Shall I replace the sway bar bushings? ('80 SC)
 

Hi,

I'm wondering if I should replace the sway bar bushings front and rear of my '80 SC. Overall, they do not look brittle or cracked but solid. However, due to the overall condition of the car I suspect they have not been replaced before.

The LH end link of the rear sway bar has been hit from below and definitely needs replacing.

The picture below is from the LH sway bar bushing (RH loose the same). I'm wondering if this is really the correct bushing since it a) doesn't enclose the bar completely but shows a significant gap and b) looks quite loosee. Is this how they are supposed to be?

On the front sway bar, the bushings look snug and solid.

Should I replace all bushings anyway while I'm at it?

Thanks, Manfred

http://www.bendisch.com/Photos/Sway%20bar%20bushing.jpg

That's what mine look like...30+ years old like yours. I have replaced most of my suspension bushings with poly-graphite, but never got around to the sway bar bushings. Honestly I don't think that replacing them will result in any performance gain, they are not knocking and the bar is still held tight in place. I plan to replace them the next time I have a reason to do any suspension work, but not planning a special project to replace them.

Rubber bushings........
 

Mannfred,

Those rubber bushings are ill-fitted. Either they have shrunk or the wrong size. The sway bar bushings should be snug but not too tight and have minimal gap when installed. They age and get hard over the years. Replace them as needed.

Tony