I'm looking at the HRPartNStuff boxing kit and reading their recommendations to install their polyurethane bushings. I see they've got a grease fitting to keep the sqeaking under control.
I drive the car mostly on the street. If anyone has experience with these and would like to offer any suggestions for or against, help would be appreciated. Other good choices for replacement bushings are welcome.
Thank you
Patrick Ireland
'87 GN
Patrick,
I got the Energy Suspension Poly rear axle kit for my 461 Olds '86 Cutlass w/ 8.5". (Just visiting this site trying to get fuel sys info). The kit I got had no grease fittings. I boxed the lowers and the uppers (welded them w/ sheet metal myself)- did the uppers while bolted onto an axle so they were compressed. Had the bushings put in the upper axle ears too. Greased them. They squeaked(!)
I fixed it by pulling the bushings out and taking a 1/4" drill bit and making a few drill spots - 6 total per bushing, 3 on each side of the bushing, 120 degrees apart. Let me explain:
The steel sleeve in the center fits the poly bushing so tight, the grease gets squeezed out and it squeaks. The center sleeve rotates on the bushing when the susp mooves, the bushing does NOT rotate in the metal outer shell. A drill spot means I took the drill and drilled into the INSIDE of the bushing just enough to make a cone shaped spot. Very shallow -it holds the grease though. No squeaks for 2 yrs now, launches harder, controls wheel hop, nice ride, better handling. Rear axle is very well controlled - its like it was bouncing around before this.
It was a cheap improvement, only bought the bushing kit. I think you need to make sure the grease fittings will get grease between the bushing and the center sleeve.