suspension bushings

jmargush · 02-04-2002, 02:36 AM

I was wondering if anyone has experience with changing the a-arm and trailing arm busings? Does this require press work? any helpful hints would be appreciated.

Jeff Margush

Jim Smolka · 02-04-2002, 03:24 AM

The front A-arm bushings are easy. I simply put one end into a soft jaw vice and spray silicon around the bushing. Then I rock the A-Arm back and forth while spraying more silicon. Then it is just a mater rotating the arms back and forth while pulling since the other end is fixed in the vice. Repeat the process for the other end of the A-Arm. Takes about 5 mininutes an A-Arm using this technique.

The rears are more of a pain. I usually drill them out and then use silicon.

Of course, purchase the new bushing from Pelican

Otto · 02-07-2002, 06:06 PM

We polute the world by torching the old rubber bushings off that get stuck, or are glued to the arms. Once you have the mount off, it is easier to set the old rubber bushing on fire with the help of some gasoline. It will burn off. Then wire wheel the old bushing residue and use the lube that is designed for those bushings. OTTO

JP Noonan · 02-07-2002, 09:18 PM

I used a big C-clamp, a bench vise, and lage sockets to press out the first ones.

Now I have a Ball Joint removal tool from Eastwood for my truck that works great on A-arm bushings and tie rod ends. Cost about $100 for the set, but I use it much more often then I expected on all kinds of 914 stuff.

I second Otto about the lube or the urithane bushing will squeel like a stuck pig.

piperpilotduane · 02-08-2002, 04:48 AM

Check the tech section for 911 and install the zerk fittings that they describe. I Did on mine and pump 1 shot of grease every oil change and no squeaks. Good luck. Duane

maf 914 · 02-08-2002, 09:02 AM

To those who have installed urethane or delrin bushings: What is your opinion about increased ride harshness? Is this really a problem or is it just a subjective thing?

Mike

JP Noonan · 02-08-2002, 09:08 AM

My old suspension was so shot that if I wraped up rubber bands and shoved them into the A-Arms it would have been an improvement.

For me it dosen't seem more harsh just more precise. I do like in Florida now, if I was still in Cleveland I might have lost my fillings by now.

farleyd · farleyd's Garage

Oh Boy, have i learned the hard way.... Let me explain.

In my quest for renew my front suspension, which i have upgrade to a 911 Carrera struts/hubs/brakes, i decided to renew the bushings. I bought some Weltmeister polygraphite one.

To take the old one, simply flame it with a torch. But i had to use an hydraulic press to fit the new ones. Twas quite tough. Then....

.. the front of the car was barely moving up/down, and was making big noise (schalk!@%$@&@). First i thougt that it was the sway bar that i had installed earlier. But i saw that something was wrong when i try to depress the car by jumping on the bumper to lower the 914. IT STAYS AT THE LOWEST POSITION !!!! When i lift it up back, IT STAYS THERE TOO!!!!

Then i knew that the bushings were so tight that it was acting as somekindaofa friction brake (sorry for the explanation).

I had to take the whole a-arms, cross member out and gently grind the interior of the bushing. Turned out that it seems that the Weltmeister a-arms bushings are too tight and must be grinded a bit.

But, if i look like complaining, nah!!!! The ride and handling is much much better now. Hope that helped.

www.farleydw.com/914.html

DSPTurtle · 02-09-2002, 06:39 PM

I had the same problem as Farley...however I used a bench grinder before I got mine all put back together. There was a lot of liberty taken in making the Welt's fit into their new home. I did not grind or hone out the insides though, mostly just worked the outside of the bushings. Now they are awesome!!!! It is a pretty good upgrade!