Question, suspension bushings

[jlaird]

I have never taken one out that it was not stuck to the bolt.

Should ani-stick stuff be used or what?

 

[Bugeye58]

Jack, I always use some type of anti-sieze on the shank of any bolt that passes through a sleeved bushing. And LocTite on the threads of all suspension bolts.
Jeff

 

[jlaird]

That was the answer I needed, thanks again. Was sure anti-sieze would be helpful.

I think of the darnedest questions as I think this through.

 

[tony barnhill]

Jack - in your lifetime, when will it ever need to be rebuilt?

 

[zimmy]

jack, do whats best...i may own ur car someday ; )
im only 30 sumptin...haha...zzimmmmy

 

[jlaird]

Ha, you guys are bad.

Just trying to do it right. Some other poor guy will have to redo it some day I supose.

 

[Bugeye58]

You're going about this the right way, Jack. Wouldn't do at all to be referred to as a DPO, would it! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Jeff

 

[aeronca65t]

For the record, the harder "poly-bushings" never stick and are easy to replace.
Can make steering a bit more exact too (not that this is a problem in a Sprite).
Some folks say they rider harder in street cars, but I have not found that to be true.

 

[Bugeye58]

Nial, I've never noticed any appreciably harsher ride using the poly bushings either. I use a combination of aluminum and Delrin on the race cars, where ride quality is of no concern. I think Jack is using the stock Silastic bushings.
If using poly, a light coat of silicone grease will help alleviate any bushing "creak" that may pop up. DON'T use anti-sieze with poly bushings, or you'll destroy them in short order. (That last is a general statement, and not directed at you, Nial. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif)
Jeff

 

[jlaird]

I have not purchased bushing as yet. Just thinking ahead I hope. Poly ones you think are the ticket?

 

[aeronca65t]

[ QUOTE ]
I have not purchased bushing as yet. Just thinking ahead I hope. Poly ones you think are the ticket?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep, that's what I'd use.
And Jeff's right...silicone is best on these.
If you need to take them out in five or ten years, they'll slide right out in your hand.

We're all hoping that you get 30 or 40 years worth of use out of your Bug....you deserve it!

 

[jlaird]

Ok then, Polly it is.

 

[tdskip]

Has anyone else noticed that the stock rubber bushings are of marginal quality? I replaced a bunch when I first got my cars and some of them are already cracking - it's only been a year!

I know it can be hot and dry down here, but it isn't that hot or dry. Rob & others, you folks live in hot and dry climates. Have you had the same problem?

 

[RobSelina]

[ QUOTE ]

I know it can be hot and dry down here, but it isn't that hot or dry. Rob & others, you folks live in hot and dry climates. Have you had the same problem?

[/ QUOTE ]

Rubber anything doesn't last down here. Hoses, belets, etc all have a 1 year, 2 year max lifespan. Poly bushings seem to live a LOT longer than rubber in my experience. Also, rubber seems to hate oil, so poly really is the only thing I can use on most of my leaky vehicles.

 

[dave99]

What exactly does anti-sieze compound do to the poly bushings? My local MG shop here in Denver told me not to use the silicone that came with the Prothane bushings and to use anti-sieze instead.

Dave

 

[Bugeye58]

Dave, anti-sieze is essentially a mixture of glass beads and a lubricant base. In a polyurethane bushing it will act as an abrasive, much like valve lapping compound, and wear the bushing material away. Your local shop has been misinformed.
Jeff

 

[tony barnhill]

Jack - if you look up under any of my cars that I've rebuilt the suspension on, you'll see red - poly!

 

[jlaird]

Are there polly bushing for the rear as well. I can't seem to fine such.

 

[dave99]

Great, this is a major problem. I just finished the rear last night and made sure I put on the anti sieze extra heavy. Go figure.

Dave

 

[jlaird]

"Are there polly bushing for the rear as well. I can't seem to fine such."

where do rear suspension Polly bushing come from??