AudiWorld Forums - After long last, Poor Man's Polyurethane control arm bushings writeup...

Over 5 years ago I departed on a mission to replace the control arm bushings on my 1988 80q. Upon removing a stock bushing and taking a trip to my local speed shop, I found a set of Energy Suspension leaf spring bushings that were an almost perfect size match.

Recently, upon the acquisition of my 1990 Coupe Quattro, I discovered that it was time to replace another set of bushings. Here's the story:

These bushings are energy suspension part number 3.2106R and they are leaf spring bushings for a chevy tahoe. They are the same size as the control arm bushings used on stamped control arms in our cars. You get 12 bushings for around $45.

<img src="http://twigmouse.ipupdater.com/miscpics/listpics.asp?a=dl&ID=2667">
<img src="http://twigmouse.ipupdater.com/miscpics/listpics.asp?a=dl&ID=2668">

Comparison:
<img src="http://twigmouse.ipupdater.com/miscpics/listpics.asp?a=dl&ID=2670">

Here's how to do it:
Remove the control arm and burn the bushing core out like so...
The torch is on, but the flash made it invisible. When it starts smoking, it's done. If it catches on fire, even better.

<img src="http://twigmouse.ipupdater.com/miscpics/listpics.asp?a=dl&ID=2669">

Remove the core (tap it out with a hammer). Remove the bushing from the control arm with your prefered method...
<img src="http://twigmouse.ipupdater.com/miscpics/listpics.asp?a=dl&ID=2671">
Clean the core up with a wire wheel and grind the lip off one end with a grinder, making a taper...

<img src="http://twigmouse.ipupdater.com/miscpics/listpics.asp?a=dl&ID=2672">

Press or tap the bushing into the control arm. It's a tight fit, but can be done without a press. I start them by hand and hammer it in the rest of the way with a piece of wood between the bushing and the hammer to protect it...

<img src="http://twigmouse.ipupdater.com/miscpics/listpics.asp?a=dl&ID=2674">
<img src="http://twigmouse.ipupdater.com/miscpics/listpics.asp?a=dl&ID=2673">

Lube the inside of the bushing with the energy suspension grease provided with the bushings. Tap the core (tapered end first) in until the end is flush with the outside of the bushing...

<img src="http://twigmouse.ipupdater.com/miscpics/listpics.asp?a=dl&ID=2675">
<img src="http://twigmouse.ipupdater.com/miscpics/listpics.asp?a=dl&ID=2676">

Do this on both sides of the control arm and reinstall...
<img src="http://twigmouse.ipupdater.com/miscpics/listpics.asp?a=dl&ID=2677">

Let's do the math...
12 bushings for $45
1 car requires 8 bushings (assuming all control arms are stamped)
4 bushings left over.
Like I said, poor man's poly bushings.

Unfortunately for me, I only used 4 bushings on my coupe (bought the 034 bushings for the front cast arms). So I've got 8 bushings left over. Oh well, I've got a friend with a CoupeGT desperately in need of control arm bushings.

Enjoy!