----- Original Message -----
Hey fellas, give me some input on suspension
bushings. I rebuilt my front suspension a few years ago with Performance
Suspension Technology's "polygraphite" bushings. These are polyurethane
bushings which are impregnated with graphite for lubrication. I'm
getting ready to rebuild the rear suspension, but I haven't decided what
bushings to go with yet.
If you've ever read the book "Chassis
Engineering" by Herb Adams, then you know that he doesn't recommend
polyurethane suspension bushings because of the need for the polyurethane
to rotate against the metal bushing sleeves combined with the fact that they
are not greasable for ongoing lubrication. He says that they will tend
to bind preventing smooth operation of the suspension system and causing
the car's suspension to not always return to it's equilibrium position.
I've noticed this a little bit on my Chevelle, but not to any great
extent. I've also noticed some squeaking from the bushings, but nothing
too drastic or annoying.
He seems to like bushings using "nyliner" nylon
iserts, but I haven't run across anybody that sells them. Has anyone
used these "nyliner" bushings? If so, what did you think and where did
you buy them? I get the impression from the book that I could go to my
local bearing supply house and buy the nyliner inserts, but that I would have
to custom-machine some steel sleeves for them to be installed
in.
Another interesting point - Global West also
states that polyurethane bushings tend to bind in the rear suspension.
They recommend using a spherical bearing on the frame end and either
polyurethane bushing or their Del-a-Lum bushing on the rear
end.
All right, guys... Chime in and let me know
what you think.
Thanks,
Galen
