Delrin Bushes throughout, how to lube?

ASE05 · Postby **ASE05** » Sat Oct 13, 2012 10:15 am

Ladies and gents.

My 2004 LO MSM has Delrin mounts in every freaking part of the suspension(AFCO suspension - the car is an ex SCCA superstar apparently). WD40 takes away the groans for about a month(I know WD40 isn't ideal but it's all I had at hand at the time to shut it up).

Not keen on removing the delrin as when lubed, the car is almost bearable. But, I have no idea on how to actually pull apart and lube properly.

More than up to the task and have the tools but not sure how to go about it and haven't found too much on the net that is specific to what I want to do.

Also looking at "zerk" fittings for re-applying the lube but again, not real sure on that stuff and hope some friends at home could shed some light on the process if it would help.

If anyone could send a link on how/where to pull apart to lube that'd be super. Also more knowledgeable info on ZERK would be even better.

PS - Never played with suspension before so I'm a complete noob

Cheers

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Sat Oct 13, 2012 10:53 am

You have to consider what your resources and what time you have.You really need good access. The suspension shops have hoists. There is no rule about having to do it yourself. My guess is that at the least you will need a vice, or a press and items like metal bushes or sockets to either push in and push out existing bushes. Lubricating bushes is really an anachronism - modern cars have no grease points thankfully. I would get rid of the delrin and consign to the bin. Replacement is probably best with like for like OEM type product- my understanding is rubber. The latter product will last many years probably long after the car has been replaced. I would take the car to a suspension guy for an assessment and look underneath - get some quotes and check replacement costs for bushes if doing yourself. Also read a repair manual- thats where the instructions for replacement and removal of items. An MX5 should ride pretty well with its independent suspension.

manga_blue · Postby **manga_blue** » Sat Oct 13, 2012 2:37 pm

The actual operating part of delrin and polyurethane bushes is the where the plastic bush rotates over the inner metal sleeve. If you need to grease them then you need to get the grease down onto that surface. You have two options:

1. Dismantle every bush and re-apply the grease to the inside of the bushes and to the inner metal sleeves. This is what I do. There's a few hours (6-12?) work in this and you'll most likely need to get a wheel alignment afterwards. At least getting the bushes apart is much, much easier with delrin and poly units than it is with OEM rubber ones. They push apart pretty simply in a vice.

2. Install zerk grease nipples. Remember that you need to get the grease all the way down through the plastic to that inner sleeve and to force it through with enough pressure that it is squeezed out the ends. This means you need to drill down through the outside of the bush holder in the suspension arm and then down through the join between the bushes until you strike metal. You then tap into the bush housings and screw in the zerks. After you've greased them then there's a problem about how you keep the holes you drilled through the plastic lined up for next time.

Whichever way you go you must use grease specifically designed for the bushing material. You're going to need a hoist or solid car stands, good quality 14mm and 17mm spanners and sockets and a high tolerance to pain from skinned and bruised knuckles.

Steampunk · Postby **Steampunk** » Sat Oct 13, 2012 3:41 pm

Seconding Manga's advice, but if you're satisfied to do it the lazy way, then try a more robust/viscous spray lube.
Perhaps try an anti-fling, motorcycle chain lube type spray? I have Profi Dry Lube, and although it doesn't penetrate as well as WD40, it does what it's intended.

Are you sure they are Delrin? Never heard of automotive bushes made of this material. Custom made?

manga_blue · Postby **manga_blue** » Sat Oct 13, 2012 4:29 pm

Delrin is sold as the premium racing bush material. Harder than polyurethane.

ASE05 · Postby **ASE05** » Sun Oct 14, 2012 5:35 am

Thanks Manga.

Gonna go with the lube for now as it's heading into winter -2C here this morning and knuckles/cold/working on cars is never fun. Or I may man up before winter actually hits and get into it.

And steam, positive they're delirin bushes. Pretty easy to get your hands on here. Wouldn't recommend on a DD how ever. The previous owner only used it to compete in SCCA events.

Steampunk · Postby **Steampunk** » Sun Oct 14, 2012 2:21 pm

ASE05 wrote:Wouldn't recommend on a DD how ever.

Those crazy Yankees hey?
Even guys here reckon the Energy Suspension Polys' are "too hard" for a DD, I can only imagine the pain of Delrin. This kinda reminds me of people making & installing solid engine mounts to eliminate engine movement, only to regret it <100km later.

It was ages ago when I bought the Profi Dry Lube, there was another one that has better penetrating properties but I can't remember the name. Do a quick google on "Profi Dry Lube" and you'll come across motorbike sites/forums.