It's easier than you think...

Silentbloc bushings are fitted to the chassis and springs of the '33 and '34 Sports and Le Mans Singers. There are four in the chassis and eight in the springs. Breakdown is generally attributable to deterioration of the rubber between the inner and outer casings of the bushing. You may find the rubber is missing entirely - not a good sign.

You may also find that a bushing appears to have been removed already. If this is the case, make sure that the outer casing has actually been removed. Sometimes it is virtually indistinguishable from the casting.

Little or no difficulty should be encountered when fitting the eight bushings located in the ends of the 4 springs as the coil in the main leaf allows the spring to open out easily to the diameter of the bushing.

Problems may, however, be encountered when replacing the 4 bushes located in the chassis itself. It is essential after removing the old bush that the casting that houses them be thoroughly cleaned and all rust be removed.It should then be lightly greased to allow the new bushing to slip in with a minimum of resistance.

Pressure should only be applied to the outer case of the bushing when pressing in to the casting. Never apply pressure to the inner part of the bushing as this may damage the bonding of the rubber to metal and render the bushing useless.

The bushing may be pressed in using a high tensile fine threaded bolt with large washers of sufficient diameter to clear the inner casing of the bushing. It will help to chamfer the leading edge of the bushing slightly to get it started. the outer case should be oiled to prevent it from seizing up.

If all goes well, the bushing should slip in relatively easily for another sixty years of pre war sports car driving.