Neatrix vs Polygraphite SP Bushings

[red77911s]

I'm replacing the spring plate bushings on my 77, I don't plan on tracking the car, I'd be interested in what Pelicaners think about the less expensive options.

[Trackrash]

On my '71, a long time ago, I noticed the rear rubber bushings were shot. I simply replaced the outer rubber bushing with a poly-graphite. It rode smoother, and I never had a problem with squeaking. I used CV joint grease on it. It lasted about 20 years. Don't use the red plastic bushings, they WILL squeak. IMO this is a good option, if you don't want to disassemble the trailing arm. You only have to remove the cover.

[faverymi]

Neatrix are noisy. Lots of squeaking.

Went back to OEM

[red77911s]

By OEM do you mean entirely new Spring Plates? as this is the only way I know to get the OEM rubber.

[Driven97]

I bought the Neatrix set from our host, as it was a box of all four, plus a tool, plus glue and sandpaper if I recall. In my blog post I say they are Neatrix rubber, but for some reason I'm thinking the instructions that came with them were Weltmeister branded, not Neatrix.

Whatever they are they are silent on my car. Very pleased. I chose poly for my front a-arm bushings, and those started squeaking the first time I got caught in the rain and haven't stopped. Less pleased with those.

[Jesse16]

Less expensive than Elephant or Neatrix would maybe be URO's you can find on Amazon. These are all rubber so can't see where any would squeak, mine don't. I did Elephant units without incident other than it being a relatively big job. I don't understand the OEM comment other than likely a reference to rubber type bush vs. any other material. I thought Neatrix was rubber type also.

[pete3799]

I put Neatrix on 2 years ago.........no squeaks.

[McLaren-TAG]

I don't know what's in the front of my car, the PO had them done, but it's a harmonious symphony of squeaks every time I go over anything thicker than a dime or make a left or right turn.

Next winter's project.

[Lyle O]

Neatrix are rubber; just lube them up with plenty of SILICONE and you will be good to go, squeak free. Do not use axle or other petroleum based greases; they are not good long term on the rubber. Silicone is perfect.

[Flieger]

The URO and Neatrix apparently are too big. They should be tight on both the arm and the chassis such that there is no sliding motion. Do not use lube. They are designed to work in a twisting manner which is why they are quiet. The Elephant ones are the correct size (OEM) and so require a press to get them on.

[Jdub]

Porsche delivered the cars with rubber bushings that were glued very solidly to the spring plate spindle, and had an interference fit to the "cap" that is bolted over the spring plate assembly. I have asked about this OEM method on this 'Board and I believe the factory concept is to twist the bushing, not actually have the bushing turn/rotate on the SP spindle.

This is why Neatrix bushing kit comes with a small tube of glue. Many have had success gluing the bushing to the spindle, but many have also mentioned they simply used silicone (ONLY!) grease and let it spin.

I also replaced the front with poly bushings that are both zerk'd and diagonally cut on the inside to distribute the oem grease they supply into the inner body of the bushing. Yup, they can squeak all right! Again, here we see the use of vulcanization to bond the bushing to the spindle of the A-arm. Again, I am guessing the idea was inherent twist rather than spin.

I will probably replace everything with Elephant rubber at a future date. I just enjoy taking things apart and putting them back together again!

[MotoSook]

I've installed several sets of polographite bushings and have never had them squeak.

I machine them to get a slight tolerance fit and use axle grease to slide them in and keep them lube'd. Sure it will all be displaced at some point, but by then the bushing will take a set and the stiction that leads to squeaking will be a non-issue.

You can now get rubber bushings to replace your dried and deformed stock rubber bushings. They are pressed in and folks have come up with different methods of pressing in the rubber bushings. Do a search.

If you don't intend to track the car...use the stock rubbers. I am not certain there is rubber rear bushing.