....and I'm debating whether to re-bush it with polyurethane, or the FM rubber set that's 30% firmer than stock. I've replaced the bushings on an NA Miata with stock rubber ones before. I think my preference is to go with rubber again. What says the GRM brethren? While I've got it all apart I'm thinking of doing the electrolysis thing and repainting all the components.It took me all afternoon just to get the two large bolts out of the rear lower A-arms. They were corroded in place by our wonderful Michigan winters.
What do you use the car for?
Unless yours are visibly deteriorated don't bother, there're probably better places to spend money on. Unless you're racing it go rubber. Even if you're racing it go rubber (motorsports or FM).
If you go urethane anyway take the time to drill & install zerks on every one.
In reply to Swank Force One:
It's a weekend, nice day, top down touring car. Never sees a track or autocross.
In reply to Dashpot:
I know at least one of the metal inserts is loose in the surrounding rubber and there's noticeable knocking over bumps, so I'm reasonably sure some bushings need replacing, but maybe not all.
Check the front upper a-arm ball joints. Mine were clunking and it took a while to find them. I had to have someone shake the car with the top of the wheel to see it. It didn't show up in the usual tests.
I'd go with rubber in your case.
In reply to CGLockRacer:
My clunking is coming from the rear. Front seems okay, but I'll be sure to the ball joints when I've got everything apart.
For you, rubber.
I did poly in mine, and when they came off I had them blasted and powdercoated.
In reply to Keith Tanner:
Keith,
Would that 30% firmer bushing set make any noticeable change in ride quality or NVH? I'm really just interested in revitalizing the car, if anything. It's got 108,000 miles on it and feels a little tired.
Sultan
HalfDork
3/29/13 7:11 p.m.
I had to replace my factory ones and my car only had 265k miles on it. I got the FM rubber ones and I am very happy with them. And I don't have to listen to the squeaking that will happen with poly.
DeadSkunk wrote:
In reply to Keith Tanner:
Keith,
Would that 30% firmer bushing set make any noticeable change in ride quality or NVH? I'm really just interested in revitalizing the car, if anything. It's got 108,000 miles on it and feels a little tired.
I've never had the chance to compare fresh stock bushings to them. The cars don't seem to feel harsh with 'em, just nice and tight.
After 4-5 hours of work I got the two big bolts out of the lower, rear A-arms.All afternoon to overcome the years of Michigan rust on two bolts.
More work tomorrow.
