What's your opinion on polyurethane bushes?

[NW_Merc]

I think I'm going to need to replace the bushes for my W202. What do people think about poulyurethane bushes?

I've been looking at polybush, superflex and powerflex as potential suppliers.

 

[Bellow]

Ask yourself what it is you want from them and what you are prepared to trade.

If Mercedes had thought them a better solution, wouldn't they be standard fitment?

 

[moonloops]

If Mercedes had thought them a better solution, wouldn't they be standard fitment?

Not if cost was an issue

Don't the polybush makers now to comfort ones also ??

 

[NW_Merc]

Ask yourself what it is you want from them and what you are prepared to trade.

If Mercedes had thought them a better solution, wouldn't they be standard fitment?

I'm prepared to trade my cash for some bushes that last longer than the standard bushes and stiffen the ride aswell.

My question is have you used polyurethane bushes in any vehicle?

 

[flango]

Definitely better than OEM, I struggled to find any of the mainstream suppliers that did MB thats why I never have done the 208 but now you have reminded me there's a place in Chesterfield does them for any car but mainly specialises in TVR if you are struggling I'll dig the name out

 

[NW_Merc]

That would be a great help, are they expensive.

 

[flango]

Only prices I know for definite are when I did the Impreza changed everyone to superflex PU Fronts were about £270 and rears £320 but I suppose it depends how far you want to go and what you want to change.

 

[moonloops]

/Jeremy Clarkson mode on/

The only problem with Merc suspension is that there is twenty million billion bushes on it

 

[andy27168]

Definitely better than OEM, I struggled to find any of the mainstream suppliers that did MB thats why I never have done the 208 but now you have reminded me there's a place in Chesterfield does them for any car but mainly specialises in TVR if you are struggling I'll dig the name out

Hi,
Exactly the reason why I have never done my AMG/W202, very limited on MB applications.
If you can remember who this company is I would very much appreciate it also, as I,m in the process of refurbishing a pair of lower arms.

 

[flango]

Hi,
Exactly the reason why I have never done my AMG/W202, very limited on MB applications.
If you can remember who this company is I would very much appreciate it also, as I,m in the process of refurbishing a pair of lower arms.

Will try and dig it out via the TVR forums for you they are a specialist PU company very high regarded but cant remember the name at the min, will get back to you when I have the info

 

[Bellow]

Not if cost was an issue

Merc could fit them at the same cost - it's merely specifying 'hardness'.

I'm prepared to trade my cash for some bushes that last longer than the standard bushes and stiffen the ride aswell.

In what way stiffen? Remove the longitudinal compliance that protects tyres, wheels, ball joints, etc, from pothole damage?

The only problem with Merc suspension is that there is twenty million billion bushes on it

And each one tuned to work with it's neighbours.

No such thing as a free lunch. You may gain the feeling of sharpness, or some minute additional control of camber or castor etc, but you will lose something somewhere. The resilience is there for a reason...

 

[flango]

Merc could fit them at the same cost - it's merely specifying 'hardness'.



In what way stiffen? Remove the longitudinal compliance that protects tyres, wheels, ball joints, etc, from pothole damage?



And each one tuned to work with it's neighbours.

No such thing as a free lunch. You may gain the feeling of sharpness, or some minute additional control of camber or castor etc, but you will lose something somewhere. The resilience is there for a reason...

Please remove the MB rose tinted specs Ferrari, Maserati, Lambo don't fit them as standard just for the fun of it.

PU bushes are far better than any manufacturer OEM equipment race and rally proven time and time again over decades of various vehicles.

 

[Bellow]

Please remove the MB rose tinted specs Ferrari, Maserati, Lambo don't fit them as standard just for the fun of it.

They don't make hum drum 2 litre saloons either.

 

[flango]

They don't make hum drum 2 litre saloons either.

I wasn't aware MB did anything hum drum apart from the noise of worn bushes

 

[Justin1600]

PowerFlex bushes are very good, changed every bush on my track car for them years ago and are still in good order.
Don't know if they cater for Mercedes though ? ?

 

[NW_Merc]

They don't make hum drum 2 litre saloons either.

Bellow I'm wondering why in a cordial discussion you have to be condescending, if you have a valid point to make then fine. Do you have experience of using them or know someone that has, I don't need technical speak or a lecture of the camber or critical angle, I need someone who has practical experience of using them like others are providing for me, those of us who drive so called hum drum 2 litres and the like are making do with what we have, either offer a valid reason (i.e. yes I like them or no I don't) or give it a rest.....

 

[NW_Merc]

PowerFlex bushes are very good, changed every bush on my track car for them years ago and are still in good order.
Don't know if they cater for Mercedes though ? ?

Powerflex have recommended using the universal bushes, they are two piece, are these likely to be problematic than one piece bushes?

 

[Justin1600]

Powerflex have recommended using the universal bushes, they are two piece, are these likely to be problematic than one piece bushes?

No mate, most Poly bushes come in two pieces so that they are easy to install and so you cannot damage them trying to press or hammer them in

Just got to cover them in copper grease before you install them.

 

[wheels-inmotion]

Outside of track/ race car i don't recommend them and here is why.

1: They are expensive to buy and install
2: The change in compliance will be very noticeable, meaning you will feel every perturbation
3: They can become high maintenance due to drying out and squeaking

If points of seconds matter on track then fine, other than that i recommend you stay away.

 

[NW_Merc]

Outside of track/ race car i don't recommend them and here is why.

1: They are expensive to buy and install
2: The change in compliance will be very noticeable, meaning you will feel every perturbation
3: They can become high maintenance due to drying out and squeaking

If points of seconds matter on track then fine, other than that i recommend you stay away.

My question is how can they 'dry' as they are solid as opposed to the rubber bushes which I can appreciate can perish...