Suspension bushes.

Big lumps of metals and spanners. Including servicing and fluids.

Moderators: User administrators, Moderators

Post Reply
Budgie7
Registered user
Posts: 312
Joined: 23 Aug 2012, 22:19
80-90 Mem No: 13816
Location: Parbold lancs

Suspension bushes.

Post by Budgie7 »

Need to replace the anti roll bar drop link bushes, what are your thoughts between the standard rubber and the polyurethane. Will be replacing most of the bushes during the winter so I am wondering if the poly ones are worth the extra or are the standard ones good enough.
2.1 Caravelle Auto

User avatar
CovKid
Trader
Posts: 8411
Joined: 30 Apr 2006, 13:19
80-90 Mem No: 3529
Location: Ralph - Coventry (Retired)
Contact:

Re: Suspension bushes.

Post by CovKid »

Opinions will vary I'm afraid. Some will swear that poly bushes are superior and they are in terms of longevity but my view is, any bush 'upgrades' should at least be done gradually rather than everything at once so you can decide whether one change suits you or not. Personally I'd recommend the larger bushes which grip the bar are poly but not the drop links themselves - I found them much too hard/stiff for my liking and use stock rubber. I found it a happy medium. There are those that fit them everywhere and great if they like it but having invested in them, they'd have to. You are to a large extent tuning the suspension so better to do one thing at a time then you can at least go back if need be. Thats the sensible approach and that used by those that race on track.
Last edited by CovKid on 15 Sep 2015, 21:58, edited 2 times in total.
Roller paint your camper at home: http://roller.epizy.com/55554/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for MP4 download.

scottbott
Registered user
Posts: 2497
Joined: 07 Jan 2009, 20:36
80-90 Mem No: 6085
Location: Old Somerby,Grantham

Re: Suspension bushes.

Post by scottbott »

I have replaced the steering rack bushes for poly ones,I think the Simon on the Brickyard thinks that they are the best to replace it is not necessary to replace them all with poly ones
Nil carborundum illegitimi

User avatar
CovKid
Trader
Posts: 8411
Joined: 30 Apr 2006, 13:19
80-90 Mem No: 3529
Location: Ralph - Coventry (Retired)
Contact:

Re: Suspension bushes.

Post by CovKid »

Aye, the blind 'fit all' approach is rather bullish and lacks thought. Depends how you drive and what you like. I like a compromise between good handling and comfort. The perfect setup is fitting and trying bushes in various grades but unless you cast your own (which you can), that option is not really available off the shelf and even if it was, it'd cost a small fortune to get right.
Roller paint your camper at home: http://roller.epizy.com/55554/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for MP4 download.

Budgie7
Registered user
Posts: 312
Joined: 23 Aug 2012, 22:19
80-90 Mem No: 13816
Location: Parbold lancs

Re: Suspension bushes.

Post by Budgie7 »

The bushes will be replaced gradually so I take your advise CovKid and will change things over bit by bit.
I know my lower ARB ones are worn so will try those first. I have done the D bushes already.
Comfort and smoothness are more important to me than longevity, but saying that don't want to be replacing things every 12 months,
2.1 Caravelle Auto

User avatar
Ian Hulley
Registered user
Posts: 12661
Joined: 11 Oct 2005, 08:08
80-90 Mem No: 1323
Location: Wirksworth, Derbyshire ... or at t'mill

Re: Suspension bushes.

Post by Ian Hulley »

The rack bushes are a good place to start for instant results :ok

Ian
The Hulley's Bus
1989 2.1DJ Trampspotter
LPG courtesy of Steve @ Gasure

Bubble Meister
Registered user
Posts: 255
Joined: 26 Sep 2007, 18:41
80-90 Mem No: 4246
Location: Lincolnshire

Re: Suspension bushes.

Post by Bubble Meister »

I used, where possible, OEM (lemforder, febi etc). I figured that since they'd done 26years a new set should do another 26 years! I sourced everything from BW. I had to use poly bush on the steering rack and ARB as BW didn't stock OEM. It all improved the handling significantly (after cast, camber and tracking). Anything is an improvement if your bushes are ancient!
Introducing Bubble, the B reg '85, 1.9 DF WBX (currently with a DG fitted!)

Post Reply