Poly bushings worth it?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Poly bushings worth it?
While my 2001 Z06 is stored for the winter, I decided to change the rotors (Baer) and the shocks as well. I ordered a set of Koni FSDs that apparently are quite good. I was also thinking of replacing the stock rubber bushings of the suspention with polyurethane ones. However, before going down that road I would like to hear from others that have done the mod. Is it worth it? It is not a matter of cost but a question of ease of install. Apparently the removal of the stock bushings is quite difficult.
Thanks in advice
Thanks in advice
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,298
Likes: 4
From: American Canyon Lethal Injection
I had that problem and after using di-electric lube ..no more noise. On the rear sway bar I put washers where you bolt it to the frame..that took care of the sway bar squeak...
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24,652
Likes: 298
From: NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
While my 2001 Z06 is stored for the winter, I decided to change the rotors (Baer) and the shocks as well. I ordered a set of Koni FSDs that apparently are quite good. I was also thinking of replacing the stock rubber bushings of the suspention with polyurethane ones. However, before going down that road I would like to hear from others that have done the mod. Is it worth it? It is not a matter of cost but a question of ease of install. Apparently the removal of the stock bushings is quite difficult.
Thanks in advice
Thanks in advice
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Michael S. Palmer
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 160
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From: Grain Valley MO
I have have mine on for about a 2 years. My experience has been along the line of annoying also. The squeeking noise is enough to wanna sell your car. Also the the ride is pretty rough, you will feel every single nook and cranny in the road. I would never go with them again. By chance, if you do decide to go with them, I would trade your A-arms and my A-arms even up. Unsure if the sizes are different, as mine is a 97 coupe. Just my 2 cents.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,889
Likes: 7
From: Virginia Beach
CI 3-5-6-7-8 Veteran
If you want to enjoy driving on the street then don't do it. Install if fairly involved, and no matter what lube you use over time they all begin to squeek.
I have poly bushings in my swaybars and have to re-grease them annually w/ lithium grease.
I run 4-5 HPDEs a year and wanted to put VBP polys all around but decided against after hearing my swaybar bushings.... those are easy to re-grease, control arm bushings are not.
I have poly bushings in my swaybars and have to re-grease them annually w/ lithium grease.
I run 4-5 HPDEs a year and wanted to put VBP polys all around but decided against after hearing my swaybar bushings.... those are easy to re-grease, control arm bushings are not.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,331
Likes: 2
From: Akron Ohio
If you want to enjoy driving on the street then don't do it. Install if fairly involved, and no matter what lube you use over time they all begin to squeek.
I have poly bushings in my swaybars and have to re-grease them annually w/ lithium grease.
I run 4-5 HPDEs a year and wanted to put VBP polys all around but decided against after hearing my swaybar bushings.... those are easy to re-grease, control arm bushings are not.
I have poly bushings in my swaybars and have to re-grease them annually w/ lithium grease.
I run 4-5 HPDEs a year and wanted to put VBP polys all around but decided against after hearing my swaybar bushings.... those are easy to re-grease, control arm bushings are not.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,786
Likes: 6
From: Lafayette Colorado
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,298
Likes: 4
From: American Canyon Lethal Injection
Good luck..
SLPRC5
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
C-Arm Bushings
Greetings,
Poly bushings eliminate the bushing deflection and greatly reduce sticksion in the pivot. The OE bushings measure 53-55 with a durometer and the poly bushings are 90-95. This increased firmness impacts ride quality, but greatly reduces suspension deflection when cornering. We have measured .500" in toe change and up to 2 degrees of camber change. We have found the rear upper bushings to be the main source for noise. The front uppers and both front & rear lowers if installed properly are quite.
Your goal... we give and we get??? comfort or improved handling... The VBP kit is the most complete and the easiest to install... They offer the individual kits ie: front lowers, rear lowers... because of the physical size of the bushings, you may consider doing lowers with a slight change in ride quality and reduction in deflection...
Hope this helps,
PL, Vansteel
Poly bushings eliminate the bushing deflection and greatly reduce sticksion in the pivot. The OE bushings measure 53-55 with a durometer and the poly bushings are 90-95. This increased firmness impacts ride quality, but greatly reduces suspension deflection when cornering. We have measured .500" in toe change and up to 2 degrees of camber change. We have found the rear upper bushings to be the main source for noise. The front uppers and both front & rear lowers if installed properly are quite.
Your goal... we give and we get??? comfort or improved handling... The VBP kit is the most complete and the easiest to install... They offer the individual kits ie: front lowers, rear lowers... because of the physical size of the bushings, you may consider doing lowers with a slight change in ride quality and reduction in deflection...
Hope this helps,
PL, Vansteel
Pro
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 606
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach VA
VBP Urethane Bushing’s 
I’ve installed……I can’t count how many sets of VBP Urethane Bushing cars I’ve put together over the years without one return from 63’s to 04’s. With the right grease, they’ll run for years without a squeak. The feel and handling improvement is well worth the effort whether your machine is a pure street car or a purpose built AutoX or Track Car.
I’ve installed……I can’t count how many sets of VBP Urethane Bushing cars I’ve put together over the years without one return from 63’s to 04’s. With the right grease, they’ll run for years without a squeak. The feel and handling improvement is well worth the effort whether your machine is a pure street car or a purpose built AutoX or Track Car.
Last edited by Roadrace65; Jan 27, 2007 at 05:46 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,979
Likes: 0
From: Poquoson VA
RR65 did my ZR-1 and Z06 and squeeking is not a prob. If you are a "cruiser" on the street with no AutoCross or Track day inclinations just lower it on stock stuff and enjoy
If you love attacking the twisties on the street or track go with poly
RR65 can take you from mild to 3 levels of wild if you don't like turning wrenches yourself
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 8
From: Southwest Virginia
If you have an AutoZone near by they sell a small package of 3 little tubes of Energy Suspension lube which is made for poly bushings. Many people on here claim the Energy Suspension lube is the best for poly bushings. Cost is like $5 or so. It is not with the other lubes, it is with the bushing stuff. The guy at my local store couldn't find it, I finally found it myself.