Thread: panhard rubbers? replace or tighten

Originally Posted by scotyp

Hi all,

on the rear panhard arms of my 130 defender the rubbers have around 3 to 5mm gaps, can u tighten up the nylocks or do u have to replace the rubbers.

I also assume that is why there feels like there is more back lash at the moment.

thanks in advance

scotty p

?? Not sure what you mean - no Panhard rods at the rear on Defenders. If you refer to the lower link - the front bush on them (assuming it is original type) consists of a steel tube with a rubber bush vulcanised onto it, and also vulcanised into the bush is a triangular plate bolted to the chassis. The large nyloc nut clamps the steel tube in the centre. Unless this is loose (which would show up by being noisy as well as more backlash and probably wandering steering), tightening it will do nothing. If the rubber has come unstuck from the triangular plate, it probably means the bush is on the way out, although it may not yet be showing any free play.

If you refer to the back end of these links, onto the axle, like the bushes on the front of the front radius arms and on both ends of the panhard rod and on the front of the rear A-frame, this bush comprises two concentric steel tubes, separated by a rubber bush that is vulcanised to them. The outer sleeve is a press fit into the arm, and the longer inner tube is clamped between the two cheek pieces that bolt goes through. The clamping force should be enough to prevent the inner tube moving on its bolt, and if there is movement it should be tightened. However, if there has been significant wear on the ends of the inner tube, the bush must be replaced, as you will not be able to clamp it tightly enough.