Polyurethane Bushing Question?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 21
From: Denville NJ
Polyurethane Bushing Question?
I just purchased a complete suspension polyurethane bushing kit for my '86. I just have a few questions regarding the installation.
1.) How difficult a job am I looking at?
2.) What special tools will I need?
3.) Can this job be done using ramps and jack stands, or is a lift required?
Thanks for any help and advice.
1.) How difficult a job am I looking at?
2.) What special tools will I need?
3.) Can this job be done using ramps and jack stands, or is a lift required?
Thanks for any help and advice.
Pro
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 588
Likes: 9
From: Tulsa, OK (Husker at heart)
Re: Polyurethane Bushing Question? (CG77VETTE)
It shouldn't be that difficult. I replaced the rear bushings on my 87. Just take your time, do one part at a time. I put mine up on jack stands.
I was going to do the fronts, but sold the car before I could. It really tightens up the suspension, you will really notice a difference in
ride quality. Just make sure you get enough marine grease on/in them.
-Ian94
I was going to do the fronts, but sold the car before I could. It really tightens up the suspension, you will really notice a difference in
ride quality. Just make sure you get enough marine grease on/in them.
-Ian94
Drifting
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,801
Likes: 2
From: St. Paul MN
Re: Polyurethane Bushing Question? (Ian87)
I second that. Just plan on taking your time. Get a suspension part out and work on that one thing until you are done and then do another part. To get the old rubber bushing out of the metal part I like to burn it out with propane. Just watch out for the metal sleeve in the middle. As the rubber is burning it will sometimes shoot the metal sleeve out with great force. I shot one across the garage. Can you imagine if it had landed in my oil drain pan or something? Good thing I keep a big extinguisher nearby at all time. I have heard of drilling holes in the rubber and hacking the bushing out. I like fire best.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,418
Likes: 1
From: NW Chicago Suburbs
Re: Polyurethane Bushing Question?
I'm doing mine on jackstands in my unheated garage, (the beer stored in there is too cold to drink). Using a lift and air tools is for wimps ;)
Eric
Eric
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 2
From: Latham NY
Re: Polyurethane Bushing Question? (CG77VETTE)
I am doing this project now. Here are some tips:
1. Cut off rubber lip that sticks over end of suspension piece.
2. Drill many holes around the metal sleeve.
3. Remove metal sleeve with vise-grips by turning them in a circle.
4. Press out the old bushing with C-clamp and sockets or borrow a ball joint
press from autozone.
5. Clean out any remaining rubber.
6. Apply alot of grease to everything.
7. Take your time and expect it to take longer than expected.
1. Cut off rubber lip that sticks over end of suspension piece.
2. Drill many holes around the metal sleeve.
3. Remove metal sleeve with vise-grips by turning them in a circle.
4. Press out the old bushing with C-clamp and sockets or borrow a ball joint
press from autozone.
5. Clean out any remaining rubber.
6. Apply alot of grease to everything.
7. Take your time and expect it to take longer than expected.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,090
Likes: 214
From: Ca.
Re: Polyurethane Bushing Question? (Bluevette85)
I am doing this project now. Here are some tips:
1. Cut off rubber lip that sticks over end of suspension piece.
2. Drill many holes around the metal sleeve.
3. Remove metal sleeve with vise-grips by turning them in a circle.
4. Press out the old bushing with C-clamp and sockets or borrow a ball joint
press from autozone.
5. Clean out any remaining rubber.
6. Apply alot of grease to everything.
7. Take your time and expect it to take longer than expected.
1. Cut off rubber lip that sticks over end of suspension piece.
2. Drill many holes around the metal sleeve.
3. Remove metal sleeve with vise-grips by turning them in a circle.
4. Press out the old bushing with C-clamp and sockets or borrow a ball joint
press from autozone.
5. Clean out any remaining rubber.
6. Apply alot of grease to everything.
7. Take your time and expect it to take longer than expected.
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 2
From: Latham NY
Re: Polyurethane Bushing Question? (drive it)
I also agree with doing the ball joints and wheel bearings if the miles are high. I recommend the package availible from www.p-s-t.com because everything (except wheel bearings) is included and I couldn't find a cheaper price.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 91
From: Leander TX
Re: Polyurethane Bushing Question? (Bluevette85)
Don't you need a press to install the front A arm bushings and lower ball joints? That is what I was told so I had a shop do it for me. If you car has high milage then it will be a HUGE improvement. I love my new suspenision with poly bushing, new shocks, and new ball joints. I also got the adjustable strut rods in the back. Don't know if they do anything but I have them anyways. At least they make me think it handels even better.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 2
From: Latham NY
Re: Polyurethane Bushing Question? (85WHITEZ51)
Don't you need a press to install the front A arm bushings and lower ball joints? That is what I was told so I had a shop do it for me. If you car has high milage then it will be a HUGE improvement. I love my new suspenision with poly bushing, new shocks, and new ball joints. I also got the adjustable strut rods in the back. Don't know if they do anything but I have them anyways. At least they make me think it handels even better.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 927
Likes: 0
From: Saginaw TX
Re: Polyurethane Bushing Question? (CG77VETTE)
I was also told by the guy at Suspension.com to run a fine thread tap through the inside bore of the bushings to create a "reservoir" for grease. sounds good in principle, anyone tried it??
Racer
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 471
Likes: 0
From: Denham Springs, LA, USA
Re: Polyurethane Bushing Question? (Bluevette85)
Bluevette85, how do you like the P-S-T kit? I just got mine today and plan on installing everything this weekend(of course I do have access to lifts and presses :D ) I liked that everything metal had USA on it.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,875
Likes: 27
From: Long Beach NY
Re: Polyurethane Bushing Question? (VetteNoob)
I was thinking about the PST kit as well. I e-mailed them but got no response, my question was: Where are the ball joints and tie rod made? China, Mexico or the US/Canada? Are they name brands?
Does anybody know?
Was it necessary to grease with the graphite impregnated parts?
thanks
Barrier
Does anybody know?
Was it necessary to grease with the graphite impregnated parts?
thanks
Barrier
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 2
From: Latham NY
Re: Polyurethane Bushing Question? (CaneinBatonRouge)
Bluevette85, how do you like the P-S-T kit? I just got mine today and plan on installing everything this weekend(of course I do have access to lifts and presses :D ) I liked that everything metal had USA on it.
Barrier: The ball joints and tie rods are Made in USA. I would call PST tech support as they are very helpful. It is necessary to grease. BUY EXTRA GREASE!!! Get 8oz more. The little tubes that come with the kit are not enough. You don't want squeaks in a few months.
[Modified by Bluevette85, 8:32 PM 3/4/2002]
Racer
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 471
Likes: 0
From: Denham Springs, LA, USA
Re: Polyurethane Bushing Question? (VetteNoob)
VetteNoob, no the rear bushing kit is sold separately($90, if I remember right), If I like the front kit after it's installed I plan on getting the rear kit also.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 91
From: Leander TX
Re: Polyurethane Bushing Question? (CaneinBatonRouge)
I don't think you will get the full potential of the poly front kit with old rubbers in the back. Could be wrong but in therory it would compromise the quality of the fronts feel.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,247
Likes: 2
From: Parker, Colorado, USofA
Re: Polyurethane Bushing Question? (Bob86ZZ4)
Aww heck, I'll see bob and raise him a nother bay. :p:
(And urethane bushings are on the shortlist, but I gotta get the motor in first! http://millerville.cc )
(And urethane bushings are on the shortlist, but I gotta get the motor in first! http://millerville.cc )
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,581
Likes: 1
From: Springfield VA
Re: Polyurethane Bushing Question? (CG77VETTE)
I did the front end on 86 last winter. Bushing, ball joints, tie rods. Don't even think about pressing the lower ball joints in without a hydraulic press. It took me a half day to remove each side with a manual press. I had to take them to a shop to get them pressed back in. The bushing on the front weren't bad. Just be sure to use lots of grease when you install them. Some people have mentioned using marine grease. There isn't usually enough in the package.
As far as only doing the front goes, thats all I did last year. I was planning on doing the rear this winter but doing motor work instead. The car is a little 'loose' in the rear but not noticable until it is pushed hard.
As far as only doing the front goes, thats all I did last year. I was planning on doing the rear this winter but doing motor work instead. The car is a little 'loose' in the rear but not noticable until it is pushed hard.