TD5 bush problem

[thermidorthelobster]

Today I traced my clunky rear end to the funny linkage that sits on top of the rear axle where the A-joint would have been on a TDI.  The bushes on each end of the rocker linkage are knackered.

1) What do you call the assembly?
2) Is it easy to change the bushes here?  Do I have to remove the panhard rods altogether or can I replace the bushes in situ somehow?
3) Is it worth fitting polybushes - can I even buy them if I only want 2 bushes rather than the whole set?

[thermidorthelobster]

I've answered two of my questions;  it's called a Watts linkage and you need to remove the transverse links too, according to p1036 of the workshop manual.  It doesn't look as if it should be too tricky to remove the parts (seized bolts notwithstanding);  getting the bushes out might be fun though.

[diggerdog36]

Yes thermidor, its the Watts linkage, I bought a bush kit for mine, but it didnt cover the ACE version which mine is!!!  So its just sat there.  But I have a nasty bang on the car when I hit a bump, though, the front lower shock bushes were completely gone!!

[thermidorthelobster]

Diggerdog, I don't suppose your hat is anywhere near Surrey?  If so I could buy your spares off you, as mine isn't ACE...

[thermidorthelobster]

Well I finally got around to doing it;  only replaced one of the two, so I hope it's the right one - once you have it removed you can't tell which way up the linkage is!  Only 3 bolts to remove but in typical Land Rover style it took about 2 1/2 hours, and I got covered in Waxoyl along with all my tools.  Fun fun.