Bushings Installation Question
packrat79
01-18-2009, 06:51 PM
I've finally begun installing the new bushings on the '88 Civic; this is a Prothane total kit which covers everything but the two large trailing arm bushings. One obvious difference between these and the originals, that caught my attention, is with the inner upper control-arm bushings, #25 on this illustration:
http://www.hondapartsdeals.com/hpa_parts_list.php?vin=&Label[ProductID]=CIVIC&Label[YearID]=1988&Label[DoorID]=3&Label[GradeID]=DX&Label[AreaID]=KA&Label[TransmissionID]=5MT&Label[SectionID]=CHASSIS&Label[IllustrationGroupID]=REAR+LOWER+ARM&ProductID=4&YearID=27&DoorID=2&GradeID=6&AreaID=2&TransmissionID=3&SectionID=6&IllustrationGroupID=6175
The original was securely glued in place, and was not designed to rotate at all. The factory manual clearly specifies that the replacement be installed at the exact same angle. Oddly, the Prothane replacement is designed to rotate - they even include grease to prevent squeaking. Perhaps it was designed to make them easier to install. It's a snug fit and all, but you can still turn it with a pair of pliers. Since the part was obviously designed this way I'm not too worried, but I wonder what effect if any this could have on performance.
It also raises concerns about replacement trailing arm bushings, which I haven't yet purchased. Prothane makes replacements for these too, but again, the replacement part can rotate unlike the original. The position of that bushing is critical for wheel height - what happens if it is allowed to rotate?
There's also another replacement for those T-arm bushings, available from Noltec. They appear to be the fixed type, which is more like the original but no doubt harder to install.
Thanks for any advice.
http://www.hondapartsdeals.com/hpa_parts_list.php?vin=&Label[ProductID]=CIVIC&Label[YearID]=1988&Label[DoorID]=3&Label[GradeID]=DX&Label[AreaID]=KA&Label[TransmissionID]=5MT&Label[SectionID]=CHASSIS&Label[IllustrationGroupID]=REAR+LOWER+ARM&ProductID=4&YearID=27&DoorID=2&GradeID=6&AreaID=2&TransmissionID=3&SectionID=6&IllustrationGroupID=6175
The original was securely glued in place, and was not designed to rotate at all. The factory manual clearly specifies that the replacement be installed at the exact same angle. Oddly, the Prothane replacement is designed to rotate - they even include grease to prevent squeaking. Perhaps it was designed to make them easier to install. It's a snug fit and all, but you can still turn it with a pair of pliers. Since the part was obviously designed this way I'm not too worried, but I wonder what effect if any this could have on performance.
It also raises concerns about replacement trailing arm bushings, which I haven't yet purchased. Prothane makes replacements for these too, but again, the replacement part can rotate unlike the original. The position of that bushing is critical for wheel height - what happens if it is allowed to rotate?
There's also another replacement for those T-arm bushings, available from Noltec. They appear to be the fixed type, which is more like the original but no doubt harder to install.
Thanks for any advice.
Moppie
01-18-2009, 09:28 PM
The original and factory replacement bushings are slightly cambered to better follow the direction of travel of the trailing arm.
They have to be installed the right way round, and come with a Left and Right hand side in the kit.
If put them in the wrong way round, they will wear out in about 6-18 months (better halfs father did that once to her old Civic).
Since the mounting in the arm, and on the car is also slightly cambered to follow the shape of the bush, I would worry about an aftermarket replacement that wasn't built the same way.
They have to be installed the right way round, and come with a Left and Right hand side in the kit.
If put them in the wrong way round, they will wear out in about 6-18 months (better halfs father did that once to her old Civic).
Since the mounting in the arm, and on the car is also slightly cambered to follow the shape of the bush, I would worry about an aftermarket replacement that wasn't built the same way.
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