So many complaints about bushes . . .

[S.Speed]

Hi everyone,
As I read this part of the forum I notice there are so many complaints about suspension bushes and the fact they don't seem to last 10 minutes..
Can I ask, has anyone on here ever tried a full set of Polyurethane bushes?
I replaced a full set on a Rover 220 Turbo Coupe I once owned and the steering was noticeably sharper. But I cant say it was any harsher in ride quality.
The real plus point of those bushes is that they are a joy to fit.. They don't rely on being crushed into place like rubber ones do.
When I replaced all mine I did not have the presses for pushing out the old bushes. I resorted to burning them out with a gas torch and then hack sawing through the metal part of the rubber bush..
By comparison the Polly bushes are inserted by hand.
They are much stiffer than even new rubber bushes but don't rely on the crush fitting that rubber does.
So, if anyone out there has tried them in a Merc then please do tell me. I would be interested to know how the longevity compares to originals..
I did not own the Rover long enough after I had fitted them to comment..
The manufacturers say they outlast rubber many times over..
Add this to the fact they are so very easy to fit and they are almost too good to be true.

 

[television]

Someone posted 2 years back Simon on this and commented on how good they are.

I find it a bit of a joke, my V70R bushes and drop links are all perfect at 75k miles and should be good for 150k.

Though the V70R drop links cost £60 you have no labour charges in changing them, so it works out much cheaper in the end.

If you find a firm who do them,please put the details up

 

[popuptoaster]

I've had lots of cars with polybushes in and they definately do make a ride and road noise difference, its never been a terrible problem, more like a noticable one and the improvement in handling more than makes up for it in my eyes.

Having said that various care will be effected differently, the last one i did for instance was the mk5 Cortina and top suspension links need some movement in em or the suspension binds so polybushes not recommended there, i'd try and find someone to ask who's done it before if possible to find out any pitfalls first.

 

[S.Speed]

Hi Malcom..
I have only just started looking but here is a glimmer of hope..

http://www.superflex.co.uk/results.php?maker=31&man_name=Mercedes&searchmodel=151&Search=Go

Some of these firms will make custom bushes so in theory we could replace the lot !!

It would be expensive but I wonder how the price would compare to MB prices..

 

[turbopete]

i know of people that have used poly bushes (usually in sporty fords or peugots etc) ad the only feedbac ive had is that theyre firmer so things like bottom arms dont move as much in directions you dont want them to, and also that they do seem to transmit road noise into the car a little more. dont know if that helps anyone?

 

[D1gger5]

Yes - one of the three upgrades I perform to my Capri's:-

Poly bushes especially front suspension as the rubber perishes within 12-18 months whereas the ball-joint is fine.
Stainless Steel Exhaust (mild steel boxes rot one day after the warranty expires).
Breakerless ignition (reduces the 3-monthly replacement of points and condenser.


Poly bushes tighten up the car no end compared to rubber and for the Capri were about £150 for a full set (excluding exhaust, bump stops and any transmission mountings). They also last, have been fitted 5 years without a problem on my car.

I was thinking of asking the above question once I get my car, Simon beat me to it.

Diggers

 

[television]

I was thinking of asking the above question once I get my car, Simon beat me to it.

Diggers

We are lucky in having members like you and Simon, who venture out and try and do better, it all gives another insight to everything, and a nice change rather than all faults

 

[D1gger5]

Thanks Malcolm

I have been modding my Capri's for 20 years although not usually noticeable.

Some further examples are:-

Remote boot lock.
Central locking.
changing interiors.
Upgrading the stereo and speakers.
Bespoke immobilisers (if I designed it and fitted it then only I know what it is and where it is).

With the advent of the TIRIS fitted to keys and modern immobilisers in the early/mid 90's then car thieves go after the keys as it is a nightmare to start.

It is all about what you know and who you know in life. Sharing information whilst being enthusiastic with it helps others learn and grow.

Diggers

 

[peterinleamington]

My experience of poly bushes was in the mid 90's - i had an old range rover that failed the mot and i found a supplier of poly bushes (he was still in the process of perfecting them at the time). The difference was amazing , it was just the two days getting the old ones out that was a pain.

 

[joe1972]

My last experience of polybushes was replacing them for the putty-like originals on a Lancia Delta 'grale. Driving experience was vastly improved, but I think with them and the stiff suspension splits formed on top of the sills ahead of the front doors!....I've since found out it was a common problem with those cars.

Ditto the pain getting the old ones out....what a nightmare that is!

 

[S.Speed]

Hi Joe1972..
I too once owned a Lancia Integrale..
Ut was a red one and in mint condition.. It came from Naples..
I remember using 15 litres (Yes 15 litres) of waxoyle.. I waxoyled absolutely every where possible.. Even took the roof lining out and did under there.
It stank to high heaven for about 10 days. You could even smell it when it was parked from about 20 yards away.

If you didnt waxoyle them they were rust buckets.. It was a terrible design under the bonnet.. I remember having to remove the battery just to be able to change the oil filter.

Ooops sorry everyone I am going off my own topic !

 

[television]

Hi Joe1972..
I too once owned a Lancia Integrale..
Ut was a red one and in mint condition.. It came from Naples..
I remember using 15 litres (Yes 15 litres) of waxoyle.. I waxoyled absolutely every where possible.. Even took the roof lining out and did under there.
It stank to high heaven for about 10 days. You could even smell it when it was parked from about 20 yards away.

If you didnt waxoyle them they were rust buckets.. It was a terrible design under the bonnet.. I remember having to remove the battery just to be able to change the oil filter.

Ooops sorry everyone I am going off my own topic !

They were so nice to drive in their time, the last one rusted right through the panel in front of the screen within 10 months right through and that was the end of Lancia

Alfa's of that era were not much better

 

[turbopete]

They were so nice to drive in their time, the last one rusted right through the panel in front of the screen within 10 months right through and that was the end of Lancia

Alfa's of that era were not much better

neither were fiat's!

also nice to see a capri fan here too! i always wanted 1 but could never afford one!

 

[LYNALL]

Do a google for polybushs and landrovers i remember reading a while ago that the bush can actually start wearing the steel away, i have seen this on truck anti roll bars, but and its a big but the roll bars in question are 3" diameter!, and of course the truck has had a life of hard work plus many miles.

Iirc red was hard and blue was the colour to go fo as midaway between red and std rubber for softness.



Lynall