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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Squeaky race bushings

Posted by: John G Jul 13 2006, 01:07 PM

Hello all!

Just got a screamin deal on a former race car that is still very streetable. Needs some cosmetics.

This thing has been WAY lowered (about 2.5" ground clearance), 930 suspension and brakes all around with boxed trailing arms. Handles great, but....

The PO told me that the car has squeaky urethane race bushings... and by squeaky, this thing sounds like a rusty garden gate sometimes.

Now for the NOOB question: Can this be fixed? I don't want passengers to wonder if the car is falling apart. What are the best options for performance without squeak?

Also, what is the mechanical function of a race bushing? I know it's in the suspension, but I am not sure where or what these things do.

John

Posted by: Brad Roberts Jul 13 2006, 01:17 PM

OK. Not quite sure were to start..LOL

It is the suspension STICKING then breaking loose that causes the squeaking.

Now for the fix:

Take them out and install Elephant Racing Poly Bronze bushings or grease them every so often.

All of it requires some serious amounts of labor.

B

Posted by: John G Jul 13 2006, 01:27 PM

Brad,

Thank you for the uber-fast reply!

Thanks for letting me know what is going on. I'm not afraid of the labor time as long as I know what to do. Do you think replacing or lubing the bushings is a job for professionals, or can a noob like me pull it off without screwing up too badly? :-)

Until I learn how to work on this beast, I'm afraid I am going to be paying professionals to fix my attempts at fixing.

John

Posted by: Brad Roberts Jul 13 2006, 01:47 PM

The biggest issue is aligning the car afterwards.

You have to completely diassemble the front and rear suspension and pull all the plastic bushings out/off to put grease on them. This is why i suggested the Poly setup for you. He designed them with grease slots so you could install Zirk fittings and grease them like a "Merican" car suspension. They wont squeak and they wont stick. The whole idea is to have a suspension system that does not stick.

B

Posted by: Dave_Darling Jul 13 2006, 05:02 PM

Or, if the store ever shows back up again you could possibly install roller bearings.

--DD

Posted by: Racer Chris Jul 13 2006, 07:57 PM

If you would feel better knowing an experienced hand did this for you, then you can send your suspension components to me. I will install high quality delrin bushings with grease zerks so they can be re-lubed without disassembly. They will fit precisely and won't squeek. The cost, including shipping, is less than the price to buy a set of roller bearings.
Check out my http://www.tangerineracing.com/Suspension.htm Webpage and email me if you are interested in more information.

Posted by: Brett W Jul 14 2006, 05:50 AM

raise the car up so you get back necessary suspension travel and correct the suspension geometry.

I wouldn't bother with anything but monoballs or roller bearings. There is just no substitute.