bushings

[kevinpn]

Been lurking around here for a few years and soaking up a ton of info.
so down to it. Tax season has been very nice to the wife and I, so going to place an order for Icon stage 1 and new UCA.

Wile i have everything apart i would like to replace any other bushings. Where are yall getting these bushings and are the stabilizer, control arm the only ones I need to be concerned with?

 

[sonerick]

I got my stabilizer bar bushings at jegs.com.

You probably don't need to replace the LCA bushings unless you have high mileage. You won't notice much of a performance/handling improvement unless your existing bushings are shot. From what I've heard, its kind of a PITA to replace them and would involve a lot more work beyond just the Icon Stage 1/UCA install.

 

[fdbyrne]

I got mine from Energy Suspension based on some other threads that I found on this site. I've not installed them yet so I don't have any first-hand reviews.

 

[CXS]

Sway bar bushing seem to be the ones that wear out fastest, I use Toyota for them. If you go that route remember there are two different size sways depending on your model.

 

[LTDSC]

I got my stabilizer bar bushings at jegs.com.

You probably don't need to replace the LCA bushings unless you have high mileage. You won't notice much of a performance/handling improvement unless your existing bushings are shot. From what I've heard, its kind of a PITA to replace them and would involve a lot more work beyond just the Icon Stage 1/UCA install.

LCA bushings are a huge pain. I ended up having a shop do it and he even complained. It feels a lot stiffer to me but my bushings were really shot at 120k.

 

[kevinpn]

Ok thanks for the info. I'll plan on leaving the lca alone unless I need to replace. I have an uncle that owns a garage so if need be he will be a help for that.

 

[having fun]

You have to remember, all of our bushings from factory are rubber. Rubber does a breakdown in time, like a tire when they say to change them after 5 years even if they are not worn out.

As far as the UCA bushings, they may seem fine like I thought mine where, no movement of sort, but, I had a high speed braking and would have a slight shake like a warped rotor, for 3 yrs. Changed my bushings and it went away.( started at the 70k. point)

Changing the bushings to others may seem like a pain, but, to me seemed pretty easy compared to other jobs. I am also pretty mechanically inclined due to my age and worked on a lot of old school rides.

 

[jermajerm]

As far as the UCA bushings, they may seem fine like I thought mine where, no movement of sort, but, I had a high speed braking and would have a slight shake like a warped rotor, for 3 yrs. Changed my bushings and it went away.( started at the 70k. point)

Hmm, add that to the list of bushings I need to look at. I have the same issues, changed the brake rotors and the shimmy didn't go away.

 

[Neumonic]

You have to remember, all of our bushings from factory are rubber. Rubber does a breakdown in time, like a tire when they say to change them after 5 years even if they are not worn out.

As far as the UCA bushings, they may seem fine like I thought mine where, no movement of sort, but, I had a high speed braking and would have a slight shake like a warped rotor, for 3 yrs. Changed my bushings and it went away.( started at the 70k. point)

Changing the bushings to others may seem like a pain, but, to me seemed pretty easy compared to other jobs. I am also pretty mechanically inclined due to my age and worked on a lot of old school rides.

Yes, very good to know. I am having to install new cam bolts on the lower CArms along with bushings, I might as well do the uppers while I'm at it. Thanks!

 

[LTDSC]

i had a highway vibe around 65-70 that ive easily thought was an out of balance tire. I had it balanced a few times and it still happened. But as soon as i swapped bushings, it went away.

 

[sonerick]

You have to remember, all of our bushings from factory are rubber. Rubber does a breakdown in time, like a tire when they say to change them after 5 years even if they are not worn out.

As far as the UCA bushings, they may seem fine like I thought mine where, no movement of sort, but, I had a high speed braking and would have a slight shake like a warped rotor, for 3 yrs. Changed my bushings and it went away.( started at the 70k. point)

Changing the bushings to others may seem like a pain, but, to me seemed pretty easy compared to other jobs. I am also pretty mechanically inclined due to my age and worked on a lot of old school rides.

I think the OP is talking about LCA bushings (since he is installing new UCA's). But either way, I agree, if you have high mileage, it might be a good idea to replace them because the rubber does get soft.

FWIW, I think UCA bushings are much easier to replace than LCA bushings. I wouldn't call it an overly difficult job, just somewhat time consuming and a real PITA, especially if you cam bolts are seized up. If you elect to do bushings only (and not swap in a whole new LCA w/ bushing), then you have to cut the old bushing out which can be tricky without damaging the metal sleeve/shell.

I replaced my LCA's with new units around 175k because bushings and ball joints were shot. I also replaced the cam/camber bolts, since the original ones were quite rusty and I had to heat them up and cut them out.

 

[kevinpn]

Yah I have 166k on an 06 sport. I may look at the lca when I take it apart and Make a decision then.

Also am I looking at the sway bar bushings correctly? Front 29mm. Rear 17mm.

 

[having fun]

Not sure on the size on the sway bars, I on/off the front for my driving conditions. I should research as mine should be changed also. I do suggest going with POLYURATHANE
replacements if you plan on keeping your ride for a long time, material won't break down as fast as rubber and easier to replace than rubber.

The UCA'S bushings replacement should be similar as the lower ones, there are a few write ups on them.

Edit... To bad you wasn't close in Caly, I have the upper bushings and sleeves from my kit sitting in the box not being used. Would give them to you.

 

[CruzadoBlanco]

You have to remember, all of our bushings from factory are rubber. Rubber does a breakdown in time, like a tire when they say to change them after 5 years even if they are not worn out.

As far as the UCA bushings, they may seem fine like I thought mine where, no movement of sort, but, I had a high speed braking and would have a slight shake like a warped rotor, for 3 yrs. Changed my bushings and it went away.( started at the 70k. point)

Changing the bushings to others may seem like a pain, but, to me seemed pretty easy compared to other jobs. I am also pretty mechanically inclined due to my age and worked on a lot of old school rides.

wow ive developed this issue just recently with the high speed braking shake. i was really dreading having to tear into the front end to find it. you probably just saved my hours of frustration.