Michael :
My TR3A is similar to your TR4 in these areas.
Steinbeck Michael wrote:
>
> 1. Has anyone of you experience of changing the wheel bearings of the
> front and the rear axle? As I read it in my workshop manual the front should
> not be too difficult, but the rear bearings require a special tool. Do you
> really need that special tool, or is there a reasonable way of avoiding this
> tool?
Yes, you absolutely have to have the special tool (or a reasonable
facsimile) to remove the rear hubs. Without it, you will almost
certainly ruin the hubs (and even with it, there's a fair chance of
that).
> 2. Same question for the rubber bushings of the (front and rear)
> suspension. Here it looks to me, that the rear suspension is much easier to
> be rebushed, since the TR4 has the solid rear axle and the front suspension
> is of much higher complexity.
The front suspension is actually fairly easy, in spite of it's apparent
complexity. The only rubber bushings on the front are the upper inner
A-frame pivots, which are quite easy. If you upgrade the nylon bushings
in the lower A-frame, you'll need a spring compressor, which can be
fabricated at home.
On a TR3, removing the pin that goes through the front eye of the rear
spring can be quite a challenge. The TR4 might be easier, I don't know.
> Also I read, that there are now non-rubber
> replacements available (for the TR4A), that have much better properties that
> the original ones. Are these available for the TR4 as well?
Yes, in either Nylatron or Polyurethane. I like Nylatron, but note that
they have to be reamed to fit.
>
> For both questions: Are there any difficulties one might run in, that are
> not described in the manual? I usually use my (German) copy of the original
> workshop manual, but got, a week ago, the new reprint of the Haynes manual.
ISTR the manual glosses over the requirement to ream the brass bushes in
the lower A-arm after replacement (which is typically required). You'll
need to either take them to a machine shop, or buy the right fixed
reamer. Don't mess with an adjustable reamer.
Otherwise, I believe the books are fairly complete. Ask the list if you
have any questions, or trouble.
Randall
59 TR3A daily driver
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