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| Poly suspension bushings - (15 years of use review) (Page 1/2) |
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DimeMachine
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FEB 06, 03:41 PM
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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:
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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).]
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fierosound
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FEB 06, 04:08 PM
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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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My World of Wheels Winners (Click on links below)
3.4L Supercharged 87 GT and Super Duty 4 Indy #163[This message has been edited by fierosound (edited 02-06-2021).]
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DimeMachine
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FEB 06, 04:34 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by fierosound:
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?
Cheers!
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Raydar
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FEB 06, 08:58 PM
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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).]
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fierosound
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FEB 07, 12:01 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by DimeMachine:
Curious, specifically what brand of poly grease did you use and how long has it been since the install?
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| 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.
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I used silicone grease too - most likely Prothane's, the maker of the poly bushings.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ptp-19-1750[This message has been edited by fierosound (edited 02-07-2021).]
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skywurz
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FEB 07, 12:10 PM
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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.
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Wichita
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FEB 09, 11:19 PM
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I've used the thread tape method on the sleeve and good amount of silicone grease.
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gjgpff
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FEB 10, 05:37 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by DimeMachine:
Short answer:
*Use them for lower rear A-arms for sure if you have a lot more power than stock.
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Define "a lot more power". Would a F-body stock 3.4 swap qualify?[This message has been edited by gjgpff (edited 02-10-2021).]
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DimeMachine
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FEB 10, 09:54 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by gjgpff:
Define "a lot more power". Would a F-body stock 3.4 swap qualify?
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Unless you are a serious road course guy, going to a 3.4, I would go with rubber and avoid the maintenance and squeaks. Just my opinion.
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Frenchrafe
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FEB 11, 02:12 AM
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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?
Regards,
Rafe
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"Turbo Slug" - '87 Fiero GT. 3800 turbo. Sticky tyres. Driven hard!
https://www.youtube.com/cha...1wZvWQlkYxTjivW_0XNg[This message has been edited by Frenchrafe (edited 02-11-2021).]
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