Do I need new Arb Bushes?

[adam1985]

Hey while doing a few jobs on the zed this weekend I had the wheels off and noticed that when jacked up on one side the front arb bushes seem to deform quite alot. I realise that they will deform as when jacked up the bar will be under tension but is this too much?

Drivers side

Passenger side

So do i need new bushes and if so what do people recommend, oem, poly .....

 

[hopz121]

I would say yes you do

The bush should be tight to the bar all around in my opinion.

OEM are cheap I would go for Poly though, easy to fit too

Maybe worth doing droplinks at the same time.

 

[GuidoK]

Yes you need new ones. These are worn, deformed and cracked :lol:
I recommend poly in shore80A hardness (so either purple powerflex or red strongflex).
Be sure to order the correct thickness: 24mm for normal suspension, 25mm for m sports suspension

 

[Scooba_Steve]

If you've already got the car up I'm not sure why you're asking - it would have been quicker to just change them :lol:

They are most likely original and tired at best. OE are about £6-7 each or poly for £30ish the pair.

 

[adam1985]

Thanks for the replies guys, as I thought although GuidoK i dont think they are cracked I think that is the join that is separating. If I go poly will I get more front end vibration. I have already gone poly for RTAB, control arm rear bush and rear top mounts

 

[hopz121]

Poly doesn't make much negative difference on the Front ARB bushes

 

[GuidoK]

Thanks for the replies guys, as I thought although GuidoK i dont think they are cracked I think that is the join that is separating.

Afaik the join is at the other side.

If you use shore80A poly, then there is no extra vibration. At most your car will feel more planted. Like how a new car feels. And being polyurethane, it will keep that feeling forever as it doenst age.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

The join is on the flat portion i.e. the top, those have seen better days.

Poly are not *that* expensive, try a set and if you don't like then sell on here and replace with OE.

 

[Ewazix]

Definitely knackered! The hole should be round and tight on the bar rather than oval. I found the change was It a nice quick job and used oem since the originals lasted 10 years and performed well on stock suspension.

 

[adam1985]

Thanks guys will get some ordered I assume to replace just Jack one side and remove drop link then remove bracket and swap the bush. Refit everything and then do the same on the other side

 

[S3NYR]

Thanks guys will get some ordered I assume to replace just Jack one side and remove drop link then remove bracket and swap the bush. Refit everything and then do the same on the other side

Yup- as simple as that

 

[Scooba_Steve]

I found it easier to lift the entire front and just remove the bushings.