poly bushings - squeaky squeaky....how to make fix?
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From: Sherman Oaks, CA, United States
Re: poly bushings - squeaky squeaky....how to fix? (NathanMorris)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by NathanMorris »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">hey guys,
I have all new polyurethane bushings in my front end, but, at low speads omg do they squeak like crazy. I was thinking there's probably a way to put some lube in there and get them quieted down - but I'm not sure what lube, and what the best way would be to apply the stuff.
Any help would be greatly appreciated - the squeaks are making the car sound like a cheap old bus or something.
Nathan</TD></TR></TABLE>
Welcome to the world of polyurethane. I couldn't find a lube that wouldn't squeak again in 2 months. I switched back to rubber to cure it.
I have all new polyurethane bushings in my front end, but, at low speads omg do they squeak like crazy. I was thinking there's probably a way to put some lube in there and get them quieted down - but I'm not sure what lube, and what the best way would be to apply the stuff.
Any help would be greatly appreciated - the squeaks are making the car sound like a cheap old bus or something.
Nathan</TD></TR></TABLE>
Welcome to the world of polyurethane. I couldn't find a lube that wouldn't squeak again in 2 months. I switched back to rubber to cure it.
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From: San Mateo, ca, USA
Re: poly bushings - squeaky squeaky....how to fix? (TunerN00b)
Damn that sucks.. now I'm hesitant to install my ES master bushing kit on my DA. Did you apply the grease that came with the bushings?
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From: strathcedar, nsw, australia
Re: poly bushings - squeaky squeaky....how to fix? (NathanMorris)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by NathanMorris »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> I have all new polyurethane bushings in my front end, but, at low speads omg do they squeak like crazy. I was thinking there's probably a way to put some lube in there and get them quieted down - but I'm not sure what lube, and what the best way would be to apply the stuff.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Nathan,
Ideally you'd disassemble the bushes and clean / regrease regularly, but if this just isn't going to happen then you need to get some lube in there somehow.
I've been thinking of trying something like m/cycle spray chain lube when my poly bushes start creaking, but haven't yet. The idea is that the chain lube is designed to go on thin in order to wick into the chain nooks and crannies (or in our case into the bush crannies), but then quickly dries out a lot thicker. I couldn't guarantee that chain lube mignt not attack the polyurethane, but polyurethane is pretty resistant stuff. If I try this, I think it would be a good idea to clean around the bush first to limit any dirt that might be carried into the bush by the lube...
Nathan,
Ideally you'd disassemble the bushes and clean / regrease regularly, but if this just isn't going to happen then you need to get some lube in there somehow.
I've been thinking of trying something like m/cycle spray chain lube when my poly bushes start creaking, but haven't yet. The idea is that the chain lube is designed to go on thin in order to wick into the chain nooks and crannies (or in our case into the bush crannies), but then quickly dries out a lot thicker. I couldn't guarantee that chain lube mignt not attack the polyurethane, but polyurethane is pretty resistant stuff. If I try this, I think it would be a good idea to clean around the bush first to limit any dirt that might be carried into the bush by the lube...
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From: strathcedar, nsw, australia
Re: poly bushings - squeaky squeaky....how to fix? (NathanMorris)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by NathanMorris »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'll try the motorcycle lube first and see how that goes - thanks for the advise...
I did put the lithium lube on there, but to be honest, I don't think I put enough on - I didn't realize what it was for at the time (-doh-), well, I did - but I didn't realize how important it was to really goop the crap on there.
So, advise for future poly bushing people: PUT A TON OF THAT LUBE ON THERE
Nathan</TD></TR></TABLE>
Trouble is that the poly bushes typically use a crush tube on which the actual plastic bush articulates, and the clearance between the tube and the bush is quite tight and possibly slightly negative (i.e. a slight interference fit). As you push the tube into the bush it tends to 'wipe' grease off the bush surface, leaving only a very thin film regardless of how much you put on in the first place. You'd have a better chance if the bush were slightly worn with a very slight clearance.
It would probably be a good idea to cut / file a spiral groove around the OD of the crush tube to leave a small reseviour of grease behind as the tube is passed into the bush. If this was done it would be important that the edges of the groove were polished off a little rounded, both to allow the grease to more readily 'wipe' onto the bush / tube contact 'interface', and to prevent any sharp / rough metal edges wearing the bush surface.
Thinking about this a bit more, I'm not sure how easily the chain lube would actually penetrate into the bush's working surfaces, would depend on clearances at the sides of the bush etc, i.e. it may not work.
I did put the lithium lube on there, but to be honest, I don't think I put enough on - I didn't realize what it was for at the time (-doh-), well, I did - but I didn't realize how important it was to really goop the crap on there.
So, advise for future poly bushing people: PUT A TON OF THAT LUBE ON THERE
Nathan</TD></TR></TABLE>
Trouble is that the poly bushes typically use a crush tube on which the actual plastic bush articulates, and the clearance between the tube and the bush is quite tight and possibly slightly negative (i.e. a slight interference fit). As you push the tube into the bush it tends to 'wipe' grease off the bush surface, leaving only a very thin film regardless of how much you put on in the first place. You'd have a better chance if the bush were slightly worn with a very slight clearance.
It would probably be a good idea to cut / file a spiral groove around the OD of the crush tube to leave a small reseviour of grease behind as the tube is passed into the bush. If this was done it would be important that the edges of the groove were polished off a little rounded, both to allow the grease to more readily 'wipe' onto the bush / tube contact 'interface', and to prevent any sharp / rough metal edges wearing the bush surface.
Thinking about this a bit more, I'm not sure how easily the chain lube would actually penetrate into the bush's working surfaces, would depend on clearances at the sides of the bush etc, i.e. it may not work.
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Poly will squeek forever if don't lube them regularly and eventually the poly will deform permanently. Its best to use a hardened rubber like Hardrace sells. Thats what I put in my car and its great.
Some on ebay right now.
http://motors.search.ebay.com/...heels
Modified by drhonda at 6:53 AM 2/24/2008
Some on ebay right now.
http://motors.search.ebay.com/...heels
Modified by drhonda at 6:53 AM 2/24/2008
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