Upper link and tension rod replacement 94 Q45 Active Sus

[Infinitiguy19]

I just got two new upper links. One of the wheels is aimed in towards the shock tower (Negative camber). I am hoping replacing these links will solve that. The vehicle height is almost to spec. I have to drill and tap one of the holes that holds a lateral or vertical sensor (I can't remember which). Its the one in front of the shifter.

My question is when should the bolts that hold the tension rods/upper links be tightened on a Active car. Should the engine be running or not?

Besides the above the active works but needs to be recharged to get full effect. I barely drive the car because of that reason.

[3Q Jay]

My question is when should the bolts that hold the tension rods/upper links be tightened on a Active car. Should the engine be running or not?

As with any rubber sleeved metal bushing, the rubber is taking all the torsional load, so the goal is to minimise stresses by not preloading in torsion.
I'm pretty anal and I don't go to that extreme to turn the engine on. I put the car back on the ground (weight on wheels) and tighten up.
height difference between engine off and idle stable is maybe 1/4 inch on mine (front).

[Infinitiguy19]

Thanks, I tightened them with the wheels on the car, lift not holding the car up. While the engine was not running.

Regarding the tension rod bushings where can one get the correct drifts to press them out? I will try a plumbing shop tomorrow. I can't justify $800 on a Matco kit that may have the correct drifts.

You do press the bushing out with them metal insert right?

I was thinking or using the old metal sleeve as a drift to press the new bushing in.

[elwesso]

I used a big socket to press out tension rod bushings (I think like a 1-1/2" if memory serves).

[Infinitiguy19]

Did the metal sleeve come out with the rubber bushing?

I am concerned because I see two rivets in the tension rod bushing.

[elwesso]

Yes the metal sleeve comes out with the bushing... Came out pretty easy too.

[Infinitiguy19]

Thanks I will give it a try tomorrow. Is any damage done to the rubber by pressing on it with a socket though?

[elwesso]

you'll want to press on the metal outer sleeve, not the rubber.

[Infinitiguy19]

That makes sense. The arrow faces the back of the car from what I have read. Is that true?

[Infinitiguy19]

Okay so I replaced the tension rod bushings. One side at a time, For a reference. I noticed that the arrows face the front of the car and not the back of the car on the old bushings. I used some ball joint press drifts that should be pretty standard. Overall the job was not very difficult but it was somewhat hard to tighten them on the ground with the car off.

Thanks for the help Wes and Jay!