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Posted by: Tom1394racing Mar 16 2023, 01:34 PM

I need some advice. I have been trying to install the white plastic rear sway bar bushings that I purchased from PMB into the dop links with zero success. I read all the posts on boiling the bushings and lubricating them generously with dish soap. I followed these and used my bench vise to try to press the bushings into the drop link but the bushings just seem too big and always tear when forced in. The one in the photo that I managed to install is torn in the middle.

I have installed many plastic bushings successfully in the past on my 911 projects, but these bushings just seem to be too big. My 911 experience has taught me that often aftermarket parts do not fit and that it is may be necessary to switch to a different supplier.

Has anyone installed these successfully in the recent past? Which suppliers have bushings that will fit the drop links?

Posted by: 914werke Mar 16 2023, 01:40 PM

They can be tough.
Ive also found the aftermarket ones have different ...properties, than the ones you buy currently with a P part #.
Search for a thread using my UID where I show a tool I made, not necessary but makes the job of MANY bush installs much easier.

Posted by: DRPHIL914 Mar 16 2023, 01:51 PM

first time is hard with new bushings. yes boiling in water can help, with some lube , lst time i used a large vice grip or c-clamp to squeeze it on the sway bar and on the lower connection on the shock retaining bolt i think i just used a 2x4 as a lever to push it on.

Posted by: porschetub Mar 16 2023, 02:32 PM

QUOTE(DRPHIL914 @ Mar 17 2023, 08:51 AM)

Posted by: brubou Mar 16 2023, 08:33 PM

I remember doing those! Such a PITA! So basically boiling them didn’t work for me, freezing them for days did. Don’t forget to make sure you put them in facing the opposite way on each end. When it’s time to install the link itself use my wrench method outlined here: http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=309624&st=0&p=2483681&#entry2483681

Posted by: 914werke Mar 16 2023, 08:47 PM

search is your friend
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?s=&showtopic=345769&view=findpost&p=2818275

Posted by: Robarabian Mar 16 2023, 09:18 PM

I just did these.

Used a huge C clamp.

Used a heat gun to soften them

Used some red grease too to get them to slide. Dawn dish soap and water is pretty slippery too and will evaporate better than the grease ever will.

The C clamp will slip off and it will fight you but slow turns, steady pressure, heat and patience with some cursing will get them on.

Posted by: Tom1394racing Mar 17 2023, 07:50 AM

Thanks for all the replies. I ordered another set of these from Porsche. I added in 2 extra for learning. Hopefully they will be more compliant.

I did check my one of my 911 drop links which take the same bushings. They are about 1 mm larger in ID than the 914 drop links. Probably explains why my 911 experience with these was so much easier.

Posted by: roundtwo Mar 17 2023, 01:25 PM

Those can be super frustrating.
I took the easy way out after watching the first one crumple on itself during install. About $40 bucks for the local tire, alignment, brake shop to press them in.

Posted by: bknvick Mar 17 2023, 06:55 PM

QUOTE(Tom1394racing @ Mar 16 2023, 02:34 PM)

I need some advice. I have been trying to install the white plastic rear sway bar bushings that I purchased from PMB into the dop links with zero success. I read all the posts on boiling the bushings and lubricating them generously with dish soap. I followed these and used my bench vise to try to press the bushings into the drop link but the bushings just seem too big and always tear when forced in. The one in the photo that I managed to install is torn in the middle.

I have installed many plastic bushings successfully in the past on my 911 projects, but these bushings just seem to be too big. My 911 experience has taught me that often aftermarket parts do not fit and that it is may be necessary to switch to a different supplier.

Has anyone installed these successfully in the recent past? Which suppliers have bushings that will fit the drop links?


I installed the same bushings with trouble at first but after much frustration decided to try heating carefully with heat gun and pressing into place with a large C Clamp also using the same procedure minus the heating to install them onto the ball studs and sway bar., don’t forget to grease.
BK

Posted by: Tom1394racing Mar 24 2023, 10:52 AM

Here is an update. I was finally able install the Porsche bushings with lots of heat, lube and persuasion. The Porsche bushing is about 1 mm smaller in diameter than the aftermarket bushing and that made the install a little easier but still took a fair amount of muscle to get the final lip edge through. Thanks to all who responded.