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Posted by: SpecialK Apr 6 2004, 03:04 AM

Finally getting around to assembling my front suspension. I'm installing new polygraphite bushings and they're starting to piss me off!! , Are they usually rather tight (hell, I need a press) going on the suspension arm? Or am I doing something wrong here?

Posted by: thesey914 Apr 6 2004, 04:11 AM

Yes. You need to use a press.

Posted by: Racer Chris Apr 6 2004, 05:37 AM

Those bushings generally suck!
You don't want them to be very tight on the arm or the suspension will bind. If they went in the housing real tight the crush will make them too tight on the shaft. Did you check the fit on the arm before inserting them in the housing?

Posted by: cha914 Apr 6 2004, 07:43 AM

Do a search for these bushings, there have been several threads about installing them. But yes, they are a pain in the ass, and if you don't fit them right like Chris said your suspension will just bind. It took me a good 2 days with various sanding devices and a dremel to get them to fit like I thought they should. I would recomend cutting the spiral grove in the center so you can pack more grease in them.

Good luck,

Tony

Posted by: Bleyseng Apr 6 2004, 08:01 AM

They should fit snugly but they shouldn't bind. You should be able to move the A arm up and down without binding or using a jack when the A arms are mounted. If it is really tight take it apart and sand, grind it down.
One size fits all if you have enough sand paper!

Geoff

Posted by: Eric_Shea Apr 6 2004, 08:22 AM

I've done this on two suspensions in the last year and "no" would be my answer... it shouldn't be that tough at all. I have a press but didn't use it.

One thing I did that may differ, and I would recommend it to "anyone" in this stage of the process is; I took the entire suspension to a sandblaster and had it cleaned down to bare metal. I then repainted it with POR-15. I used two coats on all areas "except" the surface where the bushings would reside. Those areas ony received one coat. My bushing slid on like butter. Tight but like butter...

It's $20-30 bucks depending on the sandblaster you find and it's about $23 for enough POR-15 to do 3-4 suspensions. It would put you another week out (couple days at the blasters and a couple days for both coats of POR-15) but your suspension would be perfect.

My $.02

Posted by: Eric_Shea Apr 6 2004, 09:03 AM

Here's a set I blasted myself (easier to have someone else do it...)


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Posted by: Eric_Shea Apr 6 2004, 09:03 AM

Cleaned...


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Posted by: Eric_Shea Apr 6 2004, 09:11 AM

Look down toward the bottom in this shot and you'll get an idea what it looks like with the POR-15 applied... Done.


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Posted by: jonwatts Apr 6 2004, 09:29 AM

But if it doesn't bind how are you supposed to get that squeak that tells everybody you have upgraded bushings?

Eric, pretty picture. What caliper paint did you use?

Posted by: Mueller Apr 6 2004, 09:39 AM

damn Eric......building a museum piece or what??? LOL

looks nice

Craftsman sells a nice 1" diameter drum sanding roll that attaches to your drill motor, it works great for the inside diameter of the bushing.

Make sure that the weldments are fairly round and not oblong due to abuse.

Posted by: Eric_Shea Apr 6 2004, 09:45 AM

Thanks guys...

Stock... S-calipers (aluminum) beadblasted.

Yea, yea... getting a little picky but I "gau-ron-tee" it will be a daily driver. I just figure, while the damn suspension is off why not spend the $50 to make it right so it will last another 30 years? Cheap insurance.

Posted by: Brad Roberts Apr 6 2004, 09:49 AM

Why is Mueller telling people how to install plastic bushings ?


B

Posted by: Mueller Apr 6 2004, 09:52 AM

'cause I'm a nice guy

besides, when he realizes that plastic is only good for toys, he'll buy my bearings, LOL

Posted by: Eric_Shea Apr 6 2004, 10:00 AM

He's been drinking...


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Posted by: Mueller Apr 6 2004, 10:02 AM

damn, I knew that picture would come back to haunt me

Posted by: davep Apr 6 2004, 10:36 AM

I remember one fellow tell me, years ago, to:
1) make sure the holes are clean and round to start with
2) install bushings ( a tight fit )
3) ream bushings to proper size! (this makes sure it is round afterwards)

Posted by: SpecialK Apr 6 2004, 10:49 AM

Thanks guy's! If it weren't for this, and other quality (PP) BBS's, I'd be driving a 914 with suspension like a skateboard! ....... a squeeky skateboard.


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