My Townace failed MOT due to front inner & outer bushes excessively worn. From past threads it sounds like an easy job. To start me off will it be easy as I get going to work out where the bushes are and how to replace it? Does the car need to be jacked up or wheel removed? Any special tools? Any other tips? I didn't see this information on AceAnswers, sorry if I missed it.

- (#8967) Peter Dawson, 6 Jun 03 6:32

Peter. If you are certain that it is the anti roll bar bushes then, this is a simple job. In fact, the inner components are already "split" bushes and can easily be packed (Car inner tube quality rubber is ideal). To make the job easier, yes, take the weight off the anti roll bar by jacking up under the chassis cross member or jacking points. The outer bushes are not "split type (as far as I remember) but, you should be able to obtain these from your local Toyota dealer. You really do mean "anti roll bar bushes" ? If it's suspension bushes then it's a completely different and more expensive job.
Have you got the CD. It shows the layout. If you want a scan of the assembly, I can easily send you one.
- (#8968) John Davis, 6 Jun 03 7:56

Taking a guess that it's the stabiliser bar....
Yes sort of easy, if you can replace shocks you can do this, and yes the wheels need to come off. If you have axle stands the job wuld be that much easier.
I released each side in turn replacing the wheels and then got under and released the middle/inner two, do not get under without either the wheels on and on the ground, or on axle stands. Replaced inner ones but not done up tight. Replaced each side and did do them up tight, (to the recommended Toyota setting, not got the manual to hand so can't tell you), then finally the inner ones.
Getting the bushes may be the hardest part, I used Toyota ones as they were not that expensive and I was in no rush, as they had to order them in. Local factors may be able to match them, however, the old distorted/perished ones I took off did not look like the new ones going on !

- (#8969) Clive, 6 Jun 03 8:12

Here's a little one, the other day I had to work on the a/roll bar bushes on my lite ace, as in the vertical arm set of four per side, we used vauxhall parts as they were the same hole thickness, but had to shave bout 1/8th inch off each one to get the lot to clamp down to the right about of thread on the nut & bar.

the parts were what we have in stock the vauxhall part nos, are 2875013 & 90209277, thing is one number is for the bushes the other is for the washers, the washers will need a little expansion of the hole to fit the rods on the toyota, I'm not sure which number is for which item.

They just need a little lubrication to slide them onto the rods and job done

- (#8970) Anti-roll bar bushes, 6 Jun 03 13:14

Job done with replacement bushes from Toyota.
I got the mechanic to do as I didn't have the time and to take advantage of the free MOT retest.
From what I saw there was no need to take the weight off the anti-roll rod or take the wheels off. Indeed when I had previously got under to have a look the rod rattled within the bushes which showed they were not under strain.
Thank you all for your comments.

- (#9134) Peter Dawson, 13 Jun 03 18:33

If you have a ramp or inspection pit, I agree the wheels do not need to come off. If you are changing them by the road, then you have to raise the bus to get at the bolt, easy with the wheel off. I suspect that when the suspension has dropped there is some tension on the bar.
How much were the bushes?

- (#9135) Clive, 14 Jun 03 0:49

If the vehicle is level, there's no load on the antiroll bar. Just try lining one of the brackets up if the car has settles a bit on a camber...

- (#9136) david miller, 14 Jun 03 1:20

Clive, the bushes are supplied by Toyota two to a pack at just over £5-£6 + VAT per pack. So one pack of inners & one pack of outers does both the near- & off-sides.
Dave, that's the issue...I'll not be taking you up on your challenge tho'....

- (#9190) Peter Dawson, 18 Jun 03 6:40