Shocks or bushings???

sean m · sean m's Garage

OK.....here's the story.....I've got a 77 911S, I know little or better yet..nothing on suspension. Every time I hit the a little bump the CD skips and I feel like my fillings are coming out of my teeth. I've done some searching on the site and think I need to replace the bushings.

I guess I just want to be sure before I dive in. I've seen some posts about the Elephant Racing Polly bushings with the tool they provide and think that's the route to go. Several nice videos on how to replace them. I just wanted to throw it out there and see if anyone thinks I have a shock issue or worn out bushings.

Anyway, I know it's tough to say without driving the car and feeling what it's like to hit a bump.
If it is the bushings.....how hard are they to replace?

As always, thanks for your advise

Flieger · Flieger's Garage

I think you mean the ER rubber bushings since you mention the tool. I think those are harder to install than the high performance alternatives. Either way you get to get all your aggression out when removing the old bushings.

My old bushings were polyurethane from the previous owner and they had so much friction and binding that the car would more "crash" over bumps like it had no suspension at all. No good for grip or comfort. The new Rebel Racing bushings made a world of difference.

will hung · 03-27-2012, 12:02 PM

New bushings aren't that difficult to install. Removing them is the hard part.

Sway Bar · Sway Bar's Garage

If you can spare the few extra bucks do them both, especially if original. Shocks are easy and bushings...well are fun

I just finished doing mine and I have never done anything like it before and the next thing I knew the whole suspension was off but it makes a HUGE difference all around and a great sense of accomplishment.

Go for it.

Dave Colangelo · Dave Colangelo's Garage

I did my spring plate bushings about a month ago. It took 3 days of solid work but it was worth it. It made the ride nicer. You have to remember that you need to re index the suspension after you replace the bushings, or keep very careful track of the positions of the eccentrics when you put every thing back together. The bushings only cost 70$-110$ and they are worth it.

Regards
Dave

geoz · 03-27-2012, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Colangelo

I did my spring plate bushings about a month ago. It took 3 days of solid work but it was worth it. It made the ride nicer. You have to remember that you need to re index the suspension after you replace the bushings, or keep very careful track of the positions of the eccentrics when you put every thing back together. The bushings only cost 70$-110$ and they are worth it.

Regards
Dave

Sorry for highjacking the thread, but a question: I know my rear bushings are shot and would like to replace them.

Can you pull the covers off without opening the torsion bar hole? I got a nice stone guard stuck over them ...

Are there any tips you could give us as to what would have made your job easier?

Dave Colangelo · Dave Colangelo's Garage

I had to remove those little covers to get my spring plates out. You may be able to peal the vinyl back and then reapply it but I dont know. New bushings are worth removing the stone guards in my opinion.

Regards
Dave

911s55 · 03-27-2012, 05:42 PM

A little history of your car would help a great deal before people can suggest or advise you.
How long have you had it, details of any rapairs or upgrades that you are aware of or have receipts for?

David

sean m · sean m's Garage

David,
A family friend was the original owner in 1977, my dad bought it from him in 1980.....I bought it from dad in 2004. The car is all original, no upgrades, has the 2.7 engine, still has heat exchangers, has 236,000 miles, and runs like a top (with the exception of any bumps you hit).
It's not a track car.....just a weekend driver.

I asked my dad and he said they never replaced the shocks or the bushings.
I checked in Wayne's 101 Projects book and not much info on replacing the front bushings. I guess I'll just keep using the search button and try to figure it out.

911s55 · 03-27-2012, 06:05 PM

After that many miles and years, all of your bushings (torsion bar and sway bar) need to be replaced as well as your shocks and strut inserts. Elephant racing has a good OEM type rubber torsion bar bushing replacement for front and rear.
I would also check the integrity of all the torsion bars for any damage.

David