7.22 - A-Frame Bushes ( ,  )

Replacing the large bushes in the rear A frame that locate it to the body.

What isn't obvious from looking at the new bushes (which are about 4.5 inches in diameter and plain cylinder shape) is that the bush housing is hour-glass shape inside and so is the metal insert in the bush. Therefore a great deal of pressure is required to remove and replace.

For some then, the only option is to remove the entire A frame from the car and take it your dealer or local workshop. Removal of the Frame is actually fairly simple, but requires a number of Trolley Jacks and Axle Stands. The following applies to ‘88 models.

1. Jack up the car and place Stands under the Jacking Points.

2. Remove the wheels. Jack up each hub as much as possible without raising the car off the Stands under the jacking points, and place stands under each hub to take the weight.

3. Jack up the front centre of the A frame very slightly, and place another Stand under the bracket that pokes through the large oval shaped hole in the A frame. (This bracket is used for locating the pivot on the suspension arms)

4. At this point, the Diff and suspension is entirely supported on Stands.

5. Remove the nuts securing the fuel pump and push it free from the A frame.

6 Remove the 4 bolts that secure the A frame to the Diff and the Nuts and Bolts along the front edge of the A frame that hold it to the vertical part of the frame. You may have to disconnect the rear section of the exhaust (left side only) and move it to the side to get enough leverage on some of the nuts.

7. Be sure not to be underneath the frame when the last bolt comes out. It is quite heavy.

8. Let the frame drop down over the Stand supporting the front pivot bracket. Take the weight of the diff, which is now fully exposed, with a jack and then remove the axle stand.

9. Withdraw the A Frame from underneath the car, replace the Axle stand under the Pivot bracket, and remove the Jack.

Now take the A frame and Bushes to your dealer. Local jag dealer will charge around £14 to remove and replace bushes.

The Bushes themselves cost about £12.50

Replacement is, as they say, a reversal of the removal procedure.