Thanks!!
bfs

[Edited on 8-8-2010 by BFS]

DSC_1605.JPG - 46kB

woody with a view - 8-8-2010 at 12:26 PM

put a jack under it. looks like a bushing of some kind. have fun!

vandenberg - 8-8-2010 at 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BFS
? Can I just undue the big nut and put on the new part or wiil the entire engine fall to the ground if I take off that nut???

Thanks!!
bfs

[Edited on 8-8-2010 by BFS]

You don't seem like much of a mechanic.
I suggest letting your local handyman have a look at it before you hurt yourself. :biggrin:

bajalou - 8-8-2010 at 01:08 PM

Radius Arm bushing - I had a couple red ones go out and my mechanic suggested using the black rubber ones instead - that was 6-7 years ago and all still OK.

RnR - 8-8-2010 at 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BFS
I have a dreaded metal to metal sound under my truck and have identified it as this worn out rubber thingie pictured (in red). Does anyone know the name of this part so I can buy a new replacement at auto zone in La Paz? Can I just undue the big nut and put on the new part or wiil the entire engine fall to the ground if I take off that nut???

Thanks!!
bfs

[Edited on 8-8-2010 by BFS]

The bushing is in two pieces with one of the pieces passing through the frame bracket and making a sleeve for the threaded end of the radius arm. In order to replace both sides of the bushing, the radius arm threaded end has to be removed from the bracket so that the forward piece can be placed on the threaded stem. Either the radius arm (with the attached front axle and everything else) has to go forward or the bracket has to be removed from the frame. The service manual for the Explorer said to block up the body, lower the front axle and let it hang down, and then pry the axle forward to free the end of the radius arm. I found it easier to remove and reattach the bracket.

CAUTION: Whatever you do, keep the body blocked up and some kind of support or restraint under the axle. After the big nut is removed, the entire front end of the vehicle is balanced soley on the coil spring with a tendency to fall or lean over. The radius arm is what keeps the axle centered front to back under the vehicle!

TMW - 8-9-2010 at 08:24 AM

From the look of things I think you are going to need a lot of bushings.

Ken Cooke - 8-9-2010 at 05:43 PM

http://www.daystarweb.com/ They're manufactured in Arizona, though.

BFS - 8-16-2010 at 06:50 AM

Thanks for all the help. Auto Zone in La Paz had the part in stock for 180 pesos (for both sides) and a local mechanic (I chickened out of trying to replace it myself) had me on the road in 2 hours for another 200 pesos.

saludos!

Rubber Thingie...??!! Damn funny...

Pompano - 8-16-2010 at 07:10 AM

I luv it! VIVA BAJA..!

As for me..does anyone know of a good mechanic for my Quantum?

:rolleyes:

GEMcC5150 - 8-16-2010 at 07:54 AM

400 pesos and the work done. Only in Baja can life get any better.