I was told to use marine grease (the blue stuff...used on boat trailer bearings)
when I installed polyurthane bushings on my Explorer. The grease made a big
difference, I didn't do it the first time and they squeaked like crazy. They
haven't squeaked since and it's been five years.
My TR6 had polys when I bought it and they squeaked so I thought I'd try dabbing
some of the marine grease around them (hoping it'd seep in) until I had time to
take them off and coat them better. Well the squeaking went away once the
grease seeped around the bushings, so I'll probably leave them alone. Worked
for me.
Bud
71TR6 CC57365
71TR6 CC65446
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Subject: Re: PolyU bushings for GT-6 frt suspension
Author: triumph@shiseis.com (Shane F. Ingate)
Date: 02/18/1999 1:49 PM
Aribert_Neumann%MIMCO@magna.on.ca wrote:
> Other recommendations for poly suspension bushings?
I shelled out big bucks for the Moss "Prothane" bushings (the red
ones). These are much more compliant than the less expensive
"standard" black bushing sets that you can buy. The Prothane
bushings are quite soft, almost like rubber. Furthermore,
The lowers for the front A-arms are steel-sleeved, again, unlike
your more usual (cheap/black) poly pieces.
Regardless of material, all the synthetic bushings will squeak
and groan; cornering, bumps, putting the car on a lift. Yes, it
will be obvious when the car is running, but downshift
a couple of gears to get the brain singing again :)
You can reduce the squeaks somewhat by lubing the bearings, but in
time, the lube will ooze out and it is squeak city again. Use only
silicone lube, and lots of it!
Here's a trick for you. Tap the center of the arms where the
bushings go with a zerk. That way you can pump more lube
in when the squeaks return. It also helps to cut some longitudinal
grooves in the bushing, as this helps the lube penetrate between
the bushing and the arm. I used a Dremmel with a cutting wheel
to cut 2mm deep grooves. The grooves also allow air to escape when
you are fitting the bushings, otherwise they may be airtight and
when you push the bushings on, they'll pop off because of the compressed
air caught inside.
My $0.02.
Shane Ingate in San Diego
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