Bushes

[davidturnedge@me.com]

I've searched for bushes on the site but can't find any real info.

I have a 1990 NA6 with original springs, bushes and, until I replaced them with second hand yellow Konis, original dampers as well.

The Koni's killed the lack of damping but the car still feels a little loose on the road.

I am thinking the best bang-for-the-buck improvement to a 20 year old second hand car would be bushes; not any of those fancy modern synthetic bushes but plain old (new) OEM bushes.

Any before-and-after stories on bushes before I think about ordering them; I know it's a big job but I'm thinking it'll improve the car handling more than anything else.

Oh yes, springs appear to be within spec according to Mazda workshop manual measurements, although I am wondering if I should do the springs (again, OEM) at the same time.

[slug_dub]

The first real change I made to my car (its a '91) was a full set of Super Pro bushes. At Fulcrum Suspension with the car on the hoist they were able to show me how the suspension arms had some fore and aft movement in them with the original bushes in there.

Myself and a mate spent a Saturday afternoon and all of a Sunday of work to change them over, but I ended up getting Fulcrum to do the rears as I ran out of time. Its pretty crappy work pushing out the old ones and the new ones are only slightly easier to get it (slippery suckers!) but I still found it rewarding overall. Its not a fun job but I liked pulling everything apart.

As far as handling changes it definitely tightened up the feel of the car, as well as isolating where my spring and shock combo is not ideal (for me at any rate) and I'm really happy that I did the bushes.

[Juffa]

I am thinking the best bang-for-the-buck improvement to a 20 year old second hand car would be bushes; not any of those fancy modern synthetic bushes but plain old (new) OEM bushes.

New bushes will make a huge difference. I replaced the bushes on all 3 5's that I have owned. Super pro each time, so I am unable to compare them to a set of new OEM bushes...except I can say that the OEM bushes are around $250 more for a full set. Therefore my suggestion would be to go for theSuper pro bushes, you won't regret it.

J.

[GP]

I just looked at the Super Pro bushes on Mania and a full set minus the sway bar bushes is over $1600
Surely that can't be right for some plastic bushes?

OEM bushes are around $250 more for a full set. Therefore my suggestion would be to go for theSuper pro bushes, you won't regret it.

So your saying they are that much better than oem?

[slug_dub]

I purchased the Super Pro's through Fulcrum Suspension, and it was more in the region of 700ish dollars for the full set. I had a bit of a discount as they are a QLD MX5 club sponsor, and I can't recall now exactly how much it was.

[Robbo107672]

Try this as an option.. http://www.mx5centre.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19_24&products_id=225

Rob

[slug_dub]

There's some difference between the feel of Energy's bush kit and Super Pro's, it might be worth a bit of a search about both for some opinions before you decide.

[StanTheMan]

I have the super pros.

Even though they will outlast the car. I'd go OEM if I was to do it again. I feel my suspension if far to harsh & crashy. Although 150k km on my konis have a lot to do with that.

If you are seriously considering the Super pros yopu'd be welcome to come for a ride in my car. I live in the Manly area.

[goo]

Hey guys

I've got super pros in my na6 - mine are creaking at the moment, apparently because they are lacking in lubrication. Does anyone else have this problem and if yes, what lube are you using to fix it?

Cheers

[coolabah2002]

For the guys who have done the bushes already, which shop is the best for installation? any good/bad memories?
please share some insight of bushes installation...

[StanTheMan]

please share some insight of bushes installation...

its a lot of work.
its a lot of work.


ohh yea.....its a lot of work.



one more thing. Its a lot of work.

[Matty]

I did Superpros many moons ago on my old NA6. If I did it again I'd use OEM bushes.

[slug_dub]

Hehe that's a good way of putting it Stan

It's best done with 2 people and maybe a few unusual tools will make it easier. We used a hydraulic press for some...
The old bushes rubber will have gone quite hard and pushing the wider edges through the suspension arm tubes is a right drag.
Then, pushing the new greased up edges of the bushes through is just as hard.
It's a simple job in principle, just time consuming. If you can afford the labour cost it's worth it as a convenience tax to not be hassled by it, but not hard to do at home.
It's character building! . I'd do it again... probably.

[StanTheMan]

For the guys who have done the bushes already, which shop is the best for installation? any good/bad memories?
please share some insight of bushes installation...

Mania have all the right tools for it they take a few hrs. IIRC at the time I did ine Mania charged about $300 - 350 to install them. However that was a long time ago & I'd be ringing up for a quote.

Mine took a whole day. I started at 7am & we finished about5pm. It was hard work. Without the help of a few members here, I would never have got it done in that time.
I hosted dodgy day.
its nothing technical, a few pics but really the thread is just about having a dodgy day.

[StanTheMan]

It's character building! .

OFT. LOL