In follow up with my Hardrace suspension bushing kit install.

I'm posting this in the RR forum because we have some great engineers here and because nothing is more unnerving than being mid-corner and not being able to hit a gear.

I originally replaced my shifter bushings with Neuspeed Urethane ones several years ago. Noticing some deterioration, I purchased a Hardrace set.

The Hardrace ones are "thermoplastic" - which is scary in that the name implies they have a low melting point, but as I've discovered thus far, these are far superior to anything urethane.

Since installing, the car shifts into gear much more smoothly. I have already replaced the engine mounts (another big problem with shifter alignment), so these were the last step. The car has an exposed exhaust tunnel (not heat shields) but the bushings are holding up fine. The original Urethane ones were gummy and crumbled in my hands.

I recommend these so far, and will reinspect in a couple months. I also see Hardrace chooses to use this blue "thermoplastic" on their swaybar endlinks. It has a strange consistency that varies with temperature, but think it's a good product.

Suspension bushing link: https://honda-tech.com/forums/road-racing-autocross-time-attack-19/its-never-easy-hardrace-suspension-bushing-install-notes-2579762/

 

James, how long did you have the urethane one installed? And please do keep us updated, it sounds like maybe the thing will deform with heat?

 

The urethane ones were on for 3+ years before I even gave them a closer look (everything "looked" fine). I kept them just to show other people - if you hold them in your hands, they smear and break apart.

This is where some more data would be useful on the properties of the various types of urethane - specifically with regard to exposure to heat, possible chemicals, road salt, etc. I keep the underbody of the car very clean and paint any signs of rust (it's the Navy in me...), but it seems like some forms of urethane are not the answer for a lot of automotive applications.

As for the Hardrace product, so far I like it, but I'd really like to get more data on the material before saying it's the answer. Perhaps the Mugen rubber bushings are the best "safe" solution in the mean time.

 

Please keep us updated.I fabbed an FLP style shifter for my car,and it really exagerates the slop in the stock bushings.A while back I bought a set of Prothane bushings,but have yet to put them in,as I've never liked the way they feel on customer's car I've installed them on.If there's a better alternative,I'm all for it.

Chris

 

I'll get some guys to try my car soon (for their take).

The rear bushing was difficult to install due to the flared end of the shift stabilizer bar - but this was made worse by how dense the thermoplastic material is (a good thing once installed!).

The front bushing set is actually two piece (left and right), but is again so dense (and perhaps to a tighter tolerance in diameter) that it took a bit of effort to get in place.