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Control arm bushings, should I go poly?

Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2017 5:54 pm
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.
IMG_20171004_215829.jpg
IMG_20171004_215829.jpg (70.19 KiB) Viewed 2164 times
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

Re: Control arm bushings, should I go poly?

Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2017 7:01 pm
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

Re: Control arm bushings, should I go poly?

Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2017 10:01 pm
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.

Re: Control arm bushings, should I go poly?

Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2017 9:43 am
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?