Sound from the rear-Part II, Bushing not greaed properly Options

[jim_hoyland]

The sound finally went away with an heavier application from the grease gun into the zirks yesterday. I used a heavy duty tractor bearing grease

I have been told that the bushing should have silicone grease on their outer surface and under the flange, which makes sense now. So I'll pull the arms, remove the bushings and try the silicone grease.

The creak started to come back today, albeit less noisy.

Any tip on do's / dont's on greasing bushings will be appreciated

[Eric_Shea]

Rich, are you familiar with the hardness measurement of these bushings? Have you actually seen a set of these or, are you giving recommendations off the 94D bushings that are common out there?

Jim, got your emails thanks. I'll post here as well so others can get a straight answer.

Hard bushings "do" have this tendancy if tight on the shaft which is why I recommend the zerks. We have had some fit loose in the arms which is why I recommended the shim stock in the bushing thread. They simply shouldn't be moving in the arm, they should pivot smoothly on the shaft.

From reading your second email it sounds like you've licked the problem with an ample amount of lube... perfect. It may come back again as the arm works it's way into a solid fit. After that, it should be normal maintance lubrication. We've found that a loose(er) bushing will not do this. It's best to have the slide on the arm when cool or to have the shaft pivot freely when finally installed in the arm. That being said I personally like to have them tighter at first (like yours) and let them work themselves in.

With Thomas on the job you're in good hands.

[r_towle]

Rich, are you familiar with the hardness measurement of these bushings? Have you actually seen a set of these or, are you giving recommendations off the 94D bushings that are common out there?

Nope, I dont keep a hardness testing machine in my shop.
I do know however that if plastic was the preffered material, alot more production cars would use it, also alot more race cars would use it, neither do.

I have personally installed two sets of plastic bushings in my car. Both sets made the same noise. Both sets had grease fittings. Both sets fit perfectly when installed. Both sets ovaled out within one year.

Brass and bronze are harder than plastic.
Bearings (steel) are harder than plastic.

I'll post here as well so others can get a straight answer.

Keep in mind this is your answer, not one that we all should bow down to and obey. Its and answer, yes.

He asked, I answered and it was a straight answer with experience to back it up.
I did not insult you by stating that your answer was BS...
On a scale of 1-3 with 1 being the best.
Bearings are a 1
Brass bushings are a 2
Plastic is a 3.

I will never use the plastic bushings again. Its to much aggravation, and to much work to get them to shut up.
Bearings go in once, all done and the arm move perfectly after install with little to no resistance.

Rich