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Illusion X tower wobble/play


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Anyone that has an illusion tower. Do you get a lot of play when tower is up. Basically, if I push up on the tower from below, I feel it has a significant wiggle room. I think it has to be related to the play at the pins that get pushed in to hold it up. I noticed there is some set screw that creates resistance  when the pins are pushed in. Would adjusting those fix this? Or maybe the main pivot screw? Not sure torque amount for the pivot screw, so I probably don't want to mess with it unless necessary.

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There are bushings that tend to wear our over time.  I don't think I have any more lying around, but I'll check.  Not sure where you could source them, but I'd definitely try some of the dealers and parts guys that frequent this site.

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I just ordered them from Bakes.  There are 3 different ones for each side.  I’m putting them in next week so I’ll let you know and snap some pics.  They are expensive.  Bakes orders them from Germany.  Hopefully it cleans up some of my wobble. 

The set screw needs to be adjusted so it applies a small amount of pressure to keep the Quick release pin in place.  Check this because I lost a pin and didn’t realize it and drove 2 hours with only one pin in!  Thankfully my tower didn’t end up on the dash.  I bought a new quick release pin from Bakes.  The pin had instructions on how to adjust the set screws properly.  Also search Illusion X on this site.  Lots of info IX tower and all the problems associated its it.  

 

Edited by Cazan
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Great thanks. I did notice they are expensive. They look pretty standard however. Problem is that they are likely custom made or hard to find. I'm going to run some tests on them to determine their composition. I'm guessing they must be nylon or acetal. I should be able to get some stock rod and make my own or buy similar for conveyer applications. I deal with plastics for a living. Let you know what it is for those how are interested.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Just wanted to give an update. Confirmed by testing: The bushings that swivel are made out of polyamide (Nylon). Got a very close match to a Nylon 6 (although not confirmed by melting point). Both the exterior black piece and interior round swivel piece are the same material. It will wear overtime simply because you are rubbing nylon against nylon which is not good. However, I think this bushing is very hard to find with dissimilar materials, hence Malibu going with the Nylon-Nylon option. The best option is to buy at McmasterCarr as shown in a previous thread. They do have the same identical ones.

The rear bushing that the pin drives through is made from polyacetal (POM or Delrin). Makes sense with POM being a stiffer material with excellent abrasion resistance. However, if you want the POM ones you will have to get them from Bakes. It was impossible to find them anywhere else. Otherwise, you can buy some rod and machine like 10 of them for the price. Even in Nylon these are hard to find with the odd 7/8" OD. The best bet in nylon is the place also shown in the previous post (I include it here below for reference). Personally, I wanted to try something different to see how well it lasts. Since the rear bushing is primarily in compression after being shoved into the aluminum hole of the tower and then having a pin driven through it I decided to try polyurethane (PU) bushings which are tough and should not creep overtime with weight. Basically, I'm going with the same PU bushings used for leaf springs on trailers. If it works well, I can update in the future. The PU bushings were just $3.30 a piece so I figured I have nothing to lose.

I did not need to replace the side washers that go on pivot side (front) so I did not look for those. They were like new on mine. In any case, I did test them too and they are also made out of polyacetal (Delrin).

If you need all the pieces, Bakes Bushing kit is the way to go. Otherwise, here are your individual options:

Front swivel bushing options:

https://www.mcmaster.com/#1071k16/=1ee101a

or

https://www.bakesonline.com/metcraft-illusion-ix-spherical-bushing.html

 

Rear bushing for pin:

https://www.trailerpartsdepot.com/p-5711-spring-bushing-1-2-id-x-7-8-od-nylon.aspx - Nylon

https://www.trailerpartsdepot.com/p-5709-spring-bushing-1-2-id-x-7-8-od-nylon.aspx - Nylon no flange (longer)

https://www.etrailer.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=BASK&Store_Code=E&site=5 - Nylon no flange (longer)

https://www.bakesonline.com/metcraft-illusion-ix-release-bushing.html - original one (should be POM)

I'm trying the PU bushings from Prothane. I just got it from ebay but I'm sure you can find others.

https://www.ebay.com/str/Z-Parts-House-of-Modesto/UNIVERSAL-Link-Bar-Bushings-/_i.html?_storecat=12040229018 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2-I-D-x-7-8-O-D-x-1-1-32-Polyurethane-Flange-Type-Bushing-ES2121/261912543184?hash=item3cfb343fd0:g:ROEAAOxyaTxTRNou:sc:USPSFirstClass!53589!US!-1

 

 

 

Edited by Javi
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  • Thanks 1
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  • 1 year later...

Update: I have used the PU bushings for a while now with absolutely no problems. It is definitely tight to get the pin in, more than before, but I keep it lubed with a bit of clear silicone grease and it works great.

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12 hours ago, Javi said:

Update: I have used the PU bushings for a while now with absolutely no problems. It is definitely tight to get the pin in, more than before, but I keep it lubed with a bit of clear silicone grease and it works great.

You have multiple links in your post 2018 which ones did you use that you say worked?

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  • 3 weeks later...

The front swivel I got from McmasterCarr (first link).

The back bushing I used the PU (polyurethane) bushings from Prothane. Last ebay links. Second link doesn't seem to work anymore but the link has the info on the dimensions on the bushing I got since they sell all kinds of different ones.

1-2-I-D-x-7-8-O-D-x-1-1-32-Polyurethane-Flange-Type-Bushing

I think it may be this one but check the dimensions on what you have to compare:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2121G-7-8-O-D-x-1-2-I-D-x-1-1-32-Polyurethane-Flange-Type-Bushing/264053264204?hash=item3d7acd0f4c:g:-IEAAOSwjdFen0bE

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  • 6 months later...

Last weekend, my pin wouldn't push in all the way. Upon further inspection, I found that the end of the set screw had fallen into the hole. I think this one from McMaster Carr is the correct one to replace it. 

https://www.mcmaster.com/3408A98/

I will try to remember to update this thread once the part arrives.

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  • 1 year later...
On 2/2/2021 at 10:14 PM, RebesMalibu said:

Last weekend, my pin wouldn't push in all the way. Upon further inspection, I found that the end of the set screw had fallen into the hole. I think this one from McMaster Carr is the correct one to replace it. 

https://www.mcmaster.com/3408A98/

I will try to remember to update this thread once the part arrives.

It was the correct part. 

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