Garage Star magical door bushings (Miata content inside)

These little guys have begun to cause quite a stir in the miata community:

http://garagestar.com/blog/?product=garage-star-delrin-door-bushings

People all over are saying how they make this huge difference in reducing general NVH and even help in stiffening the chassis enough for it to make a noticeable difference.

Here is one of the reviews that started the whole thing:

http://revlimiter.net/blog/2015/07/garage-star-delrin-door-bushing-review/

Anyways, I ordered a set. I'll go ahead and be the guinea pig, and post my findings here. Should arrive in a few days or so. Interested to find out if its just snake oil, or if they really are a "must buy"

Pretty convincing review...

Well now I want a set. I had no idea there was such a thing....

I just bought some too. They actually came last night, and I was hoping to throw them in and take the car to work today, but I took the motorcycle instead.

There's a coupon code posted on miata.net, if anyone else is considering them. Woulda saved me $12

intriguing

Alright, they got here. Had them installed in about 5 minutes. However, I rough fitted them, then tightened them immediately all the way down. What ended up happening is one of them is slightly off center, so the door has a VERY slight 'catch' before it shuts all the way. Everything functions as it should, just know that when you install your own, you should tighten a bit, check fit, tighten a bit, check fit, until you've got it perfect.

Anyways, long story short, yes these things are awesome, and yes I am a believer. After installing them, I immediately noticed less noise going over bumps and rough road. Feels like the car is jouncing less and the suspension is better doing its own thing. Also pulling off curbs and stuff, the car doesnt squeak and groan like it used to. Only thing is I noticed that you have to shut the doors with a bit more force than usual. I suspect I probably over tightened the bushings slightly, and deformed them outward a bit.

Either way, will it change your life? Nah, but for the guy seeking to better his car in every way he can, and for the guy that is able to notice every minute change, these are a must buy in my book. Well worth the $60. Really, when you look at the design and function of the standard door bushing, these make a whole lot of sense. There is a guy on youtube that does a review of them, and has a coupon code for $5 off. I think its TheCarPassionChannel" or something like that.

Happy motoring!

Interesting, I TRD makes these for the FR-S/BRZ as well.

I also have these installed.

I'm not sure how much actual chassis stiffening they do, but they definitely quiet down a lot of rattles and squeaks that I had. I don't know how that would translate on an FR-S, which is already relatively stiff. My 1990 with no bracing to speak of is pretty floppy, so anything helps.

My miata really doesn't sqeak or rattle but I recently got a rattle in the WRX either inside passenger door or behind glove box.

We're convinced - we added them to our catalog, and they're going on the website tomorrow. The fact that the Miata is a convertible would certainly increase the contribution of the doors to rigidity.

After reading the review and seeing that FM is a believer, I guess I need to order some.

When you think about it, if you drove your Miata around with the doors completely removed, there is not much in the center of the car to prevent it flexing front to back, like folding a piece of bread. These things essentially seal the doors tight to the rest of the car, allowing for no flex and thus making the car feel more rigid. The stock bushings allow for a good deal of play, most likely in the interest of keeping the ride smooth for your typical consumer.

I'm surprised nobody thought of this sooner honestly.

I got a set last week for my NA. I like them.

I have certainly spent more on less.

I had never heard of these until I spotted this thread yesterday, but they sound so promising that I went ahead and ordered a set. My car has a rattle on the passenger's side that I had more or less tracked down to this exact spot. I'm willing to give them a try. As a bonus, I've been wanting to add a skid plate for Winter autocross and Garagestar has the one I want, so I can save on shipping by bundling them together.

cmcgregor wrote: I just bought some too. They actually came last night, and I was hoping to throw them in and take the car to work today, but I took the motorcycle instead. There's a coupon code posted on miata.net, if anyone else is considering them. Woulda saved me $12

Once I get the blower pulley sorted, I may have to invest in a set. The Manic Miata is a bit rattly.

Interesting, now I'm thinking about taking a page out of Toyota's book and adding this mechanism meant for a soft-top to a hardtop car for better rigidity.

I wonder if Ken is going to go to Stockton Fairgrounds at the end of the month. I need to get some of these.

So, what affect does this have on the hinges?? Will they wear faster/bend since they were not designed for more rigid door attachment at the latch?

Never knew I needed these until I read this thread.I put them on last night and they made a big difference today going over rough roads and RR tracks. I had a slight 65 mph shimmy and that seems to be gone now. As far as Miatas I have owned this one,a 70k 04 is fairly solid and these improved the rattles and shakes alot.I would like to see what they would do for one of the more floppy ones I have had. So to recap the sun is shining and the birds are singing and it cost less than $70

I've had mine installed for about a month and I'm convinced. Every Miata needs these things.