Full bushings replacement

[jetboy]

Replacing bushings seems popular and smart. I tried searching a bit and discovered that the following bushings exist:

* Differential bushings
* Steering bushings

Does anyone know of a thread that lists all the bushings that should be replaced?

[SVX_MY_BABY]

Do a search on poly bushings and you will get lots of results. Unfortunately some bushings are no longer available. Eg: you have to buy trailing arm to get the bushing.

[92snowmachine]

the company that makes the polish kit will custom make any bushings you can't find. i had them make me poly ones for the fifteen minute mod and they weren't that much more than the steering dampeners. i bought the whole kit but have yet to get them all installed.

[jetboy]

Oh, that was not great news but I guess I can have them made.

Just to tell you where I stand: I know next to nothing about cars. A colleague promied to provide me with the Hayes book for SVX and I'll start doing things myself soon enough but, for now I need instructions / work requests for a mechanic.

So where are the bushings that need to replaced? Is this thoroughly and quickly documented in the service manual or will a mechanic spend hours reading a language he doesn't understand to figure out what to swap?

Cheers

[92snowmachine]

you probably don't have to replace the bushings unless they are worn out. the poly bushings aren't necessary just a nice upgrade if you need them already. i think there are several mechanics on the site (including me) that could walk you through anything you have specific questions about.

[jetboy]

you probably don't have to replace the bushings unless they are worn out. the poly bushings aren't necessary just a nice upgrade if you need them already. i think there are several mechanics on the site (including me) that could walk you through anything you have specific questions about.

Ok? But "everywhere" on this site people say "REPLACE THE BUSHINGS" :)

Of course, if I don't have to spend those money now, that's fine! God knows I have other things to spend them on (body treatment, engine).

How can I tell if a bushing is worn? :) How severely do worn bushes affect the car's performance, handling and safety?

Some good news, I apparently found the right shop for me. Recommended by a colleague who owns four Maserati (yet does most of the work himself on those cars). It might cost a bit but at least proper, caring professionals and enthusiasts will undertake all the work this time. Gradually I will get into things myself. And yes, I can change tires.

Sorry for being such a fop but living downtown in a city working with abstract things... you just aren't forced to know anything about cars and mechanics :)

[92snowmachine]

you can tell if a bushing is bad if it has too much movement or makes noise. a lot of people (including myself) replace them to stiffen up the suspension by replacing the 20 year old rubber. unless yours are bad you could probably spend your money on something else but plan on doing it down the road.

[jetboy]

you can tell if a bushing is bad if it has too much movement or makes noise. a lot of people (including myself) replace them to stiffen up the suspension by replacing the 20 year old rubber. unless yours are bad you could probably spend your money on something else but plan on doing it down the road.

So if I decided to have it done now together with the bodywork, how many are they, where are they placed? Obviously between other things :)

Are we talking 20 pieces, 6 pieces, 40 pieces? Difficult to get to? I'm having some of the exhaust replaced as well as a brake pipe or two.. and we need to look for rust and possibly replace other things under there.. so maybe it's cheaper to do it now anyway?

[92snowmachine]

there are 20 bushings in the kit plus two if you get the additional one for the 15 minute mod.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-1970-1971-Mopar-Dodge-Carter-383-Choke-Thermostat-New-Old-Stock-Free-Ship-/270920778529?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessorie s&vxp=mtr&hash=item3f14230321#ht_1199wt_1272

[cthommes]

there are 20 bushings in the kit plus two if you get the additional one for the 15 minute mod.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-1970-1971-Mopar-Dodge-Carter-383-Choke-Thermostat-New-Old-Stock-Free-Ship-/270920778529?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessorie s&vxp=mtr&hash=item3f14230321#ht_1199wt_1272

Cool, I've always wanted a Mopar Dodge Carter 383 Choke Thermostat! Too bad the auction has already ended. :(

[jetboy]

there are 20 bushings in the kit plus two if you get the additional one for the 15 minute mod.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-1970-1971-Mopar-Dodge-Carter-383-Choke-Thermostat-New-Old-Stock-Free-Ship-/270920778529?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessorie s&vxp=mtr&hash=item3f14230321#ht_1199wt_1272

I'm so sorry, I must have slept in class. There is a full kit?! From who? :)

Did you mean the 20 minute mod? I'm refering to SVXfiles.com.

Edit: Or both mods, perhaps?

[92snowmachine]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Subaru-SVX-Front-Rear-Suspension-Bush-KIT-FULL-SPORT-/280487239847?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item414e57a0a7#ht_3568wt_1039
new link. was also sending a link to a customer and mixed up the 2. i bet he really wants poly bushings for his 1970 dodge.

[jetboy]

Sorry for looking like a dork but super thanks for clearing this up.

For an SVX untrained person, how much time do you think the swap would take? The kit + additional for the 15 minute mod is like not really an expense.

I like the idea of getting a real poke up there just to see if there's any rust hidden somewhere. Harsh winter climate by the fjords and lot's of road salt where the car spent it's first 6 years just makes me want to be on the safe side anyway.. I might just be willing to those kinds of costs now instead of 3 years.

Suspension, body and rims are quite high up on the list since the rotors, bearings, transmission and engine were recently done quite well. I'm still building the "to-do" list there but it can all wait until I do the timing belt.

[SVX_MY_BABY]

If you look under the car and they need replacement you will probably see deformed rubber and open space between the rubber and the bracket which holds it. If they have never been replaced I'm sure they will be shot. They are replaced in pairs.

The most common ones replaced are the front control arm and rear sway bar. These can be done independently at any time.

The rear trailing arm bushings are also probably worn out. Those are the ones you can not buy from Subaru with out buying the whole arm assembly. If you are doing a rear wheel bearing replacement or shock replacement that would be an ideal time to address those ones. as most of the dis-assembly for those jobs is the same.

The rear differential bushing can also go, but this is less common. If you are dropping the diff and exhaust to get the gas tank out so you can replace the gas or brake lines then it would be an ideal time to replace the bushings.

Unless they are completely gone and the metal on metal friction has worn the metal to the point of fatigue I don't think it is a safety issue.

What you will find is that the bushings damp a lot of sound transmission to the passenger compartment, making for a much more comfortable drive. The rubber damp more sound than the poly.

The main thing replacing the bushings will do is take all the play out of the components they support. This will make the car much more responsive. Better steering feel, no slap when accelerating, firmer suspension giving better handling characteristics. The poly will give a firmer, tighter response.

Hope this helps.

Also there is a full manufacturer's SVX repair/service manual available on the site. It is well illustrated. I forget where the link is. Probably in the HOW To section.

[SilverSpear]

Here you go Jetboy:

Strong Flex (www.strong-flex.eu), ask for Chris, he will be more than willing to answer any question within this perspective. :cool:

[jetboy]

Thanks a lot, you.

So basically there's a choice between rubber and polyurethane where poly is the preferable choice, also for looooong rides i.e ensuring the same sound proofing and ride comfort despite better handling?

I might have to replace a brake line, they called it "pipe" on the report but that might just be a lost in translation thing.

Bottom line question: Buy the red polys, hand them over along with the service manual? :)

[92snowmachine]

basically yes. if you don't want too harsh of a ride or too much noise i would go for the softer kit. you would easily spend that much trying to find rubber replacements (if you can) and you might as well upgrade while your at it.

[jetboy]

Yes sir and thanks a lot.

I will edit my first post with a "Bushings for dummies" so the next person who wonders can make a simple search and be informed.

Thanks a lot everyone. Red poly kit ordered.

[92snowmachine]

did you get the extra ones for the 15 minute mod? for $20 they are worth it.

[jetboy]

did you get the extra ones for the 15 minute mod? for $20 they are worth it.

I've searched a bit around without actually finding the procedure. I won't do it myself, so I would need some fairly detailed instructions for the mechanic as well as specifically which bushings need to be ordered.

What about the 20 minute mod? Should that be done at the same time?

[92snowmachine]

don't know much about the 20 minute mod but here is the link to the 15 minute mod. if you have an impact gun it's more like the 2 minute mod.
http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=27738

[jetboy]

don't know much about the 20 minute mod but here is the link to the 15 minute mod. if you have an impact gun it's more like the 2 minute mod.
http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=27738

Thanks, very good for the roundup also.

I'm actually a bit hestitant. The roads here... we have potholes on the highway. I'm a bit reluctant to stiffen it even more up, over here we need some cushion to avoid lumbar failure.

[SVXMAN2001]

I did a quick search and see that members have been replacing the rear lateral link and trailer arm bushings themselves. How is removal/installation accomplished? Is a press necessary?

[92snowmachine]

it makes it easier to use a press but you can muscle them out with a combination of cutting, burning, and hammering. i bought my press at harbor freight for $100 and it works great. if you have the room to store one i would recommend to use the right tool for the job.

[jetboy]

Did anyone have an estimate for the time used to swap all the bushings, considering the 20 piece set I ordered? :) I mean garage time, not DIY time.

[92snowmachine]

if they total the labor for each individual component the price would be ridiculously high. most shops will toss out a flat rate offer for what they think it would take them. i would guess 6 to 8 hours.

[jetboy]

if they total the labor for each individual component the price would be ridiculously high. most shops will toss out a flat rate offer for what they think it would take them. i would guess 6 to 8 hours.

6-8 hours! Since they are changing rear hubs and bearings + brakes&pads front/rear and possibly fix the exhaust leak, will there be any synergies ?

[SVX_MY_BABY]

There should be some with the hubs and bearings. The brakes & pads, exhaust won't involve anything that effects the bushings, except putting the car on the hoist.

[92snowmachine]

my motor's labor time give 6.8 hours for the rear and 7.8 hours for the front to replace all bushings. that's 14.6 hours if your shop was going to charge you by the book. 6 to 8 hours i think would be pretty reasonable for the entire job.

[jetboy]

my motor's labor time give 6.8 hours for the rear and 7.8 hours for the front to replace all bushings. that's 14.6 hours if your shop was going to charge you by the book. 6 to 8 hours i think would be pretty reasonable for the entire job.

Yeah, let's hope they agree on that. 8 hours labour here equals to $1.380 here. Of course, adjusting for purchase power the case is quite different. For the same amount of money I could fly to Hong Kong and back.

[kjoyes]

Has anyone on this forum tried the red/yellow strongflex poly bushings how do they affect the cars suspenision?
what is the part # for the 2 extra if you do the 20 minute mod.
is the 15 minute mod when you use the Help! 31000?
and the 20 minute mod the self-lubercating copper bushings/ 3/8 hose and locknuts and screws?

[92snowmachine]

i'm not sure of the part number for the 15 minute mod shims but if you email chris at strongflex he should be able to help you out. i measured the dimensions of the help discs and had him make the shims out of the red urethane, rest of my kit was yellow. cost 8-10 bucks a piece i think but did seem a lot nicer than the steering discs. i haven't installed many of the bushings yet but the ones i have installed really seemed to firm things up.

[dromano]

you probably don't have to replace the bushings unless they are worn out. the poly bushings aren't necessary just a nice upgrade if you need them already. i think there are several mechanics on the site (including me) that could walk you through anything you have specific questions about.

The poly bushings on the sway bars are a total new world, I sh*t you not, just do it! You will be glad you did, turns a leaner into a roller skate!!!! Makes your tirers feel like they are made of glue......

[SURTEESS]

Waiting for Strongflex to get back to me on p/n for the 15 minute mod in 90 shore harness (yellow) - to match the rest of the set that I have. Should be approx US$10 each, any one else want a set here in NZ - to split the postage ?.

[92snowmachine]

i got the extra bushings in red and the rest of my set in yellow. the yellow is really hard and may give you some vibrations in the cabin. i wanted yellow but strongflex recommended the red and i have been very satisfied.

[dromano]

Did anyone have an estimate for the time used to swap all the bushings, considering the 20 piece set I ordered? :) I mean garage time, not DIY time.

I replaced my 4 sway bar bushings in 2 hours using jack stands & a creeper, done by a tech with the car on the hoist should be less time.

[92snowmachine]

those are the easy ones. the control arm bushings and other bushings that need to be pressed out are the time consumers.

[James Scott]

If I installed red poly sway bar bushings about 6 years ago.. should I skip them (2 front, 2 rear).. ordering all else, but them.. .

Or get whole kit.. and replace them too? :confused:

If I haven't replaced any of the other bushings.. after 233K miles.. Do I pretty much need them all without checking them.. ?

Thanks, jim :D

[92snowmachine]

picture of a bushing

[dromano]

If I installed red poly sway bar bushings about 6 years ago.. should I skip them (2 front, 2 rear).. ordering all else, but them.. .

Or get whole kit.. and replace them too? :confused:

If I haven't replaced any of the other bushings.. after 233K miles.. Do I pretty much need them all without checking them.. ?

Thanks, jim :D

I suggest you take out which ever bushing you decide is easiest to remove an see if it has become the texture of a marshmello, if does, you likely will want to replace all the original rubber. When I replaced my front & rear sway bar bushings the fronts were the worst, like a warm gummy bear:eek:

[James Scott]

picture of a bushing

So? .. There are fender washers on each end to hold the POLY bushing halves together in the A-Arm? .. or other metal suspension part? Normally, the rubber bushings are solid.. with inner and outer shafts fused to the rubber .. right?? :confused:

Thanks, Jim :D

[James Scott]

Do I want YELLOW? SPORT? Aren't these too stiff for an old fart like me? Are they meant for track setup basically?

Do I want RED? These are more normal stiffness.. right? But stiffer than OEM rubber? .. Red best for me?.. I have drop springs with Koni strut inserts already.. ? + $35 MODS!

Thanks, Jim :D

[icingdeath88]

Do I want YELLOW? SPORT? Aren't these too stiff for an old fart like me? Are they meant for track setup basically?

Do I want RED? These are more normal stiffness.. right? But stiffer than OEM rubber? .. Red best for me?.. I have drop springs with Koni strut inserts already.. ? + $35 MODS!

Thanks, Jim :D

Yellow if you want sporty, red if you want a little bit stiffer than stock.

Yellow feels pretty good. Someone commented that the red control arm bushings felt less stiff than the stock bushings, but I think the stock ones he was referring to were relatively new, not old and worn out like most.

[jetboy]

So what's better?

Buy a OEM bushings kit or a Strong Flex Red?

My car accomodates my family, there has to be a degree of comfort, I won't go yellow.