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Flex in A-arm bushing, new “hard” was actually soft?

Discussion in '348/355' started by johan6504, Nov 6, 2009.

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  1. johan6504

    johan6504 Formula 3

    Jun 28, 2005
    1,168
    Sweden
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    Johan
    #1 johan6504, Nov 6, 2009
    Last edited: Nov 6, 2009
    Installed new ”harder” bushings in the front A-arm today. After installing new bushings in the lower A-arm I got a chance to compare and found that the old original bushings didn’t flex at all but the new “hard” busing flexed a LOT! The two seems to be of two different constructions as well. The original bushing has a construction that makes it rotate even after installed and torqued. This seems to be due to two inner metal parts that rotate separately. Has anyone here on the forum experience of installing new bushings and know what to expect? This just can’t be right!!
     
  2. bcwawright

    bcwawright F1 Veteran

    Jul 8, 2006
    5,234
    Georgia
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    Bruce
    #2 bcwawright, Nov 7, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    You just waisted time and money...personally I wouldn't even consider those bushings especially as much time as you've spent on your cars suspension.

    The only shure fire upgrade over stock OEM are these or designing a pillow ball
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  3. johan6504

    johan6504 Formula 3

    Jun 28, 2005
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    Johan
    #3 johan6504, Nov 7, 2009
    Last edited: Nov 7, 2009
    I have come to the same conclusion. There is really no upgrade unless you go extreme and go for the pillow ball. The price is however too steep for me and I will probably spend my money on something else... At least for now ;-)

    Luckily I just removed 3 bushes when I discovered that they were a lot worse than original.

    For all of you other out there thinking of upgrading your bushes, dont! The original are perfectly allrigt for street AND track, not much improvement to gain there...


    If you really want to go for it, here is a link...
    http://www.rhdjapan.com/jdm/M-Tecnologia-Pillow-Ball-Bushing-Kit-Ferrari-355-59516#

    But $4100 is a lot of money :)
     
  4. 348paul

    348paul Formula 3

    Dec 27, 2002
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    Kent - UK
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    Paul Hill
    #4 348paul, Nov 7, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Out of interest we have 3 x 308 race cars that have been running on these bushes that we have developed that comprise of Stainless steel and a PTFE impregnated material. I still think that this type of bush would be far too harsh for normal road driving but for anything that spends its life on a track this type of design is a must.

    Are the bushes you took out the same construction as the ones you purchased? (Just re-read your first post - can you take a picture of the old bushes?)

    Paul
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  5. johan6504

    johan6504 Formula 3

    Jun 28, 2005
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    #5 johan6504, Nov 7, 2009
    From what I can se the bushes are not of the same construction. The one I took out, the original seem to have two inner pieces that alow the bearing to rotate but not flex so much.
    The rubber is not boned to the metall.

    The ones I bought seem to have a simpler construction where,as faar as i can see there are only two pieces and the rubber is "glued" to the metall. This makes the bushing stuck after put it in place and torque it. The rubber part seems to be slightly stiffer but it looks to be thicker.

    I dont think picture would tell you that much. They look pretty much the same but when you test them they are worlds apart...
     
  6. johan6504

    johan6504 Formula 3

    Jun 28, 2005
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    Sweden
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    Johan
    #6 johan6504, Nov 27, 2009
    Tested a PU bush today from one of the large bush making companies in the US and it turned out be just a soft as the "hard" rubber bush I tested before. I can just conclude that if you need to change the chassis bushes go for original they are by far the best I have come across so far... Anything else will most likely just screw up your chassis big time!
     

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