Polybushing control arms

[T5R92011]

I recently Polybushed the front control arms. Anyone else done this?

Definite increase in vibration on regular roads, slightly heavier steering feel but the car at high speed is extremely stable.

This mod is not for everyone... you are sacrificing vibration and road noise in exchange for steering tightness,great stability and not needing to worry about bushes failing MOT. If you can live with those sacrifices, you will be happy with the result.



The job was a lot more of a faff than I'd expected, so for anyone who is wanting to polybush, or just wants to renew the rubber bushes, my advice to you is just buy the complete control arms (or "HD uprated" control arms). It is much much easier to just swap complete arms if DIYing from home, than trying to oust the existing bushes.
Also highly recommend buying new bolts (3 per side).

Bolts must be torqued up to these specs with the wheels on the ground or on ramps.

Front 18mm bolt = 175nm
Rear 15mm bolts = 60nm + extra 90 degree turn.

Also, this job is easier on the 4 cylinder engines as the width of the 5 pots means the drivers side 18mm bolt is very close to the power steering lines and sump.

Used PSB Bushing kit:
https://psbushings.co.uk/product/vol...-2004-to-2012/

[Welton]

A worthy upgrade for sure, I'm on my 3rd set of standard wishbones with the fluid-filled bushings and the car always feels more stable afterwards. I'd imagine the poly bushes take it to a higher level so would like to try this myself.

I'm guessing it's advisable to get the tracking checked after fitting these?

[T5R92011]

Yup, tracking will be off.

One good aspect of polybushing is it is incredibly easy to remove the polybushes if you decide you don't like them.

Whereas the OEM bushes are harder to remove once fitted.

[domhart10]

That sounds amazing T5R92011, you got a link to where you got your Polybushs from?

[Yobbo]

I've done a few arms now and have found a really quick way to do it which involves heating the case of the large bush with a propane torch for about 5 mins then cracking it loose from the rubber with a screwdriver. You then use a jaw puller to yank off the casing without causing any damage.
You then chop off the rest of the rubber with an angle grinder and putty up the pin if you've nicked it. The big bush does require a 10 tonne press and press vice to get it in though (with plenty of lube).
Front bush you just chop the head off and knock through with a socket and hammer.

I've only ever used powerflex/strongflex and it felt very much like stock in terms of comfort, just more responsive and less dive under hard braking.
Considering PSB when I have to do it again, but I've just fitted genuine arms and didn't have the time to polybush.

One other thing, it is VERY easy to damage the balljoint on the wishbone when dropping the arm and that can cause some serious vibration and wandering/vague steering issues. But yeah hopefully it's just your tracking being out!

To add, if doing the job on the driveway on jack stands, you can alternatively jack up the arm from the hub before torqueing to spec.

[T5R92011]

Originally Posted by domhart10

That sounds amazing T5R92011, you got a link to where you got your Polybushs from?

I bought the PSB bushing kit. Not sure how it compares to powerflex etc.

https://psbushings.co.uk/product/vol...-2004-to-2012/

[bugsb]

it may be down to the grade of poly bush used i have made my own on other cars , i was thinking of doing it when i needed a new front wish bone but in the end just bought a complete replacement, but have kept the old one thinking at the time i may make a set for it but many other things to do at the moment and not the time