cue487023

I replaced the rear end mount cushion on my 79 with a new rubber one (Corvette Central) about 12 months ago (before I decided to lift the body). On lifting the body upon inspection I discovered that the new rubber cushion seems to have perished and cracked (a little hard to see in the photo) . Considering I haven't even driven the car yet this seems pretty pathetic.



Obviously I will need to replace it but given the performance of the rubber unit, I think I will replace it with a poly one. Has anyone had any issues with the poly cushions? I would have preferred to use the rubber one to provide a little more 'cushion' but not if I have to replace it every 12 months.

The13Bats

From what I gather there is good poly and bad poly,
What I want to know is why "rubber" starts to crack in a few months to perhaps a couple years, how did it last longer in older days?

Mick71

I'd say if the rubber is still soft, you'll be okay, but they are much easier to change with the body off.

MelWff

did you torque the bolt to the correct specification?

cue487023

Hopefully Corvette Central are selling the 'good poly'. It makes you wonder. Says a lot about some of the manufacturing these days though. Cheers.

cue487023

Possibly not and may be my problem. Do you know what tension that is or know where I would find it?

Red Vert 02

The 1969 AIM calls for 55-75 LBS FT . Rubber snubber on my 69 is at least 10 years old, still looks fine. Don't know why yours looks bad after so short a time.

cue487023

OK thanks for the info. I think I will replace it while I have the body off just to be on the safe side. I will make sure I use the correct torque setting.

Haggisbash

I see cracks like that appearing in the rubber cushions on my rear spring hangers and they are less than 2 years old, seems like more cr*p parts to me:-( The rubber cushion for the diff in my 70 is as old as the hills and though a little squashed still has less cracking in it than what your new one has.
FWIW next time I replace the hanger ones I will fabricate something out of some known decent industrial rubber rather than buy more junk. Trouble with replacement stuff is you can't tell if it will last until you try it.

cue487023

Thanks for your comments and I agree. A lot of the parts seem to be inferior to the original parts and don't seem to last. I purchased new window/door seals from CC and some of the rubber mouldings look like crap, and these were supposed to be the better ones. CC weren't too interested in helping me and if I would have sent them back as they suggested the cost of the return freight would probably be more than they are worth. Oh well, I guess that is the price we pay for having an American muscle car in our part of the globe!!

Easy Mike

The bushing in your pic does not need to be replaced. It shows age, nothing more.

cue487023

Thanks for the comment. I think I will remove it and check the extent of the cracks just to be on the safe side. If its OK I can reinstall it and check the torque settings as MelWff suggested.

Cheers!

Hammerhead Fred

The reality is while it might be new to you, you have no idea how long it's been sitting in inventory waiting for your purchase.