Small Bump Noise Found

[svx_commuter]

I found what makes that small bump noise. I took apart the rubber bushings from the front stablizer bar(SB)and lubricated the inside where it contacts the bar with silicone grease. The noise went away.

The rubber bushing has alot of compression on it. Looks as though it compresses about 3/8" from the "U" clamp. The rubber bushing squeezes down tight on the bar. This squeeze on the bar prevents it from turning when the strut is on the way up or down. The link pulls on the SB and the SB wants to rotate but can't because it's held by the rubber bushing. This also prevents the strut from moving up and then when it moves a little further, snap, the bar rotates in the rubber bushing and thump, the strut moves and there's the noise.

I recently installed new rubber bushings. At that time I noticed that the new rubber bushing had a much smaller ID compared to the old ones coming out. The inside had worn open quite a bit.

I have seen a few rubber bushing on other vehicles but nothing has every been this tight. Is it intentional to have the bushing this tight on the bar? Is it supposed to be a friction damper?

Also I checked the service manual and there is nothing about lubricating this bushing or the ones in the rear.

I am thinking about making nylon bushings for this to replace the rubber.