Polyurethane Caster Arm Bushings Creak?
06-07-13, 10:33 AM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Polyurethane Caster Arm Bushings Creak?
Hi guys, several month ago I installed poly caster arm bushings from Sewell.
They've been great in terms of performance, but I've been chasing this weird front end creak that's noticeable at slow speeds when barely applying the brakes.
I immediately thought it's brake, balljoint, or tie rod related since those are the likely suspects when it comes to creaking. However, all those are pretty much new. After doing some searches, I came across posts of people complaining that these caster arm bushings can cause creaks if they dry out.
And given that I only hear it when applying the brakes (that's when the caster arm bushings are under the most stress), I started to think that maybe the caster arm bushings dried out and are starting to make noise.
Has anyone had this problem before? The car is at the mechanic now getting looked at and I asked him to regrease those bushings, which isn't easy since there are no grease fittings.
They've been great in terms of performance, but I've been chasing this weird front end creak that's noticeable at slow speeds when barely applying the brakes.
I immediately thought it's brake, balljoint, or tie rod related since those are the likely suspects when it comes to creaking. However, all those are pretty much new. After doing some searches, I came across posts of people complaining that these caster arm bushings can cause creaks if they dry out.
And given that I only hear it when applying the brakes (that's when the caster arm bushings are under the most stress), I started to think that maybe the caster arm bushings dried out and are starting to make noise.
Has anyone had this problem before? The car is at the mechanic now getting looked at and I asked him to regrease those bushings, which isn't easy since there are no grease fittings.
06-07-13, 12:43 PM
#4
Instructor
Thread Starter
Ya, I will ask the mechanic to regrease the best he can but I have to remember to not break my own cardinal rule: Don't use poly in any part of the suspension that articulates significantly.
i.e. poly in the steering rack, fine. Poly in the control arm or sway bar, no way!
i.e. poly in the steering rack, fine. Poly in the control arm or sway bar, no way!
06-07-13, 04:36 PM
#5
What kind of grease did you use when originally installing them? I used the ADUS bushings and am getting some creaking too, was looking at this poly grease: http://www.polybushings.com/pages/bushinglube.html
If it doesn't work long-term...I'll be going with FIGS.
If it doesn't work long-term...I'll be going with FIGS.
06-08-13, 06:46 PM
#7
Instructor
Thread Starter
What kind of grease did you use when originally installing them? I used the ADUS bushings and am getting some creaking too, was looking at this poly grease: http://www.polybushings.com/pages/bushinglube.html
If it doesn't work long-term...I'll be going with FIGS.
If it doesn't work long-term...I'll be going with FIGS.
And white lithium grease? Hard to believe that will last but I hope for your sake it does!
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