bushing question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 337
Likes: 71
bushing question
I bought a polyurethane kit. The bat wing and steering rack look like a pain to remove. Is it worth replacing those bushings. They look to be in good shape. I am doing this project to help with the handling. Are their noticeable benifits from replacing them? Thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 7
From: Ft Wayne IN
If they are in good shape just hold on to them untill you do some work in those areas then replace. If it is stock and you don't drag race or road race you will be fine waiting. If it's a manual trans and you launch it with tires that grip the batwing bushings will help stabilize the rearend. The rack and pinion bushings will give you more steering feedback and you will feel bad roads in the steering wheel with everyday street driving.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,292
Likes: 239
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
I haven't got around to the rack yet, but I did the batwing and it was pretty simple.
I lowered one end, drilled holes through rubber, then pulled out sleeve and bushing. Takes about 5 minutes a side.
I lowered one end, drilled holes through rubber, then pulled out sleeve and bushing. Takes about 5 minutes a side.
Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 670
Likes: 55
This is what I love about this forum. How did the new bushings go back in, do they simply slide in or need pressing? Thanks for a great suggestion.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 190
From: Indiana PA
Out of curiosity did you do this with the c-beam/suspension still attached?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,292
Likes: 239
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
I have a few pics on the garage PC, I'll see if I can find them, later this morning.
I only lowered one side enough to clear it's bracket and allow me enough room to work on it.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 30
From: Los Angeles CA
New bushings are 2 piece and require very little effort to install.
I have a few pics on the garage PC, I'll see if I can find them, later this morning.
C beam attached, and I believe just the dog bones removed. Finding the pics on the PC, will refresh my fuzzy memory.
I only lowered one side enough to clear it's bracket and allow me enough room to work on it.
I have a few pics on the garage PC, I'll see if I can find them, later this morning.
C beam attached, and I believe just the dog bones removed. Finding the pics on the PC, will refresh my fuzzy memory.
I only lowered one side enough to clear it's bracket and allow me enough room to work on it.
i thought it was a huge undertaking, heck if that is the case... hmmm, that may be my next project and when you say dog bone, it's not the control arm it is the upper trailing arm correct?
can you go over the procedure a little and what was the benefit from the switch?
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,292
Likes: 239
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 337
Likes: 71
Thanks for the info. I may just replace them then. Doing this project I found the best way to remove the old bushings is to heat up the metal sleeve inside the rubber until it can be pulled out with a pliers. Then just pry out the rubber. For the steering rack do you need to remove the rack? I have no problem taking any part of the car apart. I guess I have just been feeling lazy lately. And also thinking the effects of changing those bushings. All the new ones are easy to install other than the top front one on the front control arm.
Last edited by red86silver78; Jan 12, 2013 at 01:16 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 162
Likes: 18
From: Newark ca
I would like to know the results of bat wing and steering rack urethane bushings as well...I just got my total bushing kit in today. I mounted a camera under my car to mainly check the C-beam and noticed my bat wing mounts move a little bit up/down so might as well.
Does the rack have to come out to install the rack and pinion urethane bushings?
Does the rack have to come out to install the rack and pinion urethane bushings?
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 98
From: Ashland PA
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
i just finished up my rear end but i removed the whole IRS as a unit because i had to rebuild the differential and replace all the u-joints. i used the prothane total kit from summit, it includes the steering rack bushings but i may leave mine alone if they still look good. the front bushings i will get to after i take a break from doing the rear.