I'm in the middle of swapping out my OEM suspension bushings for Energy suspension bushings. The OEM upper ball joint bushings look quite different from the 13001/13003 bushings that arrived with my ES set. The OEM bushings have an inner lip and ring that keep them in place while the ES bushings have neither. For those that have done this before, do I have the correct bushings? As far as I know, you simply remove the OEM bushings and rings and replace with the ES units. Is that correct, or am I missing something? Thanks in advance.


[Modified by saber1, 10:41 PM 1/22/2003]

 

yeah, the es ones just sit there. i dont use them because they dont seal that well

 

So what are my options?

 

so dont use the ES bushings? or what

 

i dont use em

 

Do you mean the ball joint boot, or the upper control arm bushing?

 

I use them and I love them. If anyone tells you not to use them don't listen. If you install them correctly and do what c-speedracing suggests and use Zerk fitting on them they won't squeak.

Whenever your under your car changing your oil just re-lube the zerk fittings...

I mean why not? it's THAT EASY. The benefits of having a complete ES bushing kit over stock bushings is substantial.

Edit: ES "boots" for the ball joints I don't necessarily recommend because the don't seal like the stock ones...


[Modified by rice_classic, 10:44 AM 1/29/2003]

 

I'm using the ball join boots right now. I can't say that they really do much, but I guess they won't tear or something. I think I might go back to the OEM boots for sealing purposes.

 

i know a lot of road racers have problems with ball joint boots melting.
but for daily cars i wouldnt worry about it.

 

The other ES busings are installed, so I AM using them. However, I just wasn't sure about the ES ball joint bushings/boots. It seems the OEM boot/bushings seal much better, so I think I'll stick with those.

 

Don't mean to ***** your thread but, Where can I Get ES bushings cheapest. I Just put LS hubs on my 4th Gen. and after my first launch, everything squeaks, not my shox, they respond well...maybe it's the 14 yearold bushings. show me sum links where i can get some.

Thanks
JEremy

 

I thought your are suppose to remove the OEM bushing retainers and place them on the ES bushings.? I guess now I know.

 

OT- What in the hell does the steering rack bushing do? you know the big round cut one? I want to put it on, but can't justify crawling under the car to do so...

 

I don't see any way the retaining clip from the OEM will stay put on the ES bushing/boot. As far as the steering rack bushing, I haven't the slightest idea. Its sitting in the garage next to the aforementioned bushing/boots.

 

I (and many others here) have installed a full ES bushing kit on my car, but left the balljoint boots off because they do not seal as well as stock.

so,
poly bushings = yes.
poly boots = no.

stick with oem for balljoint boots