I was looking for info on ES trailing arm bushings and I found this page:

http://www.crxsi.com/resources/class...erflex/tr1.htm

Would those bushings normally slide sideways, or is that just an indication that he has a problem with his other bushings?

Thinking about it, I don’t believe that bushing is designed to support any side loads. I think the compensator arm and the upper and lower control arms would keep the trailing arm centered on the mounting axle. I’m planning to do those bushings this spring, but now I’m a little weirded out. That picture has me worried.

I read that the Prothane bushings have that axle held in with clips, but I can’t decide if it matters or not. The ES bushings are $20-$25, and if I’m reading right, they can be installed without a press if you burn them out.

Any feedback on these bushings and that picture is appreciated.

Thanks,
G

 

Mine haven't moved in two plus years.

 

Yes, they are supposed to allow a small amount of side to side motion as that bushing needs to be able to move in all axis. On the stock rubber bushings, the rubber is compliant enough to allow the side to side give. On the urethane bushings, the urethane is not really complaint enough to allow the motion itself so the Prothane units have the cirlcip to give a maximum travel as it shifts on the axle pin. I have never used the Energy Susp. bushings (don't care for the system for that bushing).

The need for a little side to side motion is the reason why you never see any big heim style spherical metal bearings in these arms. I talked to Jay from Ground Control about it many years ago and he said they did it once and the car hated it. It had plenty of ease of rotation but no side to side which the car didn't like so they shelved the idea. I have the Prothane on the racecar but just went back to a factory fresh rubber bushing for the street car and am glad I did.


[Modified by CRX Lee, 3:36 AM 3/3/2003]

 

We went the solid spherical bush way on our dedicated race car and found that the suspension was binding up. We retained the spherical bearings but removed the retaining circlips and allowed the bearing to slide on the bush. Noisy and high wear but the rear is handling much better.

 

I think this is pretty much answered, but I'll give it a bump to see if there's more out there!