Polyurethane bushing
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: TX
Polyurethane bushing
This summer I am planning on replacing my factory rubber bushings on the upper and lower A-arms. Has anyone done this themselves? How hard is it to do. I have the Helms manuals but I have not read them yet. I need to know if I am going to have to have a shop press the bushings in place. I am also going to do rear camber bushings. Also, does anyone know if polyurethane differential crossmember bushings are legal in BSP?
I have been told that the graphite impregnated bushings do not squeak (at least not as badly) as standard polyurethane. Does anyone have experience with the polygraphite bushings?
I have been told that the graphite impregnated bushings do not squeak (at least not as badly) as standard polyurethane. Does anyone have experience with the polygraphite bushings?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 50,808
Likes: 10
From: Buy USA products! Check the label! Employ Americans
Re: Polyurethane bushing (kkonen)
You will need a press. Make sure they don't bend the A arm when they press them in. They must cut a brace (small angle) to fit in between. Hard part is getting the old ones out. Some have burned them out, but I don't like that idea for my car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,198
Likes: 2
From: Northern CA
Re: Polyurethane bushing (kkonen)
The rear diff bushings are illegal in SP. This was announced in one of the FasTrack issues last year. The announcement was for Miatas but pertains to our cars as well.
BTW, a few places make offset bushings for the front lower arms. Something to consider.
BTW, a few places make offset bushings for the front lower arms. Something to consider.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,169
Likes: 0
From: Manhattan
Re: Polyurethane bushing (kkonen)
I installed the energy suspension master flex kit. I got the black set from summit racing, the new black bushings are graphite impregnated. I used a lot of synthetic white marine grease. I only have under 1k miles on them, and they are not noisey.
I was able to install all of them with a 6 inch puller and a bench vise. I drilled, then pressed the old bushings out with the puller.
The diff carrier bushings have an outer sleeve that needs to be removed before the new bushings will fit. I used a hack saw to cut a channel, then pliers to bend and remove the metal sleeve.
The front upper control arm bushings are a pain. The large 30mm nuts are secured with red lock-tight and are hard to remove. Also, there is no torque spec for assembling them.
I was able to install all of them with a 6 inch puller and a bench vise. I drilled, then pressed the old bushings out with the puller.
The diff carrier bushings have an outer sleeve that needs to be removed before the new bushings will fit. I used a hack saw to cut a channel, then pliers to bend and remove the metal sleeve.
The front upper control arm bushings are a pain. The large 30mm nuts are secured with red lock-tight and are hard to remove. Also, there is no torque spec for assembling them.
