Replaced trailer arm rubber bushing / doughnuts.

[Pinder]

Another item off the todo list. I finally got around to replacing the trailer arm round doughnuts. It was a little difficult to get the trailing arms to lign up but I managed to do it  by some 2x4 wedges I put in place in the wheel wells. I let down the tire pressure on the rear wheels put the wedges in place and re inflate the tire which helps in positioning the axle .

[stickandrudderman]

I presume you put them in the correct way up?

[WRe]

Hi,
I heard of some people doing it not the correct way.
...WRe

[Pinder]

Well I have them the wrong way with the flat part down. I’ve seen descriptions about it not going on with the flat part up. Is there any reason for the rim? 

[Pinder]

Also Is it possible to replace the rear bushings on the trail arms that connect to the axle while the trail arms are still attached?

Regards

[dirkbalter]

Well I have them the wrong way with the flat part down. I’ve seen descriptions about it not going on with the flat part up. Is there any reason for the rim?

Since you are using OEM parts the face on your donut pointing down should have a label “unten”.
The lip that is pointing up, is supposed to seal against the stud, preventing moisture and “crap” to accumulate and create corrosion.

[Pinder]

i have it with the lip facing up so its definitely wrong  . Ill be fixing that at some point.

Not the first time ive had to do things twice.

Regards

  Pinder

[Pinder]

But

  The diagram posted here (cross section) to be shows the lip facing up to the  body and the flat part facing down and if that is correct then that is how I have it. The Haynes manual also show this.

 Not sure if it makes much difference but Id like to have it the 'correct way' whichever that is.

Regards

Pinder

[dirkbalter]

Looking at your picture, these faces looking up, should be facing down if that makes sense.

[Pinder]

Yes Thanks Dirk.  Ill be correcting these soon along with replacing the bushings from trail arm to axle which have not been delivered yet. Item is back on my todo list.

Regards

  Pinder

[Pinder]

Got the rear rubber bushings this morning and the 36mm socket that is needed to open those 4 nuts. I have bent back the safety tab and was able to loosen the first nut which is a good sign. I plan to remove one arm at a time, paint it up and apply the dotology insert bushings and back on to the car. 

[rwmastel]

... and apply the dotology insert bushings and back on to the car.

Please elaborate!  What historical detail are you recreating?

[Pinder]

I notice on each trail arm a yellow paint mark on side of arm about middle point and a yellow paint mark on the end of the trail arm where the doughnut bush fits.

[rwmastel]

Thanks!  I'll look on my car.  This stuff is interesting.

[Pinder]

I’ll post pictures of the arms if it helps to document this. Stay tuned.

[Pinder]

Here it is . Yellow paint mark  just below the spring . This is on both arms

[BobH]

If you search "dotology", (where did that name come from?), you'll find lots written, including this PDF put together by Pawell

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?action=dlattach;ts=1578012032;topic=26132.0;attach=242963

[rwmastel]

I assume "dot" from all the factory production line paint marks at inspect points.

"ology" because, you know, science.

It doesn't surprise me that this Group has documented the dots!  Great job, contributors.

[Pinder]

thats a great reference (the pdf). well done.

[Pinder]

I have the arm removed and the rubber lower spring shim needs replacement.  I am going to order two but want to know if left and right  are the same.

Does anyone know?

[ja17]

I use some contact adhesive on the lower spring rubber to hold it down to the trailing arm. If not then they usually work their way out of place!

[TJMart]

I notice on each trail arm a yellow paint mark on side of arm about middle point and a yellow paint mark on the end of the trail arm where the doughnut bush fits.

Where did you buy the paint for your dotology? I assume colors are red, yellow, light green and blue? Are your paints matching to the original colors?

Thanks!

Tony

[Pinder]

Ive only bought one paint from Home depot in the spray can. its yellow. close enough. But mostly i just put some masking tape of the marks and paint around it.

Regards

 Pinder

[Pinder]

I will use some contact adhesive. It will help keep it in place as I put the spring back. Thanks for the tip Joe.

[DaveB]

I have the arm removed and the rubber lower spring shim needs replacement.  I am going to order two but want to know if left and right  are the same.

Does anyone know?

According to the (early 230) parts book they are both the same: 110 325 01 85.
And fyi the upper rubber shims come in three thicknesses 18, 24 or 30mm.