Polyurethane Suspension Bushings

[pspeaks]

I have a complete set, both front and rear, of polyurethane suspension bushings that I haven't installed yet.  Realizing my rubber bushings are 41 years old, do they make a noticeable difference?


Paul

[kstevusa]

I would suspect the new bushing would make a NOTICIBLE difference over the old ones.   I have complete Poly bushings incl the X-Member pads.  Your car will feel like a complete different car with the minor "slop" each old bushing  imparts.  The sum total will make you wonder why you haven't done it sooner.  SAFETY FASTER!

[Moderator]

So are you deciding whether to install these parts or to discard them?

New bushings were a significant improvement on my car.

I think most people can feel a difference between rubber and poly.

Poly might be a little harsh for some people's taste.

[MGBV8]

Poly might be a little harsh for some people's taste.

That is why it is available in different grades of hardness.

[BlownMGB-V8]

Yes but keep in mind that it is an artificial molecule and can be imperfect. I have seen some soft samples of raw polyurethane stock material deteriorate over time, either getting harder, discoloring, or turning to goo. With enough stabilizers it will easily outlast rubber most of the time but it is not perfect.

Jim

[pspeaks]

Thanks guys.  I plan to install them because the old ones are the OLD ones and I don't really want to buy something I already have.  I just didn't want to expect something from them that wasn't realistic.  I drove a T-Bucket for five years so a harsh ride is part of the fun.



Paul

[denvermgb]

Paul,

Even prior to installing the new ones, remove the old rubber bushings and do a side-by-side comparison with the new ones.  You should see how worn the old ones are.

Brad

[roverman]

As a "wear" surface, how do you stop them from squeaking ? Compressed rubber bushings, in "torsion", do not succumb to slide wear, unless they are really far gone. I'm not convinced "heims" are long term enough, for street cars.  Onward, roverman.

[Jim Stabe]

Break out your Dremel tool with a small round burr and cut a couple circumferential grooves in the I.D. toward the ends and connect them with 3 or 4 longitudinal grooves. When the bushings are installed in the arms, drill a hole from the outside that connects with one of the grooves then tap the hole for a grease fitting.

[socorob]

Use moly (grease) on poly. Put a grease fitting if possible and a light layer all o er the outside when you install them. I have one just starting to squeak after a year and a half or so.

[WernerVC]

Do these poly bushings come with a stainless sleeve on the inner diameter ?
I bought a set of poly bushings and they have the SS bushing on the inside. When I slide these bushings over the axle there is still some play between the A arm and the axle. Is this normal ?
Just new to install these "upgrade" bushings.
Werner

[BlownMGB-V8]

I had tried delrin bushes back in the late 70's but didn't like them too well. Very squeaky. Considered urethane but went with the V8 rubber bushings instead. That turned out to be a very good choice and they have held up well.

Jim

[MGBV8]

Gotta use the correct grease (or not):

http://www.polybushings.com/pages/bushinglube.html

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-tech-performance/2849282-correct-poly-bushing-lube.html

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1639367

Teflon tape trick:
http://syclone.motocrew.com/CG5/swaylube.htm

Other options include:

Energy Suspension Formula 5
Waterproof Green Grease
Valvoline Synthetic Grease
Mobil 1 chassis grease
Marine-waterproof lithium grease
White lithium grease
Anti-Seize Lubricant
Slick 50 grease
Slick 50 spray lube
Silicone spray

[pspeaks]

Though I sold my T-Bucket, I still hang around with the group and we got together this past Saturday to wire a bucket.  I was talking to a couple of guys who put polyurethane bushings on old Mustangs and they were unhappy with it saying they were noisy.  I was about to make the decision to send them back and reorder rubber but I think you guys are saying if I go about it with the correct grease and maybe the Teflon tape, it might not be so bad after all.  Thank you for all the info and advice and thanks for the links Carl.


Paul

[302GT]

I bought the Poly Pro urethane bushings from Australia. They are stiffer than rubber but not as stiff as the usual bushings, and I have never had them squeek (some have been in over 8 years and 40,000 miles). Unfortunately, they are expensive and are only available from MOSS UK.

[pspeaks]

I have the California Moss bushings.



Paul