bigbrainonbrad
bigbrainonbrad New Reader
8/16/09 10:48 a.m.

Finally got around to buttoning up my 94 civic from a suspension freshening. Energy Suspension bushings were installed everywhere but the rear trailing arms, and the car feels completely different. I always wondered what the car felt like when it was new and now I know. The car has had konis and eibach springs for some time now and it was without a doubt an improvement over stock, but there was alot of slop. Problem now solved. Specifically the rear end seems to follow now instead of being drug along for the ride. Much more responsive to steering input (new steering rack as well). Many less creaks and groans.

On a side note, I can totally see why shops charge as much as they do to install poly bushings. I did all the disassembly myself with the most advanced tool being a corded electric impact, had a machine shop press out all the bushings and install the one piece ones (~$120), and then reassembled and pressed in (by hand) the two piece bushings. Had I not drug the work out over several weekends (2 months) and had my E36 M3 together probably would have been a 8-10 hour job. Was it worth it? Yes. Would I do it again? I'd think long and hard but most likely. Next up freshening up the 91 miata that has original everything on the suspension.

Feedyurhed
Feedyurhed Reader
8/16/09 8:57 p.m.

I replaced the bushings on the RX7 a few years ago and it was quite a job. The hardest part was getting the old bushings off and out. I had to get very creative at times and use a little persuasion.

carguy123
carguy123 Dork
8/16/09 9:04 p.m.

Burn them out! You'll be much happier that way. It's kinda fun and a whole lot less work!

Toyman01
Toyman01 GRM+ Memberand HalfDork
8/16/09 9:05 p.m.

Fixing to do my 83 RX-7. I have had the bushings for several months now and have been putting it off. May have to start on that this weekend. Thanks for the encouragement.

TreoWayne
TreoWayne New Reader
8/17/09 11:44 p.m.

Burning the bushings out is by far the easiest way.

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