is it time for me to change suspension bushings?

[kimbo305]

sorry, a little image heavy.

I got a set of polyurethane bushings from another poster here, whose name eludes me, and want to change them in when they're needed.

When I was changing wheels this past weekend, I took a survey shot of the suspension on the right rear side. Just guessing roughly from the pics, would anyone say it's time to change bushings?

What about the rust? Is that an ok level?

[MichaelXi]

Tough to say...
Salty I Assume?
How many Miles/Years?
Can you Wiggle the wheels and feel any loose movement? (When it's on jackstands)

[Liquid_02_ZX3]

Not to hijack this thread but there was a discussion about a year back. Do poly bushings increase or decrease the effect of the control blade in our rear suspension? I remember that wasn't confirmed either way.

Back to the thread, it seems like you are looking for a reason to install your new poly bushings. I wouldn't think your old bushings are dangerous. But the new bushings would be an improvement in the handling department. I'd say install them.

This is a decent tackle (no offense) for someone who asks if they look like they need it. You need atleast jackstands, a jack, a hydraulic press, basic hand tools, the better portion of a weekend. Although a lift and air tools would make the job easier and faster. Also judging by the rust already on your car, your bolts are most likely frozen and will not want to turn because of the rust/rubber combo. You might have to actually burn or torch the old bushings to get the bolts out. A grinder with a wire wheel is advised to clean up these bolts, or new bolts are suggested.

As far as the rust I would consider it average, my daily driven '02 ZX3 with 112K thats not normally garaged in Indiana has less rust.

[kimbo305]

Originally Posted by Liquid_02_ZX3

This is a decent tackle (no offense) for someone who asks if they look like they need it. You need atleast jackstands, a jack, a hydraulic press, basic hand tools, the better portion of a weekend.

As far as the rust I would consider it average, my daily driven '02 ZX3 with 112K thats not normally garaged in Indiana has less rust.

yeah, from everything I've read, it seems that it's not an easy task, and definitely requires some tools that I don't have. I'm not sold on doing it myself, but I did want some outside opinion on the condition the bushings are in. Only one of them looks iffy to me.

The rust is certainly a concern for me. It's been in NY and MA its whole life, so the underside has definitely seen its share of snow and salt.

I'm thinking I'll save up and sometime down the road have a shop install a set of springs/dampers along with the bushings.

[SVTADAM]

Originally Posted by Liquid_02_ZX3

This is a decent tackle (no offense) for someone who asks if they look like they need it. You need atleast jackstands, a jack, a hydraulic press, basic hand tools, the better portion of a weekend. Although a lift and air tools would make the job easier and faster. Also judging by the rust already on your car, your bolts are most likely frozen and will not want to turn because of the rust/rubber combo. You might have to actually burn or torch the old bushings to get the bolts out. A grinder with a wire wheel is advised to clean up these bolts, or new bolts are suggested.

I agree completey with you...though with basic hand tools, it will probably take longer than a weekend, especially if you have the infamous siezed rear contol arm bolts.

If you decide to tackle the job, I recommend that the only bushings the most worthwile to do would be antisway bars, front control arms, rear trailing arms, and rear antisway bar endlinks. The rest of the rear bushings are small and firm. I dont think there is any real advantage to swapping them out. Dont get me wrong, I did...but only because I didnt want to waste the bushings by not installing them, and the entire suspension was torn down already.

BTW, Be liberal with the antisieze in the rear control arm bolts... so far mine have not siezed.

[Focus2K7]

my whole rear suspension is now poly. i had a friend who works at a shop do the bushings for me and with all the tools at the shop it took him nearly 2 hours to do so and mine only had about 12k miles on them and no rust. it sure was a job but make sure when you put it back together to use plenty of the lube that comes with it. im afraid i did not use enough and it is really quite squeaky.

[danielj24k]

to answer liquid the poly bushings decreasee effort in the rear control arm by stabilizing the rear suspension by not allowing slop tthat the rubber bushings cause when worn out.