31 replies to this topic

[Antnicuk]

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item3ce3b6dbea

 

 

looking to polybush the VX and found this set,  has anyone tried it?

[PaulCP]

Any particular reason that you want to use poly bushes?

[Antnicuk]

I prefer them to stock rubber ones.

 

[slindborg]

On which cars have you tried them vs New rubber ones?

[Antnicuk]

i prefer cars with polybush suspension and dont find any negatives with them. I have polybushed most of my cars over time and just done my 5 series BMW diesel.  I have only ever found positives with them. I have never noticed any harshness in the ride compared to stock and the VX isnt exactly comfortable in stock form.  Mine has stock bushes and my mates exige has poly bushes and it is much tighter to drive which is exactly what i have come to expect from a polybushed car

 

what are people thoughts on any polybushes then?

 

[PaulCP]

Sounds like you know what you want I may have a set available in the next few weeks, been on my car for less than 2500 miles. If you are interested I'm just over the border in Suffolk

[Antnicuk]

can i ask why you want to change them?

 

[PaulCP]

Allowing myself to be talked into trying them was the biggest mistake by far that I've made in quite a number of years playing around with cars and it has nothing to do with ride quality. IMO the manufacturing tolerances of both the wishbones and the poly bushes are both too high hence the longevity of the bushes will be compromised. The poor tolerance of the wishbones can be taken up by using rubber bushes in a way that the harder poly bushes can't. Also it's a pain trying to keep them lubricated and they tend to sqeak when damp. The suspension components of your BMW may well be made with tighter tolerances that the VX which will no doubt help. You say that your mates Exige fitted woth poly bushes feels tighter than your VX which is not surprising if your rubber bushes are worn. The only real comparison you can make is driving one with new rubber bushes. I'm not saying don't go for poly bushes, thats up to you, it may be that mine were poor manufacture, but whatever you fit ideally needs to have enough flexibility to take up any tolerance issues with the wishbones. If they don't and you use your car in anger on track then you will find your caster changing mid corner. These are just my thoughts on the matter, others may have different views, but mine are going to be replaced at the earliest opportunity

Edited by PaulCP, 14 July 2014 - 08:46 AM.

[slindborg]

Its a little bit like everyone gunning for braided hoses (in all marques) claiming they are better than rubber.... well techniaclly yes they are, but if you compare a 10+yr old rubber hose to a new braided hose then of course things will feel different. Compared a NEW rubber hose with a NEW braided hose and there will be sod all in it unless you are a racing driver.

[FLD]

I think the consensus from another thread was that they are susceptible to wear through dirt getting in between the centre tube and bush and wearing the bush through grinding.  Essentially its slightly harsher and wears poorly.  If you want good location of the wishbones get sphericals which wear like poly bushes.  If you want longevity / low maintainance fit new OEM ones.

 

Typically this came out after I'd fitted poly bushes.    ....and if you're interested there's fook all diference between these and OEM on my car.

[LY_Scott]

I fitted ertacetal bushes from Elise parts during the winter. Car handles like a dream, (ask any of the Scottish chaps) and hasn't burst into flames or anything. Lucky enough to have mates in the fishing industry so had access to and used plenty of marine grease. There's not really enough in the bag supplied.

[G-Bob]

Phcotts car didn't even burst into flames even when I drove it. Might be down to all his fish lube though.

[techieboy]

I've had Autobush poly bushes fitted for 4 years now. No problems with them, no binding, no squeaking, no play and I certainly haven't regreased them. Did the car feel better with them in? Yes but I was replacing 8 year old 60,000 mile originals. Would I bother again? No, I'd stick some new OEM style rubber bushes back in now there are some more options available.

[G-Bob]

I think Claws drove your car too phcott. I wonder how it compares to his sheddy stage FA NA.

[LY_Scott]

Don't think he has since I done le work. Lewis and Dunk have though.

[cnrandall]

need I say more? 

[PaulCP]

Some good analysis to chew on in this thread from middle of page 2 onwards http://www.vx220.org...s-fitted/page-2 Also explains Chris's little video Really don't know why I allowed myself to be talked into the ones I had fitted last year. Had to give myself a good slap around the face and when I came to my senses it was too late!

Edited by PaulCP, 14 July 2014 - 04:01 PM.

[Kieran McC]

I have Polybushes fitted ,they let you feel every bump in the road ,not the smoothest of drives with these fitted on crappie roads. Most people seem to say stick with the OEM  bushes as they give the best ride and handling

[Gedi]

I generally quote Arno when people ask about wishbone bushes. 

 

IMHO the only 2 real choices are:

 

- OEM (alike) bushings -> Fit and forget, work well and last ages

 

- Spherical bearing (Nitron, Pilbeam, etc.) or Erlaton -> Need regular maintenance and replacement, but tighter control of suspension movement

 

Polyurethane basically combines the 'bad' points from both into one.. They need regular maintenance/cleaning to stop dirt grinding away on the subframe/mounts and inside the wishbone eyes, while still giving a lot of compliance/flex in the bushings.

 

Ran most types of bushings on my car in it's 12+ year lifespan by now and have settled on Nitron spherical bearings for mine, but otherwise I'd have gone back to the OEM (alike) rubber ones.

 

Bye, Arno,

 

 

[Antnicuk]

thanks gents,  interesting point about the wishbones.  Elise parts say the same thing and use it as a reason to fit their Ertacetal bushes.  http://www.elisepart...ishbone-bushes/

 

And yes,  you are right that i am comparing (possibly) worn rubber bushes to failry new Poly's, but i didnt want to fit new OEM ones to find there isnt a lot of difference and always wonder if i should have gone for Poly.  Although i will have to check the exige doesnt have the Ertacetal bushes and just called them poly bushes.  

 

Anyone else tried the Ertacetal bushes other than LY Scott?