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xoo00oox Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2010 Posts: 2672 Location: East Nassau, NY
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Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2017 3:29 pm Post subject: |
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epowell wrote: |
Christopher Schimke wrote: |
Junk! |
...hmmmmm, but maybe some feedback not from someone in the "high end" bushings business would be more objective.
Thanks anyway |
Christopher is real-deal, take a look back at all the years worth of free advice he has given here on this forum. Probably more than any other member here. He is always very quick to give good advice concerning wheel fitment, nobody knows more on the subject than him. He stocks and sells the parts he knows work. Buying good quality parts the first time saves you a huge amount of work, and as a shop owner, I can tell you it saves you from a very expensive come-back. |
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61Scout Samba Member
Joined: November 06, 2011 Posts: 1297 Location: Shoreline/Yakima WA
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Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2017 6:05 pm Post subject: |
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epowell wrote: |
Christopher Schimke wrote: |
Junk! |
...hmmmmm, but maybe some feedback not from someone in the "high end" bushings business would be more objective.
Thanks anyway |
While it's true that T3 sells "high end" bushings, if you read the forums in depth you'll find that Christopher does a lot of product testing, especially in his specialty. If he tells you a part is junk, you can trust his judgement. I appreciate that he saves the community from buying junk/garbage parts. Shopping at T3 is easy because you know the parts are of good quality and have been properly researched/tested. I think a more fair evaluation would be to say that T3 sells "high performance" and "high quality" parts/components. Beyond the parts, customer service is speedy and top notch.
All in all, there are very few (if any) folks on TS who seem intent on using the platform for self promotion. Those who do are usually weeded out, some are banned. It certainly can be frustrating to be constantly buying parts (and in the beginners case, tools/equipment) but this is part of the hobby. And choosing to restore a classic VW is among the more expensive badges to undertake as a project. In the US, certainly a Chevy, Ford, Toyota, etc are all far less expensive. Anyway, we've all felt wallet fatigue. It sucks. But in terms of buying parts, I would suggest to always buy the best parts you can afford. It can be more expensive upfront, but in the long run saves money and time.
Kevin _________________ 1986 Westfalia Weekender Wolfsburg, RJE 2.3
1985 Tin Top, Subie 2.2 + 5MT
Floppy Mirrors no more: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=653018&highlight=
Remove the front spindle nut with ease: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=679567&highlight=
Remove the rear wheel bearing housing without messing with the big 46mm nut: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=679507&highlight=
-Nec Spe, Nec Metu |
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levi Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2005 Posts: 5522 Location: Las Vegas
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Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2017 7:21 pm Post subject: Re: Upper control arm bushing failure (pictures) |
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What you've inferred about Christopher is not cool.
Suggest that you retract that statement. _________________ One of these days I'm gonna settle down,
but till I do I won't be hangin round.
Going down that long lonesome highway,
gonna see life my way
https://youtu.be/cSrL0BXsO40 |
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Jake de Villiers Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2007 Posts: 5911 Location: Tsawwassen, BC
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Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2017 7:57 am Post subject: |
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epowell wrote: |
Christopher Schimke wrote: |
Junk! |
...hmmmmm, but maybe some feedback not from someone in the "high end" bushings business would be more objective.
Thanks anyway |
Geez, Powell - Chris has been around these parts helping people with their vans since you were learning how to change from 'G' to 'D' on your guitar!!
Chris's integrity and his knowledge of chassis/brakes/steering/alignment are an essential piece of The Samba and part of what makes it great. _________________ '84 Vanagon GL 1.9 WBX
'86 Westy Weekender Poptop/2.5 Subaru/5 Speed Posi/Audi Front Brakes/16 x 7 Mercedes Wheels - answers to 'Dixie'
@jakedevilliersmusic1
http://sites.google.com/site/subyjake/mydixiedarlin%27
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
www.thebassspa.com |
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Wellington Samba Member
Joined: September 21, 2004 Posts: 1890 Location: Montreal
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Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2017 8:22 am Post subject: Re: Upper control arm bushing failure (pictures) |
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A quick assumption is to think a vendor would promote their product over anything else available, but such is not the case with Christopher as others have commented.
With all the bashing that goes on it would be nice if people left positive feedback when it is deserved, as provided in this forum.
I'm guilty of not leaving feedback,
T3 Technique.....great to work with, and as others have stated, so much free info posted on this forum regarding wheel fitment, fabulous products.
Flint European automotive, outstanding service!!!! My best addition to my Westy, reversed 1.8T
Now to go leave two great members some feedback that have both helped me. |
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ZsZ Samba Member
Joined: December 11, 2010 Posts: 1647 Location: Budapest Hungary, Europe
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Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2017 1:47 am Post subject: Re: Upper control arm bushing failure (pictures) |
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Last year I bought Febis here in Hungary and they look like the Meyle ones posted in the first posts. Not installed them yet planning to do before the state exam. My Lemforder ones lasted 7-8 years and they squeking since about the third or fourth year.
pics:
_________________ Zoltan
1.9 MTdi 2wd Multivan (ex Caravelle)
Van since 2006, engine since 2008 |
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elizer Samba Member
Joined: May 02, 2016 Posts: 1466 Location: Northern Virginia
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Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2017 2:40 am Post subject: Re: Upper control arm bushing failure (pictures) |
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Echoing everyone here in regards to T3 Chris. Honest and worked with me when the shipper lost my goods. Very communicative and has great product support.
When it comes to poly bushings. Ive changed all my past vehicles to poly bushings. 07 sti, 15 rubicon, 00 xj and 12 softail. I changed the suspension on all the vehicles at the same time so I can't comment on any ride harshness. I also can't comment on the squeaking because none of the above vehicles were quiet in anyway. But I like doing things once and being done with it.
I have the burley uca but got powerflex everything else to include the power steering rack. The upfront investment may be more costly, but just value your own time at $150 an hour and the cost of replacing rubber bushings becomes unreasonable. Right? |
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Vanagon Nut Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008 Posts: 10379 Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
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Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2018 11:26 am Post subject: Re: Upper control arm bushing failure (pictures) |
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Hi all.
re: installing a Zerk grease fitting at each UCA bushing.
Any need to tack weld them in place?
i.e. does the thin metal hold them in place well enough over time and use?
I'll upgrade to Whiteline bushings soon but want to do a short road trip before that. My UCA are noisy and arm is difficult to move up down. Bushings were replaced about a year and 15K ago.
Neil. _________________ 1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
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T3Syncrohammer! Samba Member
Joined: June 03, 2019 Posts: 18
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Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2019 8:54 am Post subject: Re: Upper control arm bushing failure (pictures) |
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Hi, I’m getting ready to buy upper control arm bushings for my Syncro aka Syncrohammer! And I am wondering if anyone has tried these Australian made
Nolathane Revo420086
They look good! As does the price! but hard to tell
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Mikesarge Samba Member
Joined: September 25, 2008 Posts: 222 Location: PNW
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Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2019 9:20 am Post subject: Re: Upper control arm bushing failure (pictures) |
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I agree- hard to tell!
You could always go with the tried and true powerflex or whiteline bits from a forum sponsor, then it’s no worries. They look a bit like the whitelines, and they’re only a little cheaper- A personal choice no doubt but I’d rather spend a little more and have the product support/ integrity behind a forum sponsor’s products than give van money to bezos, who has never posted here, or shown any interest in these vans. _________________ 1986 Syncro westfauxlia EJ22
1980 911 SC 3.1 |
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broncoisl Samba Member
Joined: February 27, 2018 Posts: 24 Location: Iceland
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Posted: Sun Dec 29, 2019 3:50 pm Post subject: Re: Upper control arm bushing failure (pictures) |
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This seems to be the upper control arm bushing thread so I post this here.
I'm currently replacing the bushings in my westy. The bushings were old and cracked but not squeaking. I have owned this van since 2008 and have never replaced them. The van has only 150000 Km on the clock so the old bushings might be original. Only pressed in no weld.
Has anyone used Lemförder recently?
The Lemförder bushings I bought are made in Turkey and were not cheap They look low quality to me but have the lemförder logo and vw partnumber on them. The inner sleeve in the old bushings seems to be much thicker.
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ZsZ Samba Member
Joined: December 11, 2010 Posts: 1647 Location: Budapest Hungary, Europe
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Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2019 12:46 am Post subject: Re: Upper control arm bushing failure (pictures) |
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Lemforder is the OE manufacturer of these bushings, however the rubber quality nowadays not as good as was in the 80s.
As I wrote before new lemforders started to squeak after 3-4 years.
Its too late but I would have had leave the old ones in.
EDIT: the lack of the securing weld means that those were replaced before. The grinding marks are visible on your second pic. Probably your old ones are some aftermarket ones _________________ Zoltan
1.9 MTdi 2wd Multivan (ex Caravelle)
Van since 2006, engine since 2008 |
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broncoisl Samba Member
Joined: February 27, 2018 Posts: 24 Location: Iceland
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Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2019 7:07 am Post subject: Re: Upper control arm bushing failure (pictures) |
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I decided to replace them anyway because the rubber looked really bad. If they fail I probably will try something different and more expensive like the GoWesty bushings. |
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ZsZ Samba Member
Joined: December 11, 2010 Posts: 1647 Location: Budapest Hungary, Europe
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Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2020 12:12 am Post subject: Re: Upper control arm bushing failure (pictures) |
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ZsZ wrote: |
Last year I bought Febis here in Hungary and they look like the Meyle ones posted in the first posts. Not installed them yet planning to do before the state exam. My Lemforder ones lasted 7-8 years and they squeking since about the third or fourth year.
pics:
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They lasted 2 years which means around 20000 kms.
The right front one is squeaking and the bolt is off center which means its shot. Same one as last time.
Is it possible that my control arm is bent and makes too much tension on that side? _________________ Zoltan
1.9 MTdi 2wd Multivan (ex Caravelle)
Van since 2006, engine since 2008 |
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MarkWard Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2005 Posts: 17155 Location: Retired South Florida
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Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2020 3:53 pm Post subject: Re: Upper control arm bushing failure (pictures) |
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Went to install a set of Lemforders into my Syncro upper control arms. Was pleased to see the vw number cast into them. Unfortunately after pressing out the old ones, the Lemforders “fall” in. Bummer. _________________ ☮️ |
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ZsZ Samba Member
Joined: December 11, 2010 Posts: 1647 Location: Budapest Hungary, Europe
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Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2020 6:35 am Post subject: Re: Upper control arm bushing failure (pictures) |
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ZsZ wrote: |
ZsZ wrote: |
Last year I bought Febis here in Hungary and they look like the Meyle ones posted in the first posts. Not installed them yet planning to do before the state exam. My Lemforder ones lasted 7-8 years and they squeking since about the third or fourth year.
pics:
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They lasted 2 years which means around 20000 kms.
The right front one is squeaking and the bolt is off center which means its shot. Same one as last time.
Is it possible that my control arm is bent and makes too much tension on that side? |
The Meyle ones I have put in 3 moths ago failed after 5000kms _________________ Zoltan
1.9 MTdi 2wd Multivan (ex Caravelle)
Van since 2006, engine since 2008 |
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ZsZ Samba Member
Joined: December 11, 2010 Posts: 1647 Location: Budapest Hungary, Europe
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Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2020 5:07 am Post subject: Re: Upper control arm bushing failure (pictures) |
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The new Lemforder bushings arrived. I bought a JPGroup one for comparsion.
ZF changed the partnr and the part itself. The old ones had the VW-Audi logo removed by a grinder. The new one have a new style plastic cap with no grinding marks.
I have read on Brickwerks site that the design was changed and they no longer recommend it on syncros. In comparsion to the JPG one it is smaller in every dimension
Lemförder:
JPGroup:
_________________ Zoltan
1.9 MTdi 2wd Multivan (ex Caravelle)
Van since 2006, engine since 2008 |
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ZsZ Samba Member
Joined: December 11, 2010 Posts: 1647 Location: Budapest Hungary, Europe
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Posted: Sun Sep 06, 2020 5:41 am Post subject: Re: Upper control arm bushing failure (pictures) |
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Looks like the right front failed. The rubber is pressed out from the bushing
_________________ Zoltan
1.9 MTdi 2wd Multivan (ex Caravelle)
Van since 2006, engine since 2008 |
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therastavan Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2020 Posts: 81 Location: California
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Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2020 8:39 pm Post subject: Re: Upper control arm bushing failure (pictures) |
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I am having trouble removing the control arm bolt. Read all the posts, even made a tool to push it out and it will not budge. Also does not seem rusted. Soaked i n KROIL for days. Any other ideas? |
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MarkWard Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2005 Posts: 17155 Location: Retired South Florida
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Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2020 11:59 am Post subject: Re: Upper control arm bushing failure (pictures) |
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Contact Christopher at T3 Technique. He lists the bolts on his website. Get the bolts and carefully cut the control arm free with a sawzall. Be careful not to cut the arm or the chassis. I’m fairly certain the bolt is seized to the bushing sleeves not the chassis. Once you have the arm cut free, you can press the bushings out of the control arm. Press in new ones. Hopefully the remaining piece of bolt comes out of the chassis.
Freeing up frozen items usually takes a lot of heat. I would discourage trying to use a torch to free up the bolt especially on a 2wd. The fuel tank is right there. Good luck. _________________ ☮️ |
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