Side shift coupler bushing Options

[R Dub]

Was driving the 914 to work the other day and half way there I couldn't get 4th and barley was able to get 5th. After inspection the side coupler bushing broke. I can get the plastic or rubber ones from 914Rubber for pretty cheap but I saw Pelican Parts has these brass ones. Are the brass ones worth the additional cost? Anyone have any experience with them?

[technicalninja]

If the brass bushing is "sintered" there is a cool way to permanently lubricate it.

A sintered bushing has a "pebbly" look to it, and it is supposed to be lubricated via hydraulic pressure.

You put your thumb on one end of bushing, fill it with your choice of lubricant, and place your other thumb on the other end. Press slowly and you will see the lubricant seep through the pores. Don't use too much pressure as you can crack the bushing.

The pilots on a 240-300 Z/ZX were lubricated this way. Few know the trick now and lots of folks have pilots that fail now-a-days.

Engine oil is the most common lubricant, but I use 75-90w GL4 only. This is manual trans lubricant. The Swepco stuff we use in the transmission will work great.

I'll use a real brass bushing over plastic if I have the option.

If it's sintered doing it this way permanently lubricates it.

Most brass bushings are sintered.

[Bartlett 914]

If the brass bushing is "sintered" there is a cool way to permanently lubricate it.

A sintered bushing has a "pebbly" look to it, and it is supposed to be lubricated via hydraulic pressure.

You put your thumb on one end of bushing, fill it with your choice of lubricant, and place your other thumb on the other end. Press slowly and you will see the lubricant seep through the pores. Don't use too much pressure as you can crack the bushing.

The pilots on a 240-300 Z/ZX were lubricated this way. Few know the trick now and lots of folks have pilots that fail now-a-days.

Engine oil is the most common lubricant, but I use 75-90w GL4 only. This is manual trans lubricant. The Swepco stuff we use in the transmission will work great.

I'll use a real brass bushing over plastic if I have the option.

If it's sintered doing it this way permanently lubricates it.

Most brass bushings are sintered.

I have a different take on the sintered bushings/ The oil is designed to wick out when warmed as with a motor shaft. There is insufficient lubrication here to be of a lot of help. The sintered material tends to breal away and wear quicker. I use a different alloy which is an aluminum bronze that holds up better.

The plastic is good to use. The problem is the aluminum housing gets worn out and the plastic bushing fits loose and is often the root of the problem