914Rubber Rear Trailing Arm Bushings, did I get the wrong ones? Options

[bbrock]

@Mikey914

I bought a set of the rubber rear trailing arm bushings in the 914Rubber GB when they first came out (can't remember when that was). I am just now getting around to installing them and ran into a problem. I did a test fit to see how hard they would be to install and was shocked to find I could easily slide them into the trailing arms by hand AND could slide the pivot shaft in by hand. In fact, I'm not seeing much difference from the polygraphite bushings they are meant to replace. If anything, these fit even looser. I'm wondering I was sent the wrong ones. My understanding is the rubber bushings should be a tight fit and require a press or similar to install as seen in Ian's video. Is there a good way to know what I have? These are stamped "WDG" on the flange side which is different from the stamping on the first set of bushings I bought.

[bdstone914]

@Mikey914

I bought a set of the rubber rear trailing arm bushings in the 914Rubber GB when they first came out (can't remember when that was). I am just now getting around to installing them and ran into a problem. I did a test fit to see how hard they would be to install and was shocked to find I could easily slide them into the trailing arms by hand AND could slide the pivot shaft in by hand. In fact, I'm not seeing much difference from the polygraphite bushings they are meant to replace. If anything, these fit even looser. I'm wondering I was sent the wrong ones. My understanding is the rubber bushings should be a tight fit and require a press or similar to install as seen in Ian's video. Is there a good way to know what I have? These are stamped "WDG" on the flange side which is different from the stamping on the first set of bushings I bought.

@bbrock

The problem is that the trailing arm holes can get expanded from normal use. I have installed several sets and had several sets of trailing arms in a side by side test. The bushing in one arm can be loose in another. I never liked the poly bushings and now use the rubber bushings which are more difficult to install but account for the variation on trailing arms.

[Montreal914]

@Mikey914

I bought a set of the rubber rear trailing arm bushings in the 914Rubber GB when they first came out (can't remember when that was). I am just now getting around to installing them and ran into a problem. I did a test fit to see how hard they would be to install and was shocked to find I could easily slide them into the trailing arms by hand AND could slide the pivot shaft in by hand. In fact, I'm not seeing much difference from the polygraphite bushings they are meant to replace. If anything, these fit even looser. I'm wondering I was sent the wrong ones. My understanding is the rubber bushings should be a tight fit and require a press or similar to install as seen in Ian's video. Is there a good way to know what I have? These are stamped "WDG" on the flange side which is different from the stamping on the first set of bushings I bought.

@bbrock

The problem is that the trailing arm holes can get expanded from normal use. I have installed several sets and had several sets of trailing arms in a side by side test. The bushing in one arm can be loose in another. I never liked the poly bushings and now use the rubber bushings which are more difficult to install but account for the variation on trailing arms.

Bruce, I believe he is using the rubber bushings not poly.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif) with great interest since I have this job ahead with 914 rubber bushings, refreshed trailing arms and replated stock shaft, not SS new 914 rubber.

[bbrock]

The problem is that the trailing arm holes can get expanded from normal use. I have installed several sets and had several sets of trailing arms in a side by side test. The bushing in one arm can be loose in another. I never liked the poly bushings and now use the rubber bushings which are more difficult to install but account for the variation on trailing arms.

Bruce, I believe he is using the rubber bushings not poly.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif) with great interest since I have this job ahead with 914 rubber bushings, refreshed trailing arms and replated stock shaft, not SS new 914 rubber.

Yep, installing rubber bushings. And yeah, the are definitely trailing arm bushings and not for the front torsion bars.