Re: Suspension Bushings

[Harry Jones WISD <haj@tenet.edu>]

On Mon, 3 Feb 1997, Ilias Glavinas wrote:

> > My question is on poly bushings for the lower control arms and rear axle.
> 
> I switched over to poly control arm bushings and the first thing you 
> notice is the darn creaking noises they make. Stupid of me not to put 
> some moly grease or something like that before I slid them in, although I 
> am not sure that would have solved the problem 100%. The ride became a 
> little bumpier but I also got a liiiiiittle better handling. 
> 
> I have heard some strange stories though about those poly bushings. 
> Specifically that they don't simply wear out like the rubber ones do, but 
> they simply crack and split in half. I saw at least 2-3 such posts over 
> the net. 

Poly bushings can be a "high maint." upgrade, but the pat-off can be 
worthwhile. I would avoid the softer "red" and clear poly bushings 
though. 

The most durable bushings (non-stock that is) would either be the derlin 
(see OPM Racing @ $90) or the super-nice sealed bearing bushings offered 
by Shine Racing. These are road racing products and "reliablity" to a 
road racer is subjective issue! I use the derlin / offset bushings and 
have had no cracking problems and no "creaking" noises that can be heard 
over the 2" unstricted pipe that I call an exhaust system :)

Check out the Shine Racing homepage or call OPM Racing. They can give 
detailed info on either!

Harry

PS : Removing the stock rubber bushings can be a really pain in the ass! 
DO NOT HAVE THEM PRESSED OUT, this can deform the control arm! My method 
is to heat an ice pick (with a wooden handle) white hot. The hot ice-pick 
will cut through the rubber bushing like butter.  
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