Those that changed to poly bushings?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 945
Likes: 0
From: Ventura California
Those that changed to poly bushings?
Curious to hear from those that changed from rubber suspension bushings to poly. How much difference did it make and would you do it again. I'm building a street driven '73 that will see some "spirited driving". I don't mind "road feel" as I am used to a 930 Turbo that lets you know if you run over a cigarette butt on the road. I have yet to get my 73 on the road and have never driven a Corvette in my life, so I am just curious if I made the right call by going to poly.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,154
Likes: 69
From: Regina Sk Canada
Its all what you are willing to handle? I am doing a complete polly bushing exchange on my 1980 vette right now. Its a sports car lol they are supposed to leak oil right rough and be loud.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
its all in the lube
I like poly. I use it front and rear and I like that it will not deflect like rubber. The only thing I can say is LUBE the snot out of them. My Camaro squeaks alot but on my Vette I use lube I bought from
polybushings.com
I have not heard one squeel from them in about 1k miles of driving.
Good luck.
polybushings.com
I have not heard one squeel from them in about 1k miles of driving.
Good luck.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 549
Likes: 5
From: punta gorda florida
poly
I put in all poly except for t/a bushing a had a fit problrm for sum reason also on the tranny use the energy suspension its the right height the prothnse one is short about 1/4 inch and lube well on your a arms be sure to thighten the cross shaft bolts with the car weight on the wheel they can work loose and come out if found out the hard way luckly didnt destroy anything
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 2
From: San diego ca
Ihave poly all around on my 78 gymkana equipped car. I felt little or no change in the quality of the ride which isnt saying much as this car has always rode like a buckboard 
I could really really do without the creaking in the front suspension though. I lubed the snot outta mine as mentioned earlier and that lasted a little while but I'm well over 30k miles on these bushings and the lube has long since worn out.
Spray lube at this point is ineffectual.
Considering my driving habits, I probably wouldnt do it again. The 17" wheels and modern tires did more for handling than these bushings ever did.
I could really really do without the creaking in the front suspension though. I lubed the snot outta mine as mentioned earlier and that lasted a little while but I'm well over 30k miles on these bushings and the lube has long since worn out.
Spray lube at this point is ineffectual.
Considering my driving habits, I probably wouldnt do it again. The 17" wheels and modern tires did more for handling than these bushings ever did.
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 716
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
I like what the poly has done for body bushings and suspension (a-arms, sway bar), however, I prefer to keep a rubber tranny mount and I think if I were to do again would highly consdier doing rubber vs. poly motor mounts. Haven't had squeak issues yet on A-arm bushings but it's only been about 5,000 miles since installing. I thought that the earlier versions all had issues with squeakig but they've improved the mixture more recently - maybe this is just rumor - anyone know for sure?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia/NYC CT
I think the the tires play a major role as well.
I have a completely updated suspension, much stiffer, with poly bushings. With the low profile tires, yes, the ride is quite rough.
But I tried, just for kicks, putting my old rally wheels with the old school radials, and found the ride to be MUCH softer.
Just food for thought.
I have a completely updated suspension, much stiffer, with poly bushings. With the low profile tires, yes, the ride is quite rough.
But I tried, just for kicks, putting my old rally wheels with the old school radials, and found the ride to be MUCH softer.
Just food for thought.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
I have long had poly upper and lower control arm busings as well as anti-roll bar bushings in my '78/SA, and would most certainly do it again. However, I'm not in favor of poly where component movement isn't intended to be confined to only one plane, such as with rear TA's and rear camber struts; where I have heim-jointed struts to maintain proper camber geometry.
If improved handling is something you'd like to enjoy, I would put poly control arm bushings very high on the do list; right behind a set of modern tires and high quality shocks. Lube them properly upon installation with grease which resists wash out, such as a quality synthetic or marine grade, and squeaking (an audible report of binding) isn't usually a problem.
TSW
If improved handling is something you'd like to enjoy, I would put poly control arm bushings very high on the do list; right behind a set of modern tires and high quality shocks. Lube them properly upon installation with grease which resists wash out, such as a quality synthetic or marine grade, and squeaking (an audible report of binding) isn't usually a problem.
TSW
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 39
From: Fremont CA
Since the IDIOTS who make the poly bushings never took a good look at the OEM Harris bushings and figured out that the inner sleeve was serrated to keep the retaining washer from rotating and backing off the retaining bolt you will enjoy a life long commitment to re-tightening the control arm bolts as they are worked loose by suspension movement. Unless you want to take the time to straighten the A-arms and fit Delrin bushings like I do, I would suggest you stay with rubber and its 10-12year lifespan. I have Auotcrossed a Vette with stock rubber bushings and it performed well enough for me to win a championship on them.
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Portland CT
I put poly bushings in my 68's front upper and lower A-arms. Good parts too (from VBP). Waste of my money. I couldn't stand the squeaking and could never get rid of the squeak.
Went back to rubber and will not go back to poly for the noise reason. They did feel tighter than the rubber.
Can't speak for any other locations where maybe the poly is better but I'm guessing they squeak just about anywhere they are installed.
Went back to rubber and will not go back to poly for the noise reason. They did feel tighter than the rubber.
Can't speak for any other locations where maybe the poly is better but I'm guessing they squeak just about anywhere they are installed.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 716
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
Since the IDIOTS who make the poly bushings never took a good look at the OEM Harris bushings and figured out that the inner sleeve was serrated to keep the retaining washer from rotating and backing off the retaining bolt you will enjoy a life long commitment to re-tightening the control arm bolts as they are worked loose by suspension movement. Unless you want to take the time to straighten the A-arms and fit Delrin bushings like I do, I would suggest you stay with rubber and its 10-12year lifespan. I have Auotcrossed a Vette with stock rubber bushings and it performed well enough for me to win a championship on them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Solid LT1, I guess, due my having brought home from the track and put into practice the habit of doing a periodic "nut & bolt", that loosening fasteners just hasn't been an issue for me. That said, you do bring up a rather interesting item about the serrated inner sleeve; one worthy of additional head scratching. When it's yours that it happens to you're 100% effected, but I wonder just how common is this issue. Show of hands?
Sidebar - I've researched and rethought my former aversion to Delrin over the years (still not quited convinced it's best suited for the street), and would like to know if you've had any problem with sleeve binding, or did you go to the trouble to fab them from stainless? I'd be most interested in hearing more from you about this alternative, if the OP doesn't mind.
Raptor119, as you didn't mention proper lubrication, did yours squeak despite such? I'm not arguing the validity of your complaint, but your unfortunate experience is not a universal one.
Sidebar - I've researched and rethought my former aversion to Delrin over the years (still not quited convinced it's best suited for the street), and would like to know if you've had any problem with sleeve binding, or did you go to the trouble to fab them from stainless? I'd be most interested in hearing more from you about this alternative, if the OP doesn't mind.
Raptor119, as you didn't mention proper lubrication, did yours squeak despite such? I'm not arguing the validity of your complaint, but your unfortunate experience is not a universal one.
Last edited by TheSkunkWorks; Mar 12, 2009 at 04:58 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 460
Likes: 0
I agree with Solid-LT1 about the design with the control arm bushings............................ I had a lower control arm bushing fall out on me..................... thankfully, I was backing into my garage at the time !!!
I like the poly's............................ and I do suggest you replace the bolts and use red locktite when installing them. Mine backed off a second time, so I loaded the threads the second time and I haven't had any problems since !!! They give you a tight ride........ you'll like 'em !
I like the poly's............................ and I do suggest you replace the bolts and use red locktite when installing them. Mine backed off a second time, so I loaded the threads the second time and I haven't had any problems since !!! They give you a tight ride........ you'll like 'em !
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Portland CT
SkunkWorks:
I did try lubrication several times but it didn't seem to last long, squeaks would go away and then come back until all 4 A-frames squeaked again. After several rounds of this, I just decided to go back to the rubber.
I did like the tighter feel with the poly but since its a 68, I don't push it hard enough to really be a big factor so going back to new rubber was fine with me.
Just my thoughts and experience.
I did try lubrication several times but it didn't seem to last long, squeaks would go away and then come back until all 4 A-frames squeaked again. After several rounds of this, I just decided to go back to the rubber.
I did like the tighter feel with the poly but since its a 68, I don't push it hard enough to really be a big factor so going back to new rubber was fine with me.
Just my thoughts and experience.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
gosh I don't want to go back to rubber, but the darn squeaking makes it sound like a pos
right out of the junk yard after every bump. If there is some sort of NEW type of poly bushings that do not do this please enlightening me... I would love to use them.. 
right out of the junk yard after every bump. If there is some sort of NEW type of poly bushings that do not do this please enlightening me... I would love to use them..
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,456
Likes: 102
From: Piedmont Va
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13,'19-'20
I installed VBP poly bushings in my upper and lower control arms two year ago. Only drive ~2k a year and mostly in warmer weather. No real squeak issues to speak of. They squeak a little when cold but once everything is warmed up and cruising I can't hear any squeaks. It also feels much tighter and more stable compared to the old rubber but the fact they were worn could have been a factor. Anyway i have had no issues to date that would cause me to go back.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 403
From: Nashville TN
St. Jude Donor '09
I don't have enough miles on mine to make the call. So far I love them, but anything would be better than the worn rubber bushings or lack of that I had previously. I did use marine grease that I picked up from West Marine as SkunkWorks suggested. No squeaks yet.