are Poly bushings noisy?

[SVX_MY_BABY]

I was told that there is a trade off with poly. Better performance but at the cost of more transmitted road noise. My rubber bushings on my sway bars are shot. Comments please.

[wawazat??]

Noisier because of their increased durometer (hardness) and they squeak and require periodic lubrication.

Todd

[mbtoloczko]

They do squeak a bit in colder weather, but usually only on larger bumps. I haven't notices an increase in road noise, but I have noticed that square-edged road bumps are a felt a little more in the front suspension.

[dcarrb]

I'm having a hard time imagining why firmer sway bar bushings would transmit more road noise. If anything, it seems the reverse would be true. And stock bushings can be noisy. Recently, my rear bushings (which appear to be in perfect shape) started binding the sway bar, which would build-up tension that released with a pronounced thunk when the car's weight shifted. I shut 'em up with bearing grease (and have since learned that the prevailing wisdom holds that to be a bad idea).

dcb

I haven't noticed any additional noise with poly swaybar bushings in my other cars.

- Jim

[immortal_suby]

Originally posted by BoondockSVX
I haven't noticed any additional noise with poly swaybar bushings in my other cars.

- Jim

me either.

[Myetball]

Energy suspension and others usually warn that poly bushings will be noisy (squeeky) in cold climates. Not a problem if you live down south....or at the gates of hell in south-central Texas.

I do know what is noisy.....stock bushings that have broken into three pieces. Finally got around to changing them with new stock bushings.....much better. Still plan on the poly upgrade.

If you're gonna grease rubber/poly suspension bushings make sure you use a silicone grease. Regular petroleum based grease will eventually degrade the bushings.

Also, why is it that subaru designed the engine to develop a leak so it drips motor oil all over the swaybar bushings? Maybe designing in some work for the dealers?