My experience with PU bushings

[ElanDNA]

My front wishbone bushings wrecked after 2700km

…..and I certainly didn't do anything wrong, but maybe my driving style and my
old Yokohama A048 tires are to blame??
Top left in the picture: replaced by PU bushings on the right.

Bottom left in the picture are the new bushings that I installed just before the MOT.
I don't want to pee anyone at the leg, so I won't give the supplier.
Has anyone had a similar experience??

Urs

[MACCA.GLM]

OMG
That’s bad news. I have had problems with the same.My front wishbone nearly came off it was only the chassis that stopped it.I am in the process of going back to original bushes.
Regards
G

[SimonH]

They look like they broke up as if they had perished or rotted away. Very strange, I have some for my elan but as I’ve never got as far as rebuilding it yet I’ve not tried them but on other kit car types I’ve used them and they’ve been just fine. Lubricated with the supplied grease and been ok. Odd one that

[Mike Spence]

I am glad you bring this story:
I had exactly the same with the same bushes! With me after 10 years and not 2000 kms. The bushes were completely worn out. Maybe because my elan was staying too long in a too humid garage? I think rather of poor quality! Unfortunately I have no photo!

[IainP]

That’s very poor. I know you don’t want to name the supplier, but I’m sure those of us that have PU bushes would dearly love to know whether we can expect a similar problem, or not, this is after all a fairly major safety issue. I installed Superpro bushes in mine, a product I’ve used for many years on my TR with very good effect.
Iain

[ill_will]

Hi Urs,

I had a similar situation (maybe not quite as bad as your photos) where they started to crumble/disintegrate. Per Mike's comment, this was over about 12+ years but with very little use.

Cheers,

Will

[vstibbard]

I’m about to purchase Superpro bushes for a fast road/rally occasional track day Elan, having considered standard, updated standard from Kelsport, I settled on superpro bushes for all.
Simple yes no would be appreciated.
V

[alan.barker]

I had same problem with Shock Bushes on 1976 TVR 3000M Rear.
100% rubbish.
Alan

[UAB807F]

Similar problems with damper bushes as well. I've no idea on the mileage but it isn't going to be massive, IMO it's just deterioration over time that's the problem. All the bushes under load had collapsed to powder and the others showed signs of cracking and broke when flexed.

Found last year during the pre summer check-over, replaced them with what I hope is decent quality rubber bushes

[alan.barker]

I got the bad Bushes replaced Gratis from AVO. They supplied Heavt Duty Bushes as replacement so they were very correct.
Everyone can have problems
Alan

[ill_will]

Hi Vstibbard - my ones which failed were NOT Superpro, but I did a bit of reading about poly bushes and Superpro seem to be fairly well rated, both on this and other forums. I have just fitted some of their trunnion bushes to my car.

Cheers

Will

[berni29]

Hi

I have rebushed a few cars with the polybush type bushings before, including a previous +2 and the main reason that they are popular is the ease of fitting. There can definitely be a handling benefit in some suspension set ups, but for our simple cars without multiple soft bushings not so much at all. They can also have a negative impact when replacing rubber bushes that are designed to deform under acceleration and braking. Also they are a plain bearing and if not well lubricated or dirt gets in then they will wear quickly.

Never seen any disintegrate though!

I am 50/50 on them.

All the best

Berni

[ElanDNA]

Hello people
I am amazed at the huge response. I now know that I have to do some research online before I buy a part that I like. Unfortunately, things like this just happen when you try to improve something that causes problems in the series. We also know, or at least should know, that we are taking a risk and that the responsibility lies solely with us. With every safety-related change that is not guaranteed by the manufacturer, we risk making ourselves liable, no matter how good the product is, whether it is made by ourselves or by suppliers. What is certain is that with unauthorized changes we lose the operating license and the manufacturer's guarantee. So it is up to each individual to decide what they want to do. I have already processed many PU products that I am completely covered by. But the experiment with PU bushings is over for me.
@Vstibbar they are not Superpro
Urs

[IainP]

Very pleased you have clarified that they are not Superpro. I would have been staggered if they were.
Iain

[rgh0]

I have had Superpro bushes on my Elan for many many years. A couple of years ago I replaced the top front arms with new adjustable ones so I got a new set of Superpro bushes. When i removed the old ones they had no signficant wear or deterioration. Its critical that the bushes are a tight fit in the arm so they rotate correctly on the lubricated steel inner tube and the inner tube is clamped so it does not rotate on the spindle

cheers
Rohan