Bill51sdr

I'm thinking I may have a problem. I removed the front lower control arms while doing a motor mount/oilpan gasket job, and on one of them, the front bushing slid off its shaft without much resistance and there was a bit of debris from the bushing on the rearmost part of the shaft. I do not detect any real play in the bushing while it is on the control arm, but could not help but notice that the one on the other control arm does not move at all. I'm thinking these are supposed to be a press-fit and am hoping that these bushings are sold as a separate part from the control arm. Anybody out there that can offer any insight and advice? Thanks in advance.

jpitman2

I have just seen the same down here in Oz on an S4. Owner complained of loose or floaty front end. Front bushes just slid off the arm. Seems the bushes are not separately available as far as my wrench could find, and he had to get a used pair of lower arms and fit them.
jp 83 Euro S AT 50k, 92 Miata, Hers

Bill51sdr

Thanks JP. Not really what I wanted to hear, but suspected I would. Have not noticed any looseness in the front end while driving it prior to this.

Peter F

I found the same on my 90GT and replaced it with a good used one.
(costed me around 300 USD here in Sweden)

/Peter

rixter

IIRC 928SP has an aftermarket poly replacement bushing

Peter F

That must be new, I have only seen poly bushings top the upper a-arm.
Can you confirm that you really mean the lower arm?

Thanks/Peter

rixter

I will confirm today and get back

Vilhuer

Lower arm bushing was available from Australian company. Haven't seen them elsewhere but hope they will be soon as many original arms are getting really old.

AO

If they are not available, I think we could probably get them made for not too much $$. I used to be involved in a business that did rubber molding. I know of a rubber molder that could probably build the die for less than $3k and produce parts for roughly $10-$15 per piece. We could build 200 pieces and the cost per piece would be about $25-$30. Not sure off hand if it's a different bushing for the front vs. the rear. If people are interested in this, I would be willing to investigate further.

For this type of application, I think natural rubber is probably a better choice due to its shear strength, but if we could do it in urethane, the cost would drop about $5 - I'm just not confident in it's longevity.

Rehan

The Australian company only have them for the older cars. I still don't know what the difference anyone?

Andrew, I'm interested in new poly bushings for the lower control arm.

Rob Edwards

Andrew, it would be great if you'd investigate further. My bushings looked 'ok' to my inexperienced eye when I did the MM's this fall but the front lower arm on the driver's side has been soaking in leaked PS fluid for years. If it has the effect that it had on the old PS hoses, then I'll be needing a new bushing soon enough.....

Anyway, given the choice of buying a whole new arm ($$$-$$$$) vs. a new bushing that was otherwise unobtanium, I don't think most of use would sweat an extra $5-10 per side to have the right part.

Mike Frye

Andrew-

What Rob said. I think I would even be interested in buying a couple of sets at that price if it was a choice between that and never being able to get them at all except as part of the assembly.

AO

The key is dimensions. Does anyone have dimensions for new-unused busing? Also, I just remembered that there's a 928 owner here in MI that works at a rapid-prototype shop. We might be able to get some insight from him on materials, mold costs, etc. I'll be seeing him on Thursday.

Bill Ball

I contacted the maker. These bushings are not for late models. I think the only option is a good used or a new arm.

Bill51sdr

Just updating. I just ordered a used one from 928 Int'l. It it their belief that the bushings are molded to the control arm and at this point in time there are no replacement bushings available.