A-frame bush type?

[Limitless]

Having built my last live axle car in 1992 I had extensive knowledge of it, but my current car was factory built and not au fait with it as much.

Am I correct in thinking that my 2018 420r has a metalastic bush fitted to the a-frame or does it have the tapered type? I'm assuming that these have come a long way from my old live axle ones that needed changing on a regular bases?

[Red Line Components]

There is a metalastic bush pressed into the de Dion tube

[John Vine]

And, of course, the forward ends of the A-frame also incorporate metalastics.

JV

[aerobod - near CYYC]

With hard use (such as on track with sticky tyres), it is probably advisable to change the A-frame bushes for something a bit more substantial, especially the deDion to A-frame one. I tore the deDion one out on my R400D when using slicks at autocross, Replaced the A-frame bushes with these:

https://www.powerflex.co.uk/product-details/DeDion+%22A%22+Frame+Centre+Bush/1857.html

https://www.powerflex.co.uk/product-details/DeDion+%22A%22+Frame+Mounting+Bush+10mm+Bore/11715.html

[Limitless]

Thanks guys, that's great news. Powerflex maybe the way forward then. 

[DJ.]

I had to change the centre bush under my De Dion, because the diff oil was getting to it. Changing it was a pain, so only do it if you really think it needs it. Attempts to remove the bush using sockets and threaded rod failed. I managed to remove it from the DeDion after lowering the A Frame by cutting the centre tube with an electric saw, cutting out the rubber with a fret saw and then gently hacksawing through the outer metal. Installing the powerflex bush was easy after that.

Duncan

[Bricol]

The technique with old cars used to be burn the rubber out, then cut the outer - or chisel it inwards.  Doesn't do the powder coat any good though - if there's any left.

Mine are still fine 50,000 road miles later.  I think the A-frame itself flexes too, so the bush isn't doing all the work