Low Mileage Moog Strut Rod bushings

[wrcsixeight]

Moog problem solvers, installed in early 2008. They are different than the originals. They have a metal ring on the inside bushing embedded in the rubber intended to keep the strut rod centered in the frame mount. The bushing on the back side has a thick plastic washer and no centering mechanism. Here they were when new, and this orientation is how Moog's instructions said to install them: Here is how they appeared when I took off the backside bushing. There was no budging this back into center. They were centered when installed. 100% sure. Apparently braking hard in reverse is enough to pull this metal ring out from the center, never to return. I used polyurethane replacements and hope they do not transmit a noticeable increase of road vibrations and noise to the frame. I lubed them with Syl-glide before installation. Perhaps the rear reversed cupped washer on the Moog instructions is responsible for the metal centering ring pulling out from the center

 

[Sawdusted]

the moogs. Are you sure the upper washer (next to the nut) is not reversed? I think that could have contributed to the center support ring coming out. Moog could have made a mistake with orienting how the washer should be. Washers should always cup the bushing.

 

[wrcsixeight]

Both the instructions which came with this kit, and the markings on the washers themselves indicated that the rear washer is to face away from the rear bushing.. I too believe this reversed washer contributed to the uncentering. Rest assured the new bushings are hugged as seems proper.

 

[DoubleWasp]

Strut rod bushings made me hate my Ram Wagon. I swear that any decent amount of forward braking smashed them into pancakes. I used factory, aftermarket, and everything. No avail.