Hi all.

This is just my "shadetree" opinion measuring a few used parts I unearthed.

Based on what I found, IMO, the 0.26 mm ID difference I see between my
used OEM (I assume) sleeve and new metal pipe I sourced, may not be a
concern.

With the used OEM sleeve on a spare radius rod, I saw appreciable play
between these parts. The OEM sleeve ID shows little if any wear. Of
note, measuring the OD of threads on my 2 spare radius rods, I saw a
small but measurable difference between the two. I measured in several
spots on each.

Image of OEM sleeve on old style radius rod. Thread OD should be same
for newer style rod:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xOdkEE_sIqU/UEUWVGZqT6I/AAAAAAAAGBc/2j1LSk2u3Tk/s576/Radius%2520Rod%2520OEM%2520Sleeve.jpg

Image of "new" pipe sleeve on same

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yUgEv8-YV7o/UEUWUEAD5UI/AAAAAAAAGBU/hRMeHm3FC1U/s512/Radius%2520Rod%2520%2522Pipe%2522%2520Sleeve.jpg

Inside of OEM sleeve. Surface feels smooth though you can see where
the threads made their mark:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1PIQPntAbuI/UEUXITOSU0I/AAAAAAAAGBk/SUyEYSsYwko/s640/Radius%2520Arm%2520OEM%2520Sleeve%2520ID.jpg

I'm not completely certain of this, but my guess is that aside from
providing castor adjustment, the rod/sleeve/bushings provide a pivot
point for movement of the lower/upper arms steering knuckle etc. as
well as an obvious anchor point for these parts.

Neil.

On Wed, Aug 29, 2012 at 5:25 PM, neil n <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi all.
>
> I'll be replacing the radius arm bushings. My bet is that the steel
> sleeves are at least pretty rusty. Those sleeves are NLA from VW.
>
> I sourced some  DOM ROUND TUBE 0.750 X 0.120  (inch)  steel pipe locally from:
>
> http://www.metalsupermarkets.com/catalog/STEEL-COLD_ROLLED/TUBE_ROUND/DOM
>
> This pipe fits in the new rubber bushing, but the ID is *slightly*
> larger by 0.26 mm
>
> Likely I'm being totally "Type A" about this, but is that 0.26mm
> anything to be concerned about? Like will that play cause wear,
> performance, alignment issues?
>
> Thanks much,
>
> Neil.
>
> --
> Neil n
>
> 65 kb image Myford Ready For Assembly  http://tinyurl.com/64sx4rp
>
> '88 Slate Blue Westy to be named.
>
> '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"  http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
>
> Vanagon VAG Gas I4/VR Swap Google Group:
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines

--
Neil n

65 kb image Myford Ready For Assembly  http://tinyurl.com/64sx4rp

'88 Slate Blue Westy to be named.

'81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"  http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

Vanagon VAG Gas I4/VR Swap Google Group:

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines