My junk heap 93 hatch currently has 137k chassis miles. If I decide to continue with Project "Beater Civic," I guess I should replace the factory bushings, but when should I do it? Maybe if/when I decide to snag some springs/shocks, it would be a good time to do it, so that I can get the suspension stuff out of the way.

 

I am assuming you would want to put in say a ES master set or something like that. When you do the rest of the suspension stuff would be ideal, like changing springs and such to save you the hassle. Just be ready for your car to be down cause you are gonna have to take the parts to a machine shop to have them press out the old bushings.

 

they have bushing kits for ya at pretty decent prices..but they re a real pain in the *** to install..so its just best to get the full set and then begin to replace the bushings as u begin to upgrade..ull need a tool to punch out the old bushings and another tool to press the new ones into place ..i saw a shop spend nearly 2 full days installing a full kit

 

Your stock bushings are crap by now. Mine were at 95,000. Installing the ES polyurethane bushings was the biggest PITA install I've done on my car, and it took weeks to complete (doing one thing at a time). Good luck if you decide to do it.

Shawn

 

Were you happy with the bushing upgrade once completed? Was it worth the time and money?

 

Ok, which kit did ou guys get, and how do you like the ride now? Was there any noticeable difference?

 

I put a full set of ProThanes in my CRX (including trailing arm and compensator bushings) and it was a big job. I do this crap for a living and it took me over 8 hours with a lift, torch, press, everything I needed. I would highly recommend you buy all new bolts that go through any bushing. If you live in the rust belt, these bolts tend to corrode themselves to the inner collar of the stock bushings and make removal impossible- they must be cut out. As far as results- I really liked them ALOT. I had to set my tokicos on 5 in the rear as the poly bushings totally changed the car. You will feel every bump and road noise is increased. Handling is completely different. An alignment will be necessary after the job. Your girlfriend probably won't like them (if you have one) - but who cares?

 

Handling was VASTLY improved.

Ride quality was IMMEDIATELY CRAP.

Hitting a bump becomes an exercise in chiropractic.

Money? Yes, it was worth it. Handling is superior. Wheel hop dramatically reduced.

Time? I don't think I'd do it again.

Shawn

 

wat are bushings? are they the rubber pieces that go into the hats on the shocks?

 

Any aftermarket bushing sets that don't give an absolutly terrible ride. I need new bushings and am seriously considering just buying new honda ones and saving my spine. (this is on a very daily driven car, no racing, no autoX)

 

Werd, I'm wondering if OEM Honda bushings would do.

From what I gather, replacing bushings is really quite a bitch, and having it done by a shop is well worth the money. What's your take on this?

 

I might try and mix& match oem and poly bushings any opions on that?
I hear It is a pain to do as well. Having a shop do it would not be cheap.

 

It's better than busting my ***** for a week, since I have no beater car and can't rely on any friends for transpo. I wouldn't mind paying for it. If you're going to mix/match the bushings, which ones will you keep OEM and which are you going to replace with poly? This is an interesting idea...

 

To keep a comfortable ride I would leave most of the suspension bushing oem, probally just replace shifter, sway bar, engine mounts(?).
OEM bushings aren't cheap though

 

Rubber shock absorbing joints between suspension pieces. The pieces in the hats you refer to are bushings, but there are LOTS more on the car.

Shawn