Freelander 1 Bottom engine tie bar.

Hi. How much play is too much in the bottom engine tie bar?
With the undertray removed, I can rock the engine quite easily by hand. I assume that this is too much play?
If so, anyone know the best place to get one?
Cheers.

They go very soft over time, but are actually pretty soft when new. However if it's so soft that you can rock the engine easily by hand, then it's too soft.

Take your pick you can also use the Rover 25 poly bush make it stiffer but last for ever.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/Land-Rover...upport-Stabiliser-Tie-Bar-KKH102260/653579634

Rover 200/25 engine mount stabiliser
https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/Powerflex-...Performance-Bush-Large-Rover-MG-ZR/1551198194

This one is looks like a less flexible design, with out going to harder polyurethane types.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Land-Rov...m=273699894691&_trksid=p2349624.c100935.m2460

Nodge68 said:

This one is looks like a less flexible design, with out going to harder polyurethane types.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Land-Rover-Freelander-1-8-2-0d-td4-2-5v6-engine-tie-rod-bush-1998-2006/273699894691?_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIM.MBE&ao=2&asc=20180306143914&meid=e8a5e5e623c34c159b3995f4f6df37ca&pid=100935&rk=3&rkt=9&sd=320861633132&itm=273699894691&_trksid=p2349624.c100935.m2460

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Hi John.
That does look a lot better than the original and as you say while also staying away from the less flexible power flex bush

Arctic2 said:

Hi John.
That does look a lot better than the original and as you say while also staying away from the less flexible power flex bush

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I spotted it completely by chance while looking for a replacement for the mother in law's V6. Her V6 has a modified poly bush at the moment, but she complains about occasional engine vibration.
This heavy duty rubber bush is probably better for the TD4, which really vibrates with a polyurethane bush.

Thanks for the info. Is it easy to replace the bushing, was thinking I'd have to buy the whole tie rod?

Took my poly bush out again due to noise and vibration. In the end I put a thin strip of rubber around the original loose one and pushed it back together. Still firm but quiet!

Jonny H said:

Is it easy to replace the bushing, was thinking I'd have to buy the whole tie rod?

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Just the bush is available on the above link's.

Very easy to change. Just remove the bolt from the large end and loosen the bolt on the small end. Swing the bar down and push out the worn bush. Press in the new bush and refit the large bolt, then tighten them up again.

Cheers Nodge. Rather than post a new thread, can I ask some more advice?
I replaced the front wishbones today. With the car back on the ground it was easy to torque the rear bush nut to 140Nm, but with not much clearance below the car and no access to a pit, I struggled to get the leaverage to torque the front bush pivot bolt to 190Nm. Must be very close, certainly more than the140Nm on the rear bush. Is this critical or will 'tight as I can get it' be OK?

Mine are as tight as I could get them with a spanner as I couldn't get the torque wrench in to tighten them up fully. They've not fallen off yet and I did mine 2 years ago.

Sounds good to me!

Jonny H said:

Sounds good to me!

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Just remember that the front bolt and rear nut must be tightened with the vehicle sitting on the ground, otherwise the bushes get a permanent twist, which will make the split.

That's how I did it Nodge!!

Jonny H said:

That's how I did it Nodge!!

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Unfortunately unless you have have a pit or 4 poster, getting those bolts tightened with a torque wrench is almost impossible.

Managed to get the rear nut to the correct torque but the front bolt was impossible. Got it as tight as I could. A quick test drive confirmed that I've cured the knocking ball joint noise! Did the drop links at the same time!