The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

Hi all, I'm finally getting some enthusiasm back for the dolly. Just before the road tax ran out it late last summer it developed a judder/bang on pull off. With some gentle throttle and clutch it would still pull off but under normal driving, it became a worry.
I posted at the time and I was advised to try the rear axle bushings. Having a quick look today I'm a little unsure which bushings to order and replace. The rear suspension arm bushes don't look in great shape so ill replace these anyway, but should I also do the radius rod bushes? These look ok but I just wanted to confirm which are the usual cause of the judder issue.
Also, there's been a slight loss of fluid from the centre of the rear axle, only an occasional drip on the carpet but ill change the diff oil as well to rule that out.
Any advice or pointers appreciated.

The oil loss is most likely the pinion oil seal leaking. One common problem is the mounting bracket for the tie bars on the axle. They're prone to breaking. I've had this happen to me with interesting results. If you're any good with the MIG, you should be able to repair it otherwise it is rear axle replacement time. If you're going to rebush the rear suspension then I'd recommend the Super Flex bushes. It will cost a fortune but is worth every penny.

Ah ok, don't fancy replacing the axle. But I'll give these mounts a thorough check over and hope for the best. So it's these bushings for the tie bars/radius rods that someone was suggesting I replace to potentially cure the problem? Just to confirm we're talking about the same thing, you mean the bracket smack bang in the middle of the below pic?

The bracket can be prone to breaking. The bushes could well be past it if they're the original ones.

"Axle tramp" which is what you are describing as clutch judder is often caused on a dolomite by soggy top link bushes
where the rod goes into the axle.

Well worth changing as a first cheap fix.

After that I would check the prop centre bearing and gearbox mount as well.

The radius arm bushes cause a twitchy rear end steer effect on and off power when they give up...

Nothing to do with the oil, but worth keeping it topped up and an eye on the loss rate. Some dribble for years and others
let go in a big way.

Jonners