Fitting Front Anti Roll Bar Bushes 03 1.9Tdi

[JohnPic]

Am trying to change front anti roll bar bushes on an 03 Alhambra 1.9 tdi.  I have jacked up front and put it on axle stands, removed front wheels, disconected drop links, cleaned bar and fitted new rubber bushes.  When offering up the bar with the new bushes I cannot compress the bushes enough to get the retaining bolts started. 

Am I missing something?

Does anyone have any suggestions of what to do, what I may have missed or over looked please?

Thanks

[insanitybeard]

Are the bushes definitely correct for the vehicle? If the hole in them for the bar is too small that would explain it, likewise if the outer diameter is too big and the clamp won't go over them properly.

[JohnPic]

Thanks Insanitybeard. 

You got me checking and seems the front is normally 17mm and these are marked 16mm, marked for a Galaxy.  Wonder if they are for the rear though they are ridged the same as the front.  Anyway back to the shop! Further checking suggests 16mm fit a 2litre petrol type 1 Galaxy.  The rest seem to be 17 mm.  Intriguing how all these Galaxy, Alhambra and Sharan are meant to be the same and turn out not to be.  Like some Mk 1 wheels do not fit a Mk2, brake calipers a different size despite all folks say.

[JohnPic]

Front bushes now fitted and all went together OK.  What a difference they make.  The bus no longer handles like a boat.  Still not wonerful but so much better.

Still detect a slight knock which is where / why I got started.   A knock on the front off side.  It appeared to be the nut for the drop link fouling the body work as the anti roll bar had shifted slightly.

Did try to get it centred OK so think that is not happening any more.  But of course new bushes have dampened the front making it all less clear.

The drop link seemed OK but perhaps that has to be changed.  Give it a few miles and hope it will all become clear.

[seatkid]

If changing drop links I thoroughly recommend Meyle HD parts. Head and shoulders above the rest, even OEM parts. Guaranteed for 4 years, used by taxi drivers (i.e. they last forever)  oversized to last and no stupid XZN bolts. Very impressive engineering.

 

I bought from here

[JohnPic]

Thanks,  Will bear these in mind