"Milky" (jordanmielke)
05/26/2015 at 15:32 • Filed to: Crossfire, Bushings, poly, Suspension, DIY
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"Milky" (jordanmielke)
05/26/2015 at 15:32 • Filed to: Crossfire, Bushings, poly, Suspension, DIY | 0
| 15 |
and a pretty image dump for your time.
Long story less long, last year I asked the shop to check out my rear suspension because of a creak/squeak. They said it was the bushings, greased them, and didn’t charge me a thing (probably because I was paying them $100 for an oil change). Obviously the noise is back and I’m debating just doing the same thing again.
I know bushings are not expensive but I imagine they’re a PITA to change. Is this true? Just looking at this isn’t fun.
Another factor is I’m not planning on being in the car in a year, so Im being an asshole debating on pushing the problem to the next owner.
If I do change them are poly bushings worth it?
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Also, the Mercedes hood trick is dope.
GTI Sprinks
> Milky
05/26/2015 at 15:36 |
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If you’re not going to be in the car in a year, inspect bushings (to ensure they are there and not cracked), and lubricate. Don’t see that it’s an asshole thing to do.
CalzoneGolem
> Milky
05/26/2015 at 15:45 |
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Bushings are an enormous PITA to change. If they aren’t broken up I’d lube them and forget about it.
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Milky
> GTI Sprinks
05/26/2015 at 15:48 |
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I feel better about my thought process now. However I’ve never heard of yearly lubing before, made me think it was time to replace them.
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Milky
> CalzoneGolem
05/26/2015 at 15:50 |
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This is what I wanted to read.
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GTI Sprinks
> Milky
05/26/2015 at 15:52 |
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Depends on the bushing, lubricant, etc. Ironically, if you search for “how often to lubricate suspension bushings” you get a nice popular mechanics article talking about it. Cost savings feature of “lubed for lifetime” is typically anything but from the sounds of it.
sony1492
> Milky
05/26/2015 at 15:58 |
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I’ve done a full energy suspension install in a civic. I would recommend it IF you do it yourself because paying someone else would be Very expensive(i assume)
You need a reciprocating saw, torch, large C clamp, and something to hold the arm while you cut out the old bushing sleeve once the rubber is burned out. It wasnt all that hard once the old bushings are out, I could basically install the new bushing by hand as the new ones are more than one peice and dont fit tight enough to need a legitimate press. I was 16 when I installed them with a second pair of hands, so it cant be That hard
Stability and predictability improved but it wouldnt be worth more than $800 in my opinion. They will also transfer more force throughout the car causing more wear on some parts. I’d say do it if you drive on twistys alot, if you live in a city dont bother. Btw dont use the ball joint boots, they are worthless and dont seal per-say.
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Milky
> GTI Sprinks
05/26/2015 at 16:07 |
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That was a good read, “your vehicle doesn’t need to sound like an angry gerbil on a treadmill.”
At some point soon I’ll check for cracked bushings/see what bushings I have and go from there. Nice little DIY project.
Sneaky Pete
> sony1492
05/26/2015 at 16:07 |
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Torch, saw not necessarily required.
Fab a tool out of some all-thread and a couple sockets. I did (most) of this over the weekend on my car. My front upper control arms o need to figure out, though, as they have a rod that runs through the bushings that prohibits me from using my tool.
Replacing the bushings IS a PITA, though. You’ll also need an alignment once you’re done. If I were you, I’d just lube em and leave em.
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sony1492
> Sneaky Pete
05/26/2015 at 16:20 |
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Im poor, tools cost money whereas holding a torch on the metal for a while is cheap and fairly easy. Cutting the race that left and hammering it out is also fast and easy if you have something to hold the arm. That being said I just disassembled the arms and threw them in the fireplace for 10 minutes, repainted them and installed the bushings
And yes it is a PITA but isnt expensive or complicated.
Autofixation
> Milky
05/26/2015 at 16:25 |
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I am slowly replacing all of the bushings on my 2000 Subaru with 234,000 on it as they go bad. I’m doing it with poly bushings, but I plan on being in the car for a while. I already did the engine and trannt mounts and it was well worth it.
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Milky
> Sneaky Pete
05/26/2015 at 16:35 |
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Damn, that looks like work . Lube and leave sounds like a plan.
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Sneaky Pete
> Milky
05/26/2015 at 16:43 |
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I’m putting coilovers in at the same time, so this thing is going to handle quite a bit better. I intend on keeping this car for a while, so the cost and time is worth it to me.
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Milky
> Sneaky Pete
05/27/2015 at 09:57 |
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…. Excuse my ignorance, but is that a viper? But yea if you’re keeping the car its more of an investment into the vehicle.
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Sneaky Pete
> Milky
05/27/2015 at 11:33 |
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Yes sir, 96 GTS.
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Milky
> Sneaky Pete
05/27/2015 at 12:38 |
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Hubba …. enjoy your ride.