Front anti-roll bar mounting bushes

[JF1980]

Part #2 here.  Has anyone changed them?  Mine are squeaking - I have new ones but I'm not sure how to change them.  Are these under tension with the car on/off the ground?  Can't seem to find any guides online.

[davesavage257]

Front anti roll bar clamps are held on with the four bolts at the rear of the metal subframe reinforcing plate.  Probably easiest to get the front wheels up on ramps and undo all the bolts holding the reinforcing plate on, then you can lift the bush clamps clear, lift the roll bar slightly and ease the rubbers off. Replacement is reverse of removal.  If the rubber bushes are stiff, drop them in hot water for a few minutes, and they'll be more flexible.
Not too bad a job, good luck, Dave

[JF1980]

Thanks Dave.  I caught sight of them earlier today while giving the car a service (have got the intake manifold off at the moment as I swapped out the glow plugs).  Wasn't sure if the bar is under pressure/compression while the weight of the car is on the wheels.

Doesn't sound too bad to do, I'll have a crack at it tomorrow morning.

[JF1980]

I got under there and removed the rear tray to see what I was dealing with.  Couldn't get the bolts to budge, I think you need to undo the nuts from the top but it's hard to get anything with decent leverage in there from underneath.  Looks like it might need the wheel and arch trim off then a breaker bar on the top bolts.

Have soaked in WD40 and will have a go next weekend if it's dry.

[davesavage257]

You do need to hold the nuts with a ring spanner, but I managed to get one in from the sides from underneath, then a decent bar on a socket on the bolt head released them. Mind you a few of mine weren't that tight!