has anyone got a full set of poly bushes

[littlefeller]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/POWERFLEX-BUSHES-FULL-BUSH-KIT-BMW-Z3-COUPE-ROADSTER-/310198716272

mixed reviews concerning poly bushes, i need to replace all of mine (except front lower wishbone rear bushes) or is it cheaper/better to fit rubber?

 

[littlefeller]

or these http://www.strongflexuk.co.uk/bmw/z...suspension-bush-kit-036110b.html#.VoloXlSLTNM

 

[andyglym]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/POWERFLEX-BUSHES-FULL-BUSH-KIT-BMW-Z3-COUPE-ROADSTER-/310198716272

mixed reviews concerning poly bushes, i need to replace all of mine (except front lower wishbone rear bushes) or is it cheaper/better to fit rubber?

Not an expert but polly bushes all round can knock your fillings out, so I'm told?

 

[Kit]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/POWERFLEX-BUSHES-FULL-BUSH-KIT-BMW-Z3-COUPE-ROADSTER-/310198716272

mixed reviews concerning poly bushes, i need to replace all of mine (except front lower wishbone rear bushes) or is it cheaper/better to fit rubber?

Seems expensive for some Paint.

 

[Jack Ratt]

Like ridin' a bony hoss

 

[littlefeller]

tried google but cant find a rubber complete set anywhere

 

[t-tony]

tried google but cant find a rubber complete set anywhere

You probably won't, if you're going to fit rubber I would advise genuine, modern aftermarket rubber items don't have the same longevity.

Tony.

 

[andyglym]

tried google but cant find a rubber complete set anywhere

Tried euro car parts?

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&s...ghfMBE&usg=AFQjCNEZtwJJqmSara6SuVHNIRUgkQ3d5A

 

[Low Rider]

Ask @GazHyde @Lee I know these guys are into rear bushes for info

 

[Lee]

I order mine from Ebay or Euro.

In all honesty I've had both types on my M and couldnt tell the difference under normal driving.

Lee

 

[smiffy]

bush replacement is something I'm planning over the next month or so, so I'm also very interested to hear opinions from those with experience.

whilst I want to end up with precise handling, a dodgy back and an aversion to dentists means I don't want a boneshaker.

Strongflex state their "RED colour - hardness of about 80 ShA* - suspension components have a hardness similar to the original metal rubber bushes."

http://www.strongflexuk.co.uk/frequently-asked-questions

there is a bit of a write-up on one of the Alfa forums

http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa-gta/802450-strongflex-bushes.html

 

[Dickymint]

I had full polly on my MX5 and its not much harder than new rubber ones and tbh a couple of psi in your tyres make it feel harder but...... I found they don't work the same way as rubber at least the ones I brought didn't and if fitted without lube will be shot in months, you see rubber flexes around its pivot point and a polly one stays still and rotates around a single point a metal sleeve and this is the spot you lube with a silicone grease

 

[5harp3y]

i had a fully poweflex'd mk1 golf and it was fine

just fitted powerflex wishbone bushes to mine and cant really tell the difference. for me the bonus was that they are easier to fit on the driveway than pressing in BMW bushes.

 

[littlefeller]

i had a fully poweflex'd mk1 golf and it was fine

just fitted powerflex wishbone bushes to mine and cant really tell the difference. for me the bonus was that they are easier to fit on the driveway than pressing in BMW bushes.

yes they are, i didnt even need to remove the wishbones, bonus.

 

[Dino D]

I have power flex purple all around on the suspension since 2011 and some 30k plus miles. No issues so far with longevity.
Last year (about 6k miles ago) the Rear subframe and diff mount bush were also replaced with purple.

The diff bush introduced a bit more diff noise. I'm due a diff oil change which will help.

After the old knackered subframe and diff bushes the transformation in drive and shifting was night and day. I have no recent reference point compare with fresh OEM ones though. They are certainly better than knackered OEM ones though!

 

[smiffy]

I'll be the guinea pig!

My Z suffers from tramlining, which the general consensus suggests is caused by the bushes supporting the rear ends of the wishbones. So, I've ordered a pair of bushes from Strongflex today to try. It might be a couple of weeks before I fit them, but I'll report back on ease of fitting and before and after road testing. £26 the pair delivered. If they are rubbish, it's not the end of the world to buy rubber ones!

 

[zedonist]

If you want OEM bushes then buy Meyle or Lemforder, I fitted these all round and it's as tight as a drum now, I doubt I will have the car in another 15 years so not worth the expense for poly bushing...

 

[Eddie Zedder]

I suppose it all comes down to whether your driving style is cruising or sprinting. Aside from changing the front wishbone rear bushes which help alleviate tramlining, if you are a cruiser I would stick with OEM bushes, if you are a sprinter a full set of poly bushes would stiffen things up a bit. I'm no expert though!

 

[zedonist]

I don't think it matters to be honest the shore hardness of rubber v purple power flex is too close to make a difference, and if rubber is good enough in a Z3M then they should be perfect for a vanilla Z3. If sprinting is your thing then bush type is the least of your worries, you want to invest in some firmer ARB's and sportier shocks to prevent rear roll and tramping, in doing so put more power into forward momentum.

 

[zedonist]

Also Tramlining - two distinct issues on a Z3. One too wide a tyre on the front, the car is rear wheel drive so is pushing the front, in this scenario the tyres track the surface of the road, this is proper Tramlining.

Two worn steering and suspension components, in this scenario the wear allows the front wheels to turn (only slightly) away from each other instead of in the same direction, coupled with rough roads this is a very scary driving experience.

Solution to number one, don't go above 225 tyres, use a directional pattern (seems to work best), and if your not into looks stay on 16" wheels, for the forgiveness of the tyres.

Solution to number two - these cars are well over 15 years old, so renew all the bushes, ball joints, top mounts, springs and shocks. Use oem and it will be like it left the factory. If you like it sporty do the same but fit a Bilstein B12 kit and H&R ARB's. (This works really well, personally tried and tested)