After having Poly bushings in my A-arms for 15 years, I have some opinions that you might find helpful if you are considering swapping from rubber to polyurethane.
Short answer: *Use them for lower rear A-arms for sure if you have a lot more power than stock. *Use them for all A-arms if you do serious autocross and/or road racing. *Skip them if squeaks make you want to sell your fiero *Skip them if you just cruise in your Fiero.
Long answer:
------------------ 84/87 NB, 3800SC, E-85, VS Cam, 2.8 Pulley, 4T65E-HD, HP Tuners, AEM Wideband, Regal GS Gauges, S-10 Brake Booster. 1/4 mile -11.85 at 114mph
[This message has been edited by DimeMachine (edited 02-06-2021).]
I think all 84-87 could benefit tightening up the rear tracking/handling with poly bushings for engine cradle and rear A-arm. I never had any problems with squeaking poly bushing on rear a-arm if using proper grease.
I did use poly bushings for front anti-sway bar and poly end links to firm up cornering. But stayed with rubber bushings in front upper/lower A-arms on both my cars, so ride is not harsh.
I think all 84-87 could benefit tightening up the rear tracking/handling with poly bushings for engine cradle and rear A-arm. I never had any problems with squeaking poly bushing on rear a-arm if using proper grease.
I did use poly bushings for front anti-sway bar and poly end links to firm up cornering. But stayed with rubber bushings in front upper/lower A-arms on both my cars, so ride is not harsh.
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That is awesome. Curious, specifically what brand of poly grease did you use and how long has it been since the install?
I have poly most everywhere in both of my cars (both 88s) except for trailing links in the most recent. (My sway bar-to-frame bushings are all still rubber, since it seemed to be in good shape.) I have never experienced squeaking. Period. But then, I went nuts with the silicone grease. The same grease that comes with the bushings, except I ordered a couple of extra vials. I didn't really try to lube the bushings where they pressed into the inner sleeve (although I wasn't particularly careful not to) but I did lube the center sleeve, liberally, as well as both ends of the bushing where it squeezed into the frame brackets.
The ride? It's still better than it was with the rubber bushings and the worn out stock shocks and struts. Even with 17" wheels.
[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 02-06-2021).]
Curious, specifically what brand of poly grease did you use and how long has it been since the install?
quote
Originally posted by Raydar:
I have never experienced squeaking. Period. But then, I went nuts with the silicone grease. The same grease that comes with the bushings, except I ordered a couple of extra vials. I didn't really try to lube the bushings where they pressed into the inner sleeve (although I wasn't particularly careful not to) but I did lube the center sleeve, liberally, as well as both ends of the bushing where it squeezed into the frame brackets.
I think im noticing a squeak but its probably because im due to re-grease. While you almost never have to replace the bushings again if you go poly (vs rubber) it doesn't mean you never have to service them.
Im poly everywhere on my daily and its great. The current squeak is solved by just turning on the radio. (Not really solved like i said should regrease) incidentally i need to re, re, re do that front passenger bearing where the squeaky is coming from so probably just investigate then.
Yes "a lot more power" is at least double the stock HP, starting to get towards 300+HP. The stock rubber bushes give the nicer ride quality but will be severely pushed when cornering hard with semi slick tyres and more power!
For the squeaking problem, I'm like Raydar and use copious amounts of silicon grease. So no squeaks!
To Dime Machine / Toys 4 Life: I enjoy your videos. Thanks.
PS: Just noticed that your rear A arms don't have the little poly cup that stops the arm from sliding fowards or backwards on the outside of the bushes? You don't get any movement front/rear?
Yes "a lot more power" is at least double the stock HP, starting to get towards 300+HP. The stock rubber bushes give the nicer ride quality but will be severely pushed when cornering hard with semi slick tyres and more power!
For the squeaking problem, I'm like Raydar and use copious amounts of silicon grease. So no squeaks!
To Dime Machine / Toys 4 Life: I enjoy your videos. Thanks.
PS: Just noticed that your rear A arms don't have the little poly cup that stops the arm from sliding forwards or backwards on the outside of the bushes? You don't get any movement front/rear?
Regards, Rafe
1. I use as much lube as will stay in there when you push the sleeve into the bushing. It is a very snug fit so after only so much, any extra lube is just going to get scraped away and not fit inside the bushing/sleeve fit. Mine are quiet - for about 1.5 - 2 years- then they start being obnoxious.
2. Thanks for the compliment - much appreciated.
3. The poly cup you are referring to - I did not get them with my kit - which irritates me. That having been said, they have not moved. I do recall (now that you mention it) being concerned about that possibility when I first installed them LONG ago - but so far no movement... I should have mentioned that in the Video...
Cheers!
[This message has been edited by DimeMachine (edited 02-11-2021).]
Here is a guy who figured out how to modify his suspension to make it easy to grease his poly bushings. Obviously there is always going to be some level of concern with structural integrity, but when we think about all the other things we cut up, drill into, etc on our cars... an interesting idea!
Here is a guy who figured out how to modify his suspension to make it easy to grease his poly bushings. Obviously there is always going to be some level of concern with structural integrity, but when we think about all the other things we cut up, drill into, etc on our cars... an interesting idea!
Thanks for sharing! I wouldn't worry about it failing in any catastrophic way. Would be interesting to see how it worked out for him after a few years.
I've had poly about 15-20 years in my 88 GT's Neither squeek in the rear, one squeeks in the front only when going over a parking lot speed bump. It's probably the control arms. Doesn't happen enough to bother me. I've never relubed.
I've had poly about 15-20 years in my 88 GT's Neither squeek in the rear, one squeeks in the front only when going over a parking lot speed bump. It's probably the control arms. Doesn't happen enough to bother me. I've never relubed.
hmmmmm.. One explanation is I have noticed they tend to squeak more in temps below 60F... 60f and below is much easier to come by her in MN.....
