In this video, we will define 1.) The 3 parts of elastomer style bushings, 2.) show how bushing work, 3.) and demonstrate the proper way to tighten these bushings.
Nice job! Just want to add that for air suspension vehicles before tightening any bushing upper or lower, put the car on the ground and start is up and wait 3-5mins until the height is automatically adjusted to normal height and then tighten the bushings. This is very critical. Otherwise they will rip within days/few miles. Had this done on my car. Time to redo.
Shaking of steering wheel can mean many thing and yes worn or torn bushings could mean that since the vibrations are now enhanced, have a mechanic take a look into it
As illustrated in the video all rubber bushings are designed to isolate road shock in some way. Any compromised suspension bushing can cause noise and ride harshness.
Good morning Dave, you use factory torque specs for tightening the bushings. The one thing to remember is that to torque the bushings at vehicle ride Hight so the bushing does not bind and eventually delaminate.
Hi. thanks for the video, just a question. Is it true that Because the bushings are the main connection between the chassis and suspension system, they are under too much load from the weight of the engine and the front of the car?
Thank you for your question. First, we must understand the relationship between “main connection” and "load", for they are not the same. The load (force or weight of vehicle) will run down through the spring or strut. The reaction force (or opposite force) runs up through the bushings and ball joint and ultimately the tire. These two forces will balance themselves as the vehicle is sitting statically, or dynamically while driving down the road. This also means that the bushings are not the main connection between the chassis and suspension but only one of the connections. Bushings are designed with the proper stiffness to support the portion of the load of the vehicle including the weight of the engine and the front of the car.
I'm trying to buy my own bushings to save money and not get ripped off by the local mechanic garage. But I see there are so many different types available to my car (just a basic Pontiac, nothing fancy) - front lower forward, front lower *_inner_* forward, front lower *_rearward_* ...what do these mean?
Those are the positions the bushings are in and that lets you know where the bushing is located to replace. Once you are under car looking at them you will see where the bushings are for replacement
