Poly Bushings...bad???
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 478
Likes: 1
From: Nesquehoning PA
Poly Bushings...bad???
So I'm reading this book by Herb Adams and in it he mentions that due to the fact that poly bushings bond to the metal that they are inserted into, that they actually inhibit handling capability...I realize that this was written in '91 but have there been any advances in poly technology to make them work better? I mean, Herb Adams has practically deified in Chassis building lore....
Anyone have any thoughts on this....I have my suspension ropped apart and before I make the biggest mistake in a long time...I'd like to have an idea about how to proceed...
Anyone have any thoughts on this....I have my suspension ropped apart and before I make the biggest mistake in a long time...I'd like to have an idea about how to proceed...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,482
Likes: 196
From: folsom california
I would not argue with Herb Adams.
But I would speculate that any bonding would be the result of inadequate lubrication during assembly.
In my own experience I use poly bushings and have never had a problem.
what I will say is that when you assemble your bushings, LUBE EVERYTHING, bushings, inserts, brackets, everything. That puny little squeeze tube of grease that comes with the bushings is nowhere near enough. Use a good quality chassis or wheel bearing grease and use lots of it. Good luck
But I would speculate that any bonding would be the result of inadequate lubrication during assembly.
In my own experience I use poly bushings and have never had a problem.
what I will say is that when you assemble your bushings, LUBE EVERYTHING, bushings, inserts, brackets, everything. That puny little squeeze tube of grease that comes with the bushings is nowhere near enough. Use a good quality chassis or wheel bearing grease and use lots of it. Good luck
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 478
Likes: 1
From: Nesquehoning PA
I would not argue with Herb Adams.
But I would speculate that any bonding would be the result of inadequate lubrication during assembly.
In my own experience I use poly bushings and have never had a problem.
what I will say is that when you assemble your bushings, LUBE EVERYTHING, bushings, inserts, brackets, everything. That puny little squeeze tube of grease that comes with the bushings is nowhere near enough. Use a good quality chassis or wheel bearing grease and use lots of it. Good luck
But I would speculate that any bonding would be the result of inadequate lubrication during assembly.
In my own experience I use poly bushings and have never had a problem.
what I will say is that when you assemble your bushings, LUBE EVERYTHING, bushings, inserts, brackets, everything. That puny little squeeze tube of grease that comes with the bushings is nowhere near enough. Use a good quality chassis or wheel bearing grease and use lots of it. Good luck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,772
Likes: 64
From: Mystic CT
Here is the problem I have with poly in the rear dogbones. The halfshaft camber rods swing in an arc when there is suspension travel rather than perfectly straight The dogbones have to swing an arc as well so the bushing has to be compliant in more than one dimension. Anything you do to firm up the bushing will restrict the motion for the dogbone to travel in two planes at the same time. In my mind you either need a compliant bushing that will allow the travel in two planes at once but lose precision or a heim joint that will allow the travel and maintain precision. My .02 it's free YMMV..
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
with dhalgreenAlso they now have poygraphite impregnated bushings which supposeldy help the squeak syndrome (Ill find out soon). From others Ive driven though not sure I would do it again. Rubber seems to be the best overall for a street car. Last one even though all new and lubed up squawked like crazy going over speed bumps in a parkling lot it was downright embarrassing.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,772
Likes: 64
From: Mystic CT
This winter I am going with heim joints in the rear with the seals-it boots to keep the dirt out. It may or may not be too much but worth a try vs. all the squeaks and binding. I have entertained making some mono-***** for the front and see no reason for the to cost as much as I have seen the sell for. If it works will make a kit up the average bear can install in their garage.
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,671
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Just a thought, looking at my spindle rods where I just put in some polys, the only place the rods have to move is where the insert sleeve meets the bolts. The bushings can adhere to the strut rod without a problem.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,949
Likes: 705
From: WI
I've got the most experience with the sway bar mounting bushings. I can tell after awhile as the ride harshens that the grease has gone away. The extra friction makes more dampening as the bar doesn't rotate freely anymore. I'm thinking of just greasing the bars every year or putting in a zerk.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Belleville Wisconsin
So I'm reading this book by Herb Adams and in it he mentions that due to the fact that poly bushings bond to the metal that they are inserted into, that they actually inhibit handling capability...I realize that this was written in '91 but have there been any advances in poly technology to make them work better? I mean, Herb Adams has practically deified in Chassis building lore....
Anyone have any thoughts on this....I have my suspension ropped apart and before I make the biggest mistake in a long time...I'd like to have an idea about how to proceed...
Anyone have any thoughts on this....I have my suspension ropped apart and before I make the biggest mistake in a long time...I'd like to have an idea about how to proceed...
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,267
Likes: 27
From: Texas
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 478
Likes: 1
From: Nesquehoning PA
Yes I am a Collie Guy...he was my Second.
Last edited by JeepCycle; Aug 13, 2009 at 06:57 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,267
Likes: 27
From: Texas
just saying the rapid change from bushing to the dog
didnt mean no harm by it
just struck me as funny
but sry for your loss. Im dreading the next 2 years as my great dane just turned 7 and thats tipping the scale for them
didnt mean no harm by it
just struck me as funny
but sry for your loss. Im dreading the next 2 years as my great dane just turned 7 and thats tipping the scale for them
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 478
Likes: 1
From: Nesquehoning PA
No offense taken...I was trying to lighten the mood...and thank you...
Yes, My daughter has a Female Great that she is very attached to...we are dog people by nature...Jade is only 3 right now but it will be hard on my daughter when the time comes...
Jade however, will not fit in the cargo area of my coupe, so...now we're off topic
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
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From: Australia