Beware

PostPost by: MACCA.GLM » Tue Apr 18, 2023 1:13 pm

Hi

I recently did a full overhaul of the front suspension with new poly bushes and shockers .On taking the car out for a ride around 70 miles I noticed a lot of squeaking from the suspension. So out with the jack and OMG I found the wish bones had moved along the bushes and were catching on the uprights . I fitted these with original washers so I had no reason to think there could be a problem. From what I could make out the washers were not big enough to stop the wishbone from sliding off over the shoulders of the bush.I have now fitted larger washers to stop the wish bone passing the lugs on the bush. When I bought the bush kit from a reputable lotus dealer there is no mention of extra large washers needed when fitting these.( not acceptable really).I am apprehensive now as to whether to original bushes are better, at least they are a press fit. Anyone else had this problem

As I have also sent the steering rack away for refurb .I will keep an eye on them and report as to whether the problem is now solved when I'm back on the road next week.

G
MACCA.GLM
Second Gear
Second Gear
 
Posts: 185
Joined: 06 Apr 2023

PostPost by: alan.barker » Tue Apr 18, 2023 2:17 pm

Stay with original "metalastic" bushes.
I only hear problems with poly bushes.
Just had this sort of problem with AVOs crumbling crap red bushes.
Alan
Alan.b Brittany 1972 elan sprint fhc Lagoon Blue 0460E
alan.barker
Coveted Fifth Gear
Coveted Fifth Gear
 
Posts: 3756
Joined: 06 Dec 2008

PostPost by: MACCA.GLM » Tue Apr 18, 2023 3:14 pm

Thanks Alan

According to quite a few Lotus parts suppliers and other classic dealers these poly bushes are the way forward but having seen what could be a disaster I'm thinking they are not what they are made out to be and will be looking and keeping my eye on this one.

Cheers

G
MACCA.GLM
Second Gear
Second Gear
 
Posts: 185
Joined: 06 Apr 2023

PostPost by: alan.barker » Tue Apr 18, 2023 3:41 pm

AVO have redesigned and gone to Metalastic bushes/ hardened steel sleeves.
In short they've stopped trying to reinvent the Wheel lol.
Alan
Alan.b Brittany 1972 elan sprint fhc Lagoon Blue 0460E
alan.barker
Coveted Fifth Gear
Coveted Fifth Gear
 
Posts: 3756
Joined: 06 Dec 2008

PostPost by: englishmaninwales » Tue Apr 18, 2023 8:33 pm

alan.barker wrote:AVO have redesigned and gone to Metalastic bushes/ hardened steel sleeves.
In short they've stopped trying to reinvent the Wheel lol.
Alan

Don’t buy AVO. Poor quality and customer service.
1966 Elan S3 Coupe
1994 Caterham 7
englishmaninwales
Fourth Gear
Fourth Gear
 
Posts: 710
Joined: 26 Jul 2013

PostPost by: berni29 » Tue Apr 18, 2023 8:54 pm

Hi

Polybushes can be OK, but I would evaluate each application on its merits. Generally they are favoured where fitting the OEM type is difficult.

Berni
Zetec+ 2 under const, also 130S. And another 130S for complete restoration. Previously Racing green +2s with green tints. Yellow +2 and a couple of others, all missed. Great to be back 04/11/2021 although its all starting to get a bit out of control.
User avatar
berni29
Fourth Gear
Fourth Gear
 
Posts: 822
Joined: 10 Mar 2004

PostPost by: LaikaTheDog » Tue Apr 18, 2023 9:41 pm

I am with Alan, having used metalistic and poly on two elans I would stay rubber, it is a better ride and reduces stresses on components.
User avatar
LaikaTheDog
Third Gear
Third Gear
 
Posts: 306
Joined: 29 Oct 2003

PostPost by: 2cams70 » Wed Apr 19, 2023 1:02 am

You only ever see OEMS sometimes using polyurethane on stabilizer bar link bushes, Never anywhere else. There’s a message there I think.
1970 Ford Escort Twin Cam
1972 Ford Escort GT1600 Twin Cam
1980 Ford Escort 2.0 Ghia
Peugeot 505 GTI Wagons (5spdx1) (Autox1)
2022 Ford Fiesta ST.
2cams70
Coveted Fifth Gear
Coveted Fifth Gear
 
Posts: 2165
Joined: 10 Jun 2015

PostPost by: MACCA.GLM » Wed Apr 19, 2023 7:32 am

I’m beginning to think I should not have bought these and stuck with the OE

I have a set of rears to fit as well and there not cheap although what I can see they will be fitted and trapped in place by the lugs on the chassis and bottom bracket of suspension

I will see how they go now I’ve fitted bigger washers

I wish I had put this question out to you guys first OEs or Polys

G
MACCA.GLM
Second Gear
Second Gear
 
Posts: 185
Joined: 06 Apr 2023

PostPost by: 512BB » Wed Apr 19, 2023 7:50 am

G

Make sure you are using the correct size washers on the front. I like my washers how I like my women :lol:

Leslie
Attachments
P1010001(76).JPG and
512BB
Coveted Fifth Gear
Coveted Fifth Gear
 
Posts: 1205
Joined: 24 Jan 2008

PostPost by: alan.barker » Wed Apr 19, 2023 10:19 am

If your Shocks are AVO phone them and ask for the "heavy duty" Bushes.
They sent me the "Heavy Duty" gratis.
Alan
Alan.b Brittany 1972 elan sprint fhc Lagoon Blue 0460E
alan.barker
Coveted Fifth Gear
Coveted Fifth Gear
 
Posts: 3756
Joined: 06 Dec 2008

PostPost by: benymazz » Wed Apr 19, 2023 5:33 pm

MACCA.GLM wrote:Hi

I fitted these with original washers so I had no reason to think there could be a problem. From what I could make out the washers were not big enough to stop the wishbone from sliding off over the shoulders of the bush.I have now fitted larger washers to stop the wish bone passing the lugs on the bush. When I bought the bush kit from a reputable lotus dealer there is no mention of extra large washers needed when fitting these.( not acceptable really).

G


I had a similar experience when I put the poly bushings on my Elan. Bought from a different supplier than you likely as I'm in the US, but again no mention of needing larger washers. After a brief discussion with the supplier I was advised to buy oversized washers, which I sourced from McMaster-Carr. I don't remember exactly what size they were but I recall that you want an ID as small as possible that still fits over the threads so that when everything is tightened the washer seats firmly against the "step" on the stud.

No issues since, and that was about 2 years and 3 track days ago.

As for how they compare to the conventional double sleeve/rubber design I can't comment. I never drove my Elan before I rebuilt the suspension and put the poly bushings in.

One bushing that I will firmly advocate for not returning to rubber is the sway bar drop link bushings. Those seem to get bathed in oil and I'd imagine a rubber bushing would degrade rapidly.

-Ben
1965 S2 26/4623
Life is like a sewer, what you get out of it depends on what you put into it.
"I'm never gonna financially recover from this"
benymazz
Second Gear
Second Gear
 
Posts: 159
Joined: 11 Jul 2016

PostPost by: reb53 » Wed Apr 19, 2023 8:42 pm

If over sized washers come into play, .i.e. are actually needed, then you have a problem.
Mine are there simply as a safety device should the original Metalastic type, or wishbones, move.
One of the many things I check before my MOT is that there is still a gap between the bushes, and the washers.
i.e. nothing has moved.

Ralph.
reb53
Fourth Gear
Fourth Gear
 
Posts: 763
Joined: 09 Apr 2005

PostPost by: MACCA.GLM » Wed Apr 19, 2023 8:59 pm

The washers I used are approx 30mm OD the same size as the OD of the wishbones and are 1 1/2 mm thick
These were in my collection of fasteners and washers. I will know how these will work next week when I get my steering rack back. fingers crossed eh.

cheers g
MACCA.GLM
Second Gear
Second Gear
 
Posts: 185
Joined: 06 Apr 2023

Total Online:

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 25 guests