Suspension bushings

[Gregory G.]

Stock or Poly?
I hear that poly bushings are better but they tend to squeek?
Any experience or suggestions

Is there any NCRS point deduction for poly bushings?

[Mike M.]

Re: Suspension bushings

there will be deductions for poly which squeek and transmit more road noise than stock rubber. i see no advantage in poly. mike

[John H.]

Re: Suspension bushings

Poly bushings are a "hot-rod" aberration popularized by the Jeg's/Summit catalogs; great for racing, lousy for the street. There are two kinds of poly bushings - those that squeak, and those that WILL squeak.

[Duke W.]

Re: Suspension bushings

I would NEVER, EVER recommend polyurethane bushings on anything other than a dedicated racecar!

The one exception is the front anti-roll bar end links. Poly bushings at that location will improve handling and reduce oversteer tendency, and they can be swapped back to rubber in a few minutes if you want to have your car judged.

Duke

[Michael W.]

Re: Suspension bushings

The only thing more 'Bubba' than poly suspension bushings are poly engine and body mounts -the perfect way to induce problems where none existed before.

I've always thought that poly bushings must have been the invention of two brothers- one in manufacturing and the other in marketing.

[Mark #28455]

Re: Suspension bushings

It all depends upon your planned use for your car.

If you want poly bushings that DON'T squeak, look for the ones that are impregnated with graphite - they're black, but not all black bushings have graphite! (check for ones made by "polygraphite").

For street use, the stock bushings work well as long as they haven't deteriorated. Rubber doesn't last forever. If your bushings are cracking and brittle, you should replace them. You can now get repro bushings for the C2 and C3 models that are correct in appearance and cost about $30 to $40 a set.

I have used both stock and poly bushings on my cars. For street use, you won't notice a significant difference in handling, but you will notice some increased road noise and the small imperfections in the road (expansion joints in concrete) are more noticeable - but not bad.

As for judging, the poly bushings are OBVIOUS! You won't easily hide them, so don't bother if that's a concern.

It's your choice, good luck.
Mark

[Tom H.]

Re: Suspension bushings

I've had poly bushings on my driver 72 for two years, and they don't squeak. I don't really consider myself "bubba, either". I enjoy driving my car almost daily, and it handles well. Tom

[Gregory G.]

Re: Suspension bushings

Thanks
Looks like there is no real advantage in Poly bushings. All the parts books push them, I thought they would be better. If I was going to change them I wanted the best. I gues I will stay with the stock.

[Michael W.]

Re: Suspension bushings

You mean they don't squeak yet. They all do eventually, your turn will come.