sway bar bushings

[jeepzj]

I'm getting rid of my front energy suspension poly sway bar bushings because the bracket keeps coming loose after a few months and the bar starts to clunk over bumps. I tightened the heck out of them but they figure a way to come loose. These poly bushings are slightly bigger and give way less. I think this is the reason why they come loose after a while. Anyway, I picked up a new set of OEM bushings from the dealer the other day and will be installing them this weekend. Should I just slap them on or should I put some sort of grease on them? I put grease on the poly bushings but these OEM bushings have what looks to be felt material in the inner diameter.


Thanks.

 

[cousincletus]

I don't put anything on them. There's a chance that grease or oil can deteriorate the rubber.

 

[Brandon]

Ok thanks. I'll just make sure I clean the area around where the bushings will be installed.

 

[brianl703]

Silicone grease should be OK.

 

[TheLoneRanger]

ZJ, this is probably too late since you've already bought the rubber bushings, but there's several ways to keep the bolts tight. One way is to use LockTite on the bolt threads. Another is to shim the sway bar bracket, so as to allow more room for the poly bushing (perhaps with a lock washer). You might also have the wrong size for your application.....?

I've run ES poly bushings on my Explorer for 2 years now, with no bolt loosening. Mine appeared to be the same size as stock, however.

 

[SHOZ]

TPR bushings are the best. Have the performance of poly but durability and quietness of OEM rubber. Moog makes them.

 

[GimmeTorq]

Haynes manuals recommend using veggie oil (cooking oil) to ease installation... Kinda funny but I guess it should work.

 

[tom slick]

white grease is supposed to be rubber safe.

 

[Greaser]

I do all my rubber components with a spray graphite lubricant.Gets into the tight areas as a liquid then dries to a black film of graphite.You can pick this stuff up in almost any auto store.Squeaks and moans are gone,graphite and rubber love each other

 

[Brandon]

quote:

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Originally posted by Greaser:
I do all my rubber components with a spray graphite lubricant.Gets into the tight areas as a liquid then dries to a black film of graphite.You can pick this stuff up in almost any auto store.Squeaks and moans are gone,graphite and rubber love each other

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Just installed OEM bushings yesterday. Used a graphited spray lubricant called Lock Ease from Advanced Auto. I was able to tighten them down better then the ES poly bushings. Clunking is gone and the ride over bumps seems a bit softer compared to poly. Didn't notice any significant difference in body roll.

[ March 07, 2006, 09:39 AM: Message edited by: Brandon ]