Confused on Strut Rod Bushings

[Kern Dog]

Describing how to properly repair something is kinda exactly the function of an FSM. Usually the problem is people can't or won't read.

I agree to a point.
The verbiage in a service manual can be vague or just clumsy in how it was written. I've read parts where it is absolutely clear to someone that had done it before but not for the newbie. You cannot ask the service manual to explain itself but...
Asking here, a person can often get a clearer understanding if there are people that step up to help rather than to just refer them to read it somewhere else.
There are times when questions get asked that are immediately available in the manuals. Specs like oil clearance, bolt torque, tightening sequences and such are easily found and are easy to understand.
Sometimes though, the wording in the manuals may not be detailed enough. Maybe there is no picture either.
If everyone just deferred to reading the service manuals, what would be the point of a tech section on a forum?

 

[WileE]

Well, post # 6 was a picture that did show the bushings. I only took his picture and did a quick depiction of where the K member intersected it.
Maybe it helped, maybe not.
I know that if I needed help right away, being the impatient type, a picture helps a LOT more than waiting for a service manual to be sent to my house.

Sometimes that could be useful. But, having and learning about the task to be undertaking is a prudent move, ergo the benefit of a FSM as post #17 aptly notes. Back in the stone age when I was a snot-nose kid working in the garage, I would ask the old-timer a question about a particular job. Rather than merely spouting the answer, he prodded me to THINK about what I was about to do.

 

[DeltaV]

FSM is good for lots of things, but (like anything) has its limits. The Dodge Chassis Assembly Manual provides very good details. For example:

 

[Kern Dog]

When I used to work on unfamiliar cars, (before the internet) I bought some type of manual specific to that car. I still have manuals for cars that I have no intention of ever working on again.
1983 Nissan Sentra?
1986 Mazda B 2000 ?
1972 Datsun 510?
Since the internet and car forums...some of us have gotten used to asking for help online. Sometimes it would have been better for those people to have looked at some sort of manual but....
If I can help someone right now rather than just tell them to go get a manual, I'm going to do that.

 

[Kern Dog]

FSM is good for lots of things, but (like anything) has its limits. The Dodge Chassis Assembly Manual provides very good details. For example:

View attachment 1878728

THANK YOU !
I copied that picture and saved it to my computer.

 

[RemCharger]

Sometimes that could be useful. But, having and learning about the task to be undertaking is a prudent move, ergo the benefit of a FSM as post #17 aptly notes. Back in the stone age when I was a snot-nose kid working in the garage, I would ask the old-timer a question about a particular job. Rather than merely spouting the answer, he prodded me to THINK about what I was about to do.

I was thinking of a similar answer, but not quite as sugar coated. When you worked in shops and dealerships your whole life, it was around grimey grizzled pissed off dudes fighting to make a buck. No luxuries of an " hourly wage " . You only asked a few dumb questions before learning to take your chances reading the book first( RTFM). Even though they didn't have time to answer your question, they'd sure make the time to let you know you're wasting theirs lol

 

[WileE]

When I used to work on unfamiliar cars, (before the internet) I bought some type of manual specific to that car. I still have manuals for cars that I have no intention of ever working on again.
Since the internet and car forums...some of us have gotten used to asking for help online. Sometimes it would have been better for those people to have looked at some sort of manual but....
If I can help someone right now rather than just tell them to go get a manual, I'm going to do that.

For sure, particularly when doing a specific job on an unfamiliar vehicle. I've done so in recent years. My thought is, if doing an extensive restoration, especially if not experienced, is to procure said FSM as an invaluable source and guide during the undertaking.

 

[Superbee Sean]

Look at this:

View attachment 1878708

The red line represents the front of the K member. Yes, a bushing goes on each side.


Pfft.....THAT is a common response from people that can't explain how something goes together.
You know how many times I have looked at my service manual ?
A few times for wire diagrams and for the windshield installation guidelines.
That is it.
Now, maybe a guy with less hands on experience may benefit from having one but something like this is so simple, a couple pictures spells it out easily.

Thank you!! That’s how I originally installed it…..only way I could see it went. It was binding and loading up the arm preventing it to seat all the way…..rule # 4…..don’t torque anything until it’s all together!! Loosened up and seated properly!! Thanks for the confirmation on!!

 

[Superbee Sean]

Who cares when you started? Did you provide a picture or explanation to help the guy right NOW?
No, you didn't.
People don't ask for advice here only to be given the run-around. Many people want instant answers and sometimes, it is possible to give them.
Yes, a service manual can be invaluable but in some cases, just posting a picture allows the OP to understand immediately.

I appreciate everyone’s input!! Yes, I know I’ll get answers that aren’t applicable to the question I ask, but sometimes we can’t see the fire thru the smoke. I spent my career in the Aviation industry, from loading luggage to earning a Mechanics License to finally retiring as the Chief Aircraft Inspector for a fleet of over 20 aircraft. I do know what end of a wrench to use, but have never done a build like this, sometimes even the old dog can learn some new tricks. This is a great pool of experience here, and I very much appreciate all the help!! Thank you all!!!

 

[R413]

@Kern Dog you are the one that pointed out to us all the FSM tells us to install a windshield inserting top edge in gasket first. I never knew that before you pointed it out.

So you do use the service manual, and maybe more than you think.

Yes a quick answer is always nice to have from another car owner.