CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Mild Modifications => Topic started by: nlpirr on August 21, 2006, 06:17:56 PM

Title: rubber or polygraphite bushings???
Post by: nlpirr on August 21, 2006, 06:17:56 PM

Im about to replace the bushings on my 69 camaro's front end.

I know the graphite is an upgrade and has drawbacks in terms of squeek, but will the stiffness help with the overall handling once I replace the other suspension components in the future??

also, does the squeeking eventully go away as the bushings "break in" over time?

any help will be great.

np

Title: Re: rubber or polygraphite bushings???
Post by: rich69rs on August 22, 2006, 01:11:43 AM

I used Energy Suspension urethane bushings throughout - sub frame, sway bar, end links - no problems - no squeaks.  They are graphite impregnated and if you grease them when installing so much the better.  Definitely recommend the urethane over rubber.

When I purchased the bushings, I purchased a complete kit for the car - front and rear.  Hopefully this winter I'll get the rear finished up.

Title: Re: rubber or polygraphite bushings???
Post by: hotrod68 on August 22, 2006, 04:40:47 AM

I used Energy Suspension urethane bushings throughout, too--including the rear spring pads and all shock bushings. My A-frame bushings squeak but the engine is not back in the car yet, and they will "settle in" after the car gets the full weight back on the front end and it's driven for a bit. Squeak or not, urethane beats rubber hands-down in my opinion because it won't dry-rot and eliminates virtually all the deflection that rubber bushings have even when new. The car will ride a bit more stiff, but Camaros never rode like a 98 Olds anyway. Unless it's a by-the-book restoration, I vote for urethane. My 2 cents.

Title: Re: rubber or polygraphite bushings???
Post by: RJ_RS_SS_350 on August 22, 2006, 05:40:04 AM

My understanding is that polygraphite is a polyurethane impregnated with graphite - the graphite's purpose is to reduce or eliminate the squeak. So you should be getting the best of both worlds.  :)

Title: Re: rubber or polygraphite bushings???
Post by: 69SSL48 on August 23, 2006, 04:44:06 AM

I used Energy Suspension urethane bushings throughout, too. Much better ride and handling............just my 2 pennies   :)

Title: Re: rubber or polygraphite bushings???
Post by: RamAirDave on August 23, 2006, 05:16:28 AM

Ive used the PST Polygraphite on 8-10 cars (estimate).  Theyve been fine, no noise at all.  I have heard that they start to make noise 5 years or so down the road, but I cant testify to that.  My own car is around 5 years since the rebuild, and no noise.

Polyurethane tends to squeak more.  Ive only done one with it, and it was very noisy.  That was years ago, so it may be better by now.

Title: Re: rubber or polygraphite bushings???
Post by: nlpirr on August 23, 2006, 08:33:32 PM

thanks for all the information..I'll go with the polygraphite for sure.

nick p.