How should I lube polyurethane bushings?

[drewjp]

I just installed Energy bushings on my control arms and they are starting to squeak.

Which kind of lube/grease should I use and how do I apply it?

Thanks.

 

[tomcat27]

I would think with a silicone grease (the clear stuff) - but wait for someone else to weigh in.

 

[Johnny248]

did you already lube them? theoretically you can use regular chassis lube (I've done this before and had at least two years of quite bushings before I sold the car, that was using Lucas Red and Tacky) however, there is a lube that is recommended for the bushings, and you can buy tubes of it from Energy.

 

[postjeeprcr]

I would use the Energy Suspension lube they sell for the bushings.

 

[vxcalais]

Graphite grease or the permatex brake ceramic or synthetic grease is perfect for it. Some standard greases can damage the polyurethane. Silglyde, is also good for it.

 

[drewjp]

How am I supposed to apply it? With a grease gun?

I've never had to do a chassis lube before.

 

[Triaged]

Originally Posted By: drewjp
How am I supposed to apply it? With a grease gun?

I've never had to do a chassis lube before.
Is there a grease zerk on them? Most likely there isn't. To lube them you need to take them apart. Before you put them back together put a grease zerk on there.

Poly makes a very poor bushing material for anything that moves.

 

[gofastman]

Originally Posted By: vxcalais
Graphite grease or the permatex brake ceramic or synthetic grease is perfect for it. Some standard greases can damage the polyurethane. Silglyde, is also good for it.

says who? I want proof!
Rubber is sensitive to certain petroleum products, polyurethane is really tough.
My ES suspension bushings say on the package to use your favorite grease.

 

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted By: postjeeprcr
I would use the Energy Suspension lube they sell for the bushings.


Yup. I have this in a tube/cartridge to be istalled in a grease gun from them.
It is some of the most viscous, tacky, indissolvable stuff I've ever seen, but then I've not seen/used the new Amsoil Off Road greases yet.
Some of the other suggestions would work as well, but not last as long as this super glue-like stuff!

 

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Energy Suspension provides silicone grease with Teflon for lubricating sway bar bushings.

 

[gofastman]

Originally Posted By: dailydriver
Originally Posted By: postjeeprcr
I would use the Energy Suspension lube they sell for the bushings.


Yup. I have this in a tube/cartridge to be istalled in a grease gun from them.
It is some of the most viscous, tacky, indissolvable stuff I've ever seen, but then I've not seen/used the new Amsoil Off Road greases yet.
Some of the other suggestions would work as well, but not last as long as this super glue-like stuff!

Could you post a link for the grease cartridge? all I can find are small packets or an 8 Oz tub from energy suspension.
Is it more tackey than the schaeffers stuff?

Edit: I found Prothane make a 14 oz tube of their "squeak proof super grease" is that what you are referring too?

 

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted By: gofastman
Edit: I found Prothane make a 14 oz tube of their "squeak proof super grease" is that what you are referring too?


Yes, this is the stuff. (I got it so long ago that I forgot it was Prothane and NOT E.S.!)

Although I DO also have that 8 oz. tub of the E.S. stuff as well.

 

[MonumentOiler]

I have heard Boshield recommended for greasing squeaky bushings.

 

[AdRock]

When the squeaking was on the outside of the bushing ( such as an outer edge rubbing lightly against a metal part) I've had great success with simple silicone spray in the aerosol cans.

 

[mechtech2]

A great tip for sway bar bushings is to dimple them with a Dremel or similar tool. Kinda like a golf ball, with smaller holes.
This retains grease better than lines or sipes.
Only takes a minute.
Good luck finding real sway bar grease. I use moly chassis grease - it works great,esp. with my small dimple mod.