Problem with new Strut Rod Bushings - are these ruined?

[Terry M.]

Re: Problem with new Strut Rod Bushings - are these ruined?

All the bushing we purchase from Generous Motors had the steel sleeve on the outside. What a PITA to install.

Dick,
Are you saying the strut rod bushings you purchased from GM when you were in the parts business had the outer sleeve? That would have been about the time I bought the unsleeved bushings from GM. Perhaps I got defective bushings.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Problem with new Strut Rod Bushings - are these ruined?

If I read that linked thread right, the service replacement bushings are claimed to come with an outer sleeve. That is not my experience from several decades ago.

The original bushings on my 1979 have an outer sleeve.

Um, do you mean your 1970?
Just checking.

[Joe L.]

Re: Problem with new Strut Rod Bushings - are these ruined?

Dick,
Are you saying the strut rod bushings you purchased from GM when you were in the parts business had the outer sleeve? That would have been about the time I bought the unsleeved bushings from GM. Perhaps I got defective bushings.

Terry------


I have never seen a GM bushing without the outer steel shell. Certainly, the bushings of the part numbers I previously posted have the outer steel shell. If you purchased bushings of one of these part numbers which had no outer shell, then those bushings were not manufactured to specification. Also, I know of no GM bushing of any other part number that was ever available for the application without an outer steel shell.

Also, if the original, from-St. Louis bushings on your car (or any other 1963-82 Corvette) were of the type with the outer steel shell pressed into the strut rod ends, then those strut rods were an anomaly. All original strut rods and all SERVICE strut rods had the bushings vulcanized-in-place and no outer shell was used for the bushings. The "outer shell" in this case was the strut rod, itself.

"Reproduction" replacement bushings without the outer steel shell lack the vulcanized-in-place construction of the original strut rods although they may APPEAR like the original bushings when installed. In my opinion, they are to be avoided.

[Terry M.]

Re: Problem with new Strut Rod Bushings - are these ruined?

Now you are making me think a lot harder than I want to. Maybe my memory is wanting -- again.

[Michael H.]

Re: Problem with new Strut Rod Bushings - are these ruined?

Now you are making me think a lot harder than I want to. Maybe my memory is wanting -- again.

I've never seen service bushings that did not have the outer sleeve. I still have a new set in the garage that I purchased in the mid 70's and they have the sleeves.

[Gene M.]

Re: Problem with new Strut Rod Bushings - are these ruined?

I agree with Joe 100% the repop without the sleeve is not going to stay in place in nothing other than a trailer queen if that.

A clever restorer can stretch and glue an O-ring over the protruding shoulder of the sleeve on each bushing end to "deceive" the judges. The cup washer will insure it remains in place. I know I've done it plenty of times and got away with it.......Restoration is the art of illusion!

[Paul L.]

Re: Problem with new Strut Rod Bushings - are these ruined?

Any opinions on adjustable struts with poly bushings? Yes, I have a pair (not installed yet). Of course not original but are they safe for boulevard cruising?

[John H.]

Re: Problem with new Strut Rod Bushings - are these ruined?

Any opinions on adjustable struts with poly bushings? Yes, I have a pair (not installed yet). Of course not original but are they safe for boulevard cruising?

Paul -

The adjustable strut rods are perfectly safe, but the poly bushings will squeak, and add two more locations per side for increased ride harshness vs. the stock rubber bushings. They may have some very small advantage in terms of reduced bushing deflection for use in road-racing, autocrossing, or canyon-carving, but none in normal street use. For street use, they're essentially an answer to a question nobody asked.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Problem with new Strut Rod Bushings - are these ruined?

I put the poly bushings in the stock strut rods on Dads 72. They don't squeak, and I chose them because they won't myshroom and fall apart quite as quickly as original rubber ones do. It's the only place I used them, though I could see some benefit to using them at the spring ends in a regularly used car.

Patrick

[Terry M.]

Re: Problem with new Strut Rod Bushings - are these ruined?

If I read that linked thread right, the service replacement bushings are claimed to come with an outer sleeve. That is not my experience from several decades ago.

The original bushings on my 1979 have an outer sleeve.

OK I really messed this one up. It was a long day is my only excuse. A check of the garage reveals Joe Lucia was right -- as usual.

My 1970 (I didn't even proof the above for accuracy -- duh) came with no outer sleeves in the strut rod bushings. The rubber was bonded to the strut rod end just as Joe described. The SERVICE replacement bushings came with the outer sleeve which resulted in minimal rubber in the assembly.

I had the right theory going on about the torque on the rubber providing the resistance to the suspension movement. I just had the construction backwards. Sorry I confused all that.

[Joe L.]

Re: Problem with new Strut Rod Bushings - are these ruined?

I put the poly bushings in the stock strut rods on Dads 72. They don't squeak, and I chose them because they won't myshroom and fall apart quite as quickly as original rubber ones do. It's the only place I used them, though I could see some benefit to using them at the spring ends in a regularly used car.

Patrick

Patrick------


The GM replacement bushings for the 63-74 strut rods won't deteriorate like the originals. For all practical purposes, they'll be "immortal".

Also, if one goes to the 75-79 style strut rod (which is GM SERVICE for 63-74), there won't be any problem with failed bushings for as long as it's going to matter to any of us.

[Gene M.]

Re: Problem with new Strut Rod Bushings - are these ruined?

OK I really messed this one up. It was a long day is my only excuse. A check of the garage reveals Joe Lucia was right -- as usual.

My 1970 (I didn't even proof the above for accuracy -- duh) came with no outer sleeves in the strut rod bushings. The rubber was bonded to the strut rod end just as Joe described. The SERVICE replacement bushings came with the outer sleeve which resulted in minimal rubber in the assembly.

I had the right theory going on about the torque on the rubber providing the resistance to the suspension movement. I just had the construction backwards. Sorry I confused all that.

Not an issue to be concern over, we are all getting older.
Just hope one's self retains more than one forgets.

[Terry M.]

Re: Problem with new Strut Rod Bushings - are these ruined?

Also, if one goes to the 75-79 style strut rod (which is GM SERVICE for 63-74), there won't be any problem with failed bushings for as long as it's going to matter to any of us.

There are many advantages to the larger 1975-79 end strut rods. Unfortunately judging is not one of them for the earlier cars. Paul O already has enough heart issues -- no sense stressing him any more.

[Paul L.]

Re: Problem with new Strut Rod Bushings - are these ruined?

I put the poly bushings in the stock strut rods on Dads 72. They don't squeak, and I chose them because they won't myshroom and fall apart quite as quickly as original rubber ones do. It's the only place I used them, though I could see some benefit to using them at the spring ends in a regularly used car.

Patrick

Lots of interesting info in this thread. I am going to give the poly adjustable rear struts a try on my 1974 as I already have purchased them. They seem sturdy/robust with forged ends. I shall retain the OEM struts and if the poly units do not work out I will re-bush them and re-install. But for my Sunday afternoon boulevard cruising style of driving things should be fine. I can only hope those shock mounts will move for me....I have the VBP "pound" tool and a heavy hammer but if need be a friend has an air hammer and a torch.

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But I am so busy enjoying this old car I really don't want to hammer on it too hard. It purred like a kitten yesterday (pic) given a recent points/condenser/dwell treatment. I know, not NCRS material, but it is a Corvette. And I hope my posts have some credibility here.

[Paul L.]

Re: Problem with new Strut Rod Bushings - are these ruined?

Job is done. The 1974 strut rods do not have outer sleeves. Bit of a mess after 97,000 miles but perhaps a (+) comment on the durability of GM original engineering.



Not NCRS but new VBP composite spring (with heat shields/SS holding straps) and adjustable strut rods with poly bushings make a world of difference in my 1974. Those are snugged down very well with blue Loc-Tite and wrench muscle. No squeaks and very nice handling. The old 9-leaf steel spring was just....finished. It has been recycled at a metal processing facility. I saw no need to preserve it. If you are into that, Eaton can help you.



It sits a bit high but I have lots of room for adjustment on the 8" spring bolts. Tires are 235-60 so that has to be taken into account.



Attended a charity show today for Easter Seals children. Hope you like C3 pics.