What a difference some bushings make!

[drewjp]

A couple of months ago, I replaced the struts/shocks on the PT Cruiser with Bilstein HDs. The rears were fine, but the front passenger side rattled way too much and made noise each time I turned the wheel.

Turned out I should've replaced the strut mounts at the same time. So I took it back apart and replaced those.

Much better, but still "squeaky". Turns out the control arm bushings were shot ( a common Chrysler problem).

Took it in to the shop today to get the bushings replaced with ENERGY polyurethane ones and get everything aligned properly.

What a difference! I can actually enjoy driving it now. No more squeaks or rattles and solid steering feedback! Feels the same, if not better, than when it rolled off the dealership lot.

 

[bdcardinal]

very true, i replaced the lower trans mount,the engine to strut tower brace mount the strut brace bushings with poly inserts. difference is huge, i can actually shift the trans now. although a slight rough idle is more noticeable.

 

[440Magnum]

Speaking of bushing upgrades for PT Cruisers... has anyone else used these in their engine torque-strut (aka "dogbone") mounts?

http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=5%2E1105#

When I bought my wife's PT, it had a torn lower torque strut bushing, resulting in a really annoying shudder under acceleration at about 25 mph. I replaced both struts (upper OEM, lower aftermarket) and the aftermarket strut lasted a whole 6 months before tearing again. I replaced it with OEM, but still could detect a little drivetrain shudder at that magic 25-30 mph under acceleration. I ordered two sets of those urethane inserts and put them in both the upper and lower torque struts- they say they're for the lower, but the rubber is actually identical in both. Wow, what a difference! No more shudder, and the only downside is just a tick more vibration at idle.

 

[Johnny248]

I have urethane solid engine mounts on my car, and it is much better. However you do feel it some at idle, especially when the a/c compressor kicks on and off.

 

[TurboLuver]

Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
Speaking of bushing upgrades for PT Cruisers... has anyone else used these in their engine torque-strut (aka "dogbone") mounts?

http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=5%2E1105#

When I bought my wife's PT, it had a torn lower torque strut bushing, resulting in a really annoying shudder under acceleration at about 25 mph. I replaced both struts (upper OEM, lower aftermarket) and the aftermarket strut lasted a whole 6 months before tearing again. I replaced it with OEM, but still could detect a little drivetrain shudder at that magic 25-30 mph under acceleration. I ordered two sets of those urethane inserts and put them in both the upper and lower torque struts- they say they're for the lower, but the rubber is actually identical in both. Wow, what a difference! No more shudder, and the only downside is just a tick more vibration at idle.



I am using Prothane Motor mount/ torque strut inserts as well as their Lower Control Arm bushings in my SRT4. It's a vast improvement over stock and the MM inserts have taken care of about 90% of my wheel hop.

 

[mechtech2]

How are those urethane control arm bushings going to stay lubricated?
Any grease fittings [not likely]?

 

[TurboLuver]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
How are those urethane control arm bushings going to stay lubricated?
Any grease fittings [not likely]?



Good question, I wondered that myself and the small amount of grease sent with the bushings is not nearly enough. I called them and they said I could use any type of water resistant marine type grease so I got some Amsoil Synthetic Water Resistant Grease.

They also said you can't use too much so I got silly with the grease and it's been 3+ years and not a squeak.