Control arm bushings, should I go poly?

Handling, suspension, and brake tuning discussions
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bigdoug
Posts: 80
Joined: Thu Jul 21, 2016 5:36 pm
Location: Detroit Area, Michigan

Control arm bushings, should I go poly?

Post by bigdoug »

When inspecting my 2004's front end to find a rattle (the rattle ended up being a loose bolt that just needed tightening again), I found that the rear bushings for my control arms were moving more than they should and the left one looked cracked.
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https://youtu.be/jKDZ6SbLfpM
https://youtu.be/Xonz5TJ_F_Y

I could pick up a pair of new arms for about $40-50 each moog or about $60-70 for delco. But what about polyurethane?

What are the benefits and downsides to having poly bushings on your car?
How does one go about swapping to poly bushings? I think you have to remove all the rubber from the existing control arm and place the poly where the rubber used to be, correct?

I've looked online, didn't find much looking for Vibe but found ones looking for Corolla since it seems it's the same control arm for both. These are the ones I've found. I don't know if they'll work or not:
http://www.carparts.com/details/Toyota/ ... lsrc=aw.ds
http://www.partstrain.com/store/details ... TsEALw_wcB
http://www.suspension.com/8.3120
ehoff121
Posts: 756
Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2007 12:19 am
Location: Conn.

Re: Control arm bushings, should I go poly?

Post by ehoff121 »

I think that the control arm bushing needs to be removed/replaced with a press. Energy instructions are to remove the rubber, but not the pressed sleeve: http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/in ... /17441.pdf

Last time I did research about polyurethane replacements, there were posts that said they were harder than rubber, so you'd get a less forgiving ride.

Personally, I'd go Moog. They sell a front end kit at Rock Auto that includes the control arms: http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php ... 58&jsn=389
2005 Pontiac Vibe AWD - Platinum
jolt
Posts: 945
Joined: Sun Mar 02, 2014 2:07 am
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota

Re: Control arm bushings, should I go poly?

Post by jolt »

I agree with ehoff121 about the bushings. Poly bushings are way harder and will add greatly to the interior noise of the car. The ride will be rougher and the rest of the body will take a beating. Get the Moog arms and you will be much happier.
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ImUrOBGYN
Posts: 438
Joined: Mon Jun 10, 2013 8:23 pm

Re: Control arm bushings, should I go poly?

Post by ImUrOBGYN »

As was said above, go poly if you want handling and control improvement over comfort. Otherwise, poly transfers more vibration, etc. What are your priorities?
I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered. - George Best
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