TR2/3/3A Missing bush

I noticed today that my left front upper bush is missing. Maybe it's hiding inside the wishbone arm, but I can only see the nut, washer and edge of the arm. Everything seems normal, and everything is functioning as normal. I looked back through my pictures of the rebuild and found a picture clearly showing I didn't forget to install it. It's as if the top of the wishbone shifted towards the front, since the rear bushes are much more visible. I'm not sure how or why this could happen. I have logged over 26,000 miles since rebuild, and it's never been dragged by the front end with a chain or the like so I'm puzzled.

Any ideas?

My recollection is that there are two halves to each bush. Only way to tell is to remove the nut and washer to be able to check the outer half.
Charley

I'm far from the smartest person on TR3A's (or in general). However, on my TR4A, there is a bushing (split front/back), a washer, and a castle nut. It looks like your picture of a "missing" bushing. Is the TR3A the same setup?

Interesting. The stamped arm must have been spread a bit too wide, so the "spring" caused it to gradually worked its way over the front bush. The bush is obviously still inside, or the arm would not be centered as well as it is. I don't think there is any danger of driving it, as the washer will hold the arm in place...but it may eventually cause a squeak with the metal on metal.

I assume the correct solution would be to reinstall the arm, but to pinch (bend) the arms a bit closer together at the pivot points. That would be tricky too, as the arms are separate until after the ball joint is installed...not to mention the manual recommends torquing those bushing bolts after weight is on the vehicle and the suspension is at it's natural height.

I think the important part of the bushing is in there also. Once I was working with some Millwrights and they had all types of shims and shim stock, so I took some home and made some bushing/ sleeves to fit inside the arms because they were pitted. Well shortly after with the up and down movement of the arm, the shims/sleeves I made cut right through the collar of the rubber bushing and half way though that big thick washer.

One thing you might check is that the arms fit friendlier lapped in a certain direction or overlaped on the ball joint with a correct one in front(if memory serves), so that could be your problem. Kinda what John said about a spring tension.
Steve