Nol, 95 993 C4

I've been thinking of rubber parts deteriorating in the heat out here: seals, hoses, sway bar bushings, HT leads etc. So with a 4-wheel alignment planned I came onto the A-arm bushings. A search yielded several results:

- No factory bushing set available, A-arms come complete with bushings vulcanised in them
- There is a harder compound bushing RS A-rm part available as well as the option for monoballs
- Owners change out the A-arms at varying milages to tighten up the suspension, usually at the advise of thir mechanics afer a complaint about vibration eg
- Steve Weiner posted sometime February 2004 that replacement bushings sold separately were on the horizon.

My 95 car has 125.000 km in the heat, I have PSS-9's that I run on RS+10mm height and 3R-5F currently, RS alignment settings and I don't want to go the monoball route. So the questions are:

1) How do I assess the A-arm bushings condition?
2) Should I consider the RS bushing specs to go with the PSS-9s?
3) What is the status on the replacement bushings mentioned February?

Any input is appreciated.

Enjoy

Nol

GabiOsz

There is an article in this months 911 & porsche world about this very topic. If you can get a copy where you are it would probably be worth it. It gives a walk through with pictures on on testing and how the replacement is done.

The bushes are available in the UK for less than £100 for the full set, but there is a shortage at present due to the aforementioned article, I am also awaiting a set.

(no affiliation with the magazine or seller of the parts)

Jeff96-993

I was hoping Steve W. would chime in here... I'm also interested in an aftermarket bushing. Hopefully one is available soon... or someone can post the link to the UK source.

GabiOsz

I will find out who is retailing them and post the details, I have already contacted the manufacturer, and he only does trade, but will give me retail leads.

maurice97C2S

FVD have done 993 bushes for years - €495 a set, tho'

In their online catalogue @ fvd.de, under tuning, sway bars, suspension articulation. G-Force in Aylesbury are FVD agents .....

Cheers, Maurice

ksimpson

That's surely for the "A" arms as well. I had mine replaced recently and the parts (full "A" arm) was €490.

I also read the article in 911 and Porsche World which was interesting but too late for me as the job was already done.

GabiOsz

The supplier is Milford something, but they put me in touch with Autofarm who supply the bush set retail for just under £100. I think their address is www.autofarm.co.uk

ksimpson

The article in 911 and PW said that Milford only supply wholesale. Looks like Autofarm are one of their retailers.

maurice97C2S

The FVD set is for a 993 - ie, every suspension point you can have a bush .......

If you look at the web site, you'll see its a sizeable collection

Cheers, Maurice

GabiOsz

My bushes have arrived, check out www.powerflex.co.uk thats who they are made by. I will get them fitted when my Bilstein HD's arrive

No affiliation with seller, blah, blah........

Robert Henriksen

Nol, can't help you with answers, but had to give you a Search **** two thumbs up for your opening post

Nol, 95 993 C4

Thanks all for the information. Thanks Robert for the thumbs up too.
And apologies for following up so late, I've been away for a few days.

So from the responses there are definitely replacement bushings out there. Since they cannot be vulcanised in place like the rubber originals I think they are all likely to be the harder PU versions (the powerflex website are PU).

Arguably, If I get the shop to do the work the cost advantage disappears with parts prices, shipping and extra labour. The only reason to do it would be the "upgrade" to PU bushes. Well, unless I get some very strong repsonses as to the benefits of PU bushes I might just get the complete new A-arms.

I really could do with input on how to assess the condition though, like getting my hands on that article, or at least the testing walk through. I visited the website for 911 & P world, but they will not accept my credit card, bummer.

Enjoy

Nol

maurice97C2S

Nol, you might like to 'upgrade' to RS arms - stiffer bushes. I'm sure Gert could find them for you.

>>> Doh ! its in your list - I have a new left one, waiting for a friend at the right price - so if there's a deal going, let me know!
>>>

Cheers, Maurice

ceboyd

you guys might want to check with Gert in Belgium too and see what he can do for you!

TomF

Thanks for the link, GabiOsz. I may need to my bushings soon. Let us all know how the installation goes.