Squeak Squeak
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From: Minnesota
Squeak Squeak
I replaced the upper and lower bushings in the front control arms with poly bushings from VB&P. Now I have an annoying squeak when going over bumps. The instructions tell you to cut the steel sleeves to fit. There is no gap between the sleeve and the bushing after torquing the bolts down after installing them on the car. Did I cut them too much? How do I stop the squeaking?
Last edited by captainmorgan; Sep 4, 2007 at 08:14 AM.
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
When you got the bushing kit did it come with grease? Usually they have a pack of really heavy grease that is supposed to grease the bushings to prevent the squeak.
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From: Minnesota
Thread Starter
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From: Minnesota
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Le Mans Master
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From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Whatever they came with, the best thing you can lube poly bushings with is a marine or synthetic grease that resists wash out. That squeaking is the poly binding, so it needs to be addressed for reasons beyond being an annoyance. Grease all "bearing surfaces". 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Cortlandt Manor New York
Call VBP and tell them of the problem. Everyone says poly bushings squeak. See what they say, you know they have heard this before.
Then buy rubber bushings. The rubber ones in my car lasted 37 years I figured that was long enough so I replaced them with rubber again. If I still have the car in 30 years I will replace them with rubber again.
Then buy rubber bushings. The rubber ones in my car lasted 37 years I figured that was long enough so I replaced them with rubber again. If I still have the car in 30 years I will replace them with rubber again.
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Minnesota
Call VBP and tell them of the problem. Everyone says poly bushings squeak. See what they say, you know they have heard this before.
Then buy rubber bushings. The rubber ones in my car lasted 37 years I figured that was long enough so I replaced them with rubber again. If I still have the car in 30 years I will replace them with rubber again.
Then buy rubber bushings. The rubber ones in my car lasted 37 years I figured that was long enough so I replaced them with rubber again. If I still have the car in 30 years I will replace them with rubber again.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
For anyone who desires to push the capabilities of a shark on modern tires, the rubber bushings will deflect considerably, causing all sorts of unpredictable suspension dynamics. 
The squeak can be solved...
The squeak can be solved...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,155
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From: San Diego California
I would be cautious about installing poly bushings just because of all the advertising and claimed performance benefits. I put polys in the rear control arms of my C4, and noticed no change except frequent squeak in cold weather. I recently installed poly motor mounts in my C3, and I love them- more vibration from the new engine lets me feel it. So be selective- modern rubber can be really good and last 30 years with no noise. Ask the OEM's. But if you only care about a stiff suspension for performance driving, then poly will get you there.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Orange massachusettes
I'm using VB&P's poly bushings and have no squeaks. Are you sure you didn't trim the metal sleeve too short? If so, the poly bushing could now be "pinched" and no amount of grease/lube will cure the squeak for long. I beleive VB&P recommends the sleeve be .040 longer than the bushing, giving you .020 clearance per side. I could be wrong on the clearance #'s, its been awhile since I did mine. A call to Pattie would get you the clearance specs. Good luck
Thread Starter
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From: Minnesota
I'm using VB&P's poly bushings and have no squeaks. Are you sure you didn't trim the metal sleeve too short? If so, the poly bushing could now be "pinched" and no amount of grease/lube will cure the squeak for long. I beleive VB&P recommends the sleeve be .040 longer than the bushing, giving you .020 clearance per side. I could be wrong on the clearance #'s, its been awhile since I did mine. A call to Pattie would get you the clearance specs. Good luck
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From: Minnesota
I just received an email from Pattie at VBP. Looks like I was the cause of the problem. I trimmed too much off of the inner sleeves just as I suspected.
Pattie is sending me some new sleeves at no charge. VBP is the best in the business. They will continue to be my number one source for parts.
Thanks
Pattie is sending me some new sleeves at no charge. VBP is the best in the business. They will continue to be my number one source for parts.
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
I just received an email from Pattie at VBP. Looks like I was the cause of the problem. I trimmed too much off of the inner sleeves just as I suspected.
Pattie is sending me some new sleeves at no charge. VBP is the best in the business. They will continue to be my number one source for parts.
Thanks
Pattie is sending me some new sleeves at no charge. VBP is the best in the business. They will continue to be my number one source for parts.
Thanks
BTW, for anyone who doesn't already know, Pattie rocks!
