idlook2

I am installing new rubber lower control arm bushings in the rear of my 997. When I started this process, I found the angle at which the original bushings were installed a little odd... the solid rubber part of the bushing was not rotated to face the thrust arm which will be applying force to the bushing. See the attached drawing for the original and proposed installation orientation and let me know which one to use and why!

Jastx

There was an acknowledged issue with some early 997.1 where these bushings were installed 90 degrees off, just like you say. Search for more details.

idlook2

I've seen some posts about the early 997.1, but no pictures showing the incorrect installation. My original bushings were installed in the same direction as brand new LCA bushings (see picture below), but I still don't think this is right. In this orientation, the load from the thrust arm won't push on the solid part of the bushing. Am I missing something??

nwGTS

Just playing devil's advocate, you're assuming the load will be dispersed longitudinally along the thrust arm and not longitudinally along the LCA. I would keep that in mind. Maybe call to confirm with your dealer or head to a dealer and show them what you are talking about. A service tech or rep should be able to help.

However applying truss theory and that fact that rubber will shear leads me to think you are correct and it should be rotated the 60 degrees or so.

The incorrect orientation also may explain why you have to replace the bushing in the first place.

idlook2

I have talked to a few suspension specialists and they all agree with the installation I have proposed. That made me feel better, but I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something!

Interestingly, it looks like the gt3 control arms have the solid part of the bushing angled towards the thrust arm.

slicky rick

Reviving an old one... Can the bushings be rotated in the first place? Are they not glued in place?

nwGTS

they are pressed it. You press them out, rotate and press back it.

slicky rick

Thanks bro, is it worth doing before they get torn apart or just wait till they get damaged and replace with new ones properly oriented? I have to check the availability of these bushing on pelican

nwGTS

If you can press them out while they are on the car you can do it in an hour. Otherwise you'll need to remove the LCAs and that will take much longer. It's up to you.

slicky rick

They are indeed available at $80 per arm the whole arm only cost $190.

floatingkiwi

The Cayman GT4 comes with the bushings in the direction of the thrust arm too, so there you go.
Isn't this the cause of the "wiggly" *** that some 997 owners complain about?

nwGTS

most of the complaints of the 'wiggly' *** on the 997 are from a blown diff. There's a lot of preload and weight back there so it can be quite a few things like engine and trans mounts too.

The lower control arm center rubber bushings are the biggest contributor to a wiggle front end and wander on hard braking. You can imagine the wheel deflection the pliable rubber can have when all the weight of the car behind it is applied during hard braking from high speed. It's one of the reasons a solid center puck is commonly used and offered by many vendors to replace this rubber bushing that is subject to preload and cause of wander and a wiggly front.

idlook2

I have rotated the bushing in my car, it made zero difference with regards to the rear end wiggle. I ended up replacing the shocks which helped.