Changing out bushings

[WizPorsche944]

Come spring id like to replace my 22 yerar old rubber suspension bushings on my 944. Is there any thing else I should replace suspension wise ? Is there anything I could put on the bushings so they side in easy that wont harm the rubber ?

[rmcdonnell]

My car is an 89 so it's good to know I've got two more years to go until the bushes wear out. ;g

Like you WizPorsche, I keep wondering about replacing mine, possibly upgrading to polyeurothane or delrin, or maybe turn some out of nylon stock. I reckon it's probably cheaper to get some made than to buy them.

Anyone got some good info on replacing bushes?

cheers
Rissole

[Techno Duck]

For the front, i would replace the sway bar bushings, most likely the passenger center bushing has had liberal soakings with oil from typical power steering leaks and oil filter removals and is probably shot. Delrin is available, however i would only replace the center bushings with delrin, you want to leave some rubber in there to give it a little flex.

For the control arm, the front bushing can be replaced with a Weltmeister poly bushing or a rubber replacement. Either are good options.. i had the Weltmeister on my '87 n/a and they were alright..however they are not recommended for track or auto-x use. Delrin replacements are also available, but you will probably notice a adverse effect in ride quality aswell as the possibility of squeaking. Personally i would just replace with a standard rubber bushing if this is a street car. For the rear caster block, buy the updated 968 blocks and be done with it.

For installation of rubber bushings, soapy water works wonders.

There is alot of stuff in the rear that personally i would not even bother changing due to the complexity of replacing anything in the back. Basically you need to do a torsion bar job to replace a good portion of them. Not for the faint of heart!

[TexasBlake]

Good thread. I also am looking at replacing many bushings as all my front suspension is taken apart due to changing my rod bearings.




Did you check your ball joints? I hear they'e a problem with these cars, and mine are shot.

[Ga 951]

have you seen these?

http://www.rennbay.com/ball-joint-rebuild-kits-porsche-944-ball-joint-kits-c-30_48.html

I have no experience w/ them

Bruce

[ideola]

Here are a couple of links that you might find useful...while the information is focused on bolting a 944 suspension on a 924, there is quite a bit of relevant detail to the 944 precisely because it is a direct bolt on.
Comprehensive Suspension Bushing Upgrade Guide
Performance Upgrades: SUSPENSION, BRAKES, WHEELS

[ghnat]

I replaced my fronts with delrin while I had to do a ball joint replacement. So far I like the delrin and have no squeaks. I will tackle the rears soon, already have the delrin bushings for that job.