timk225
Well-Known Member
I had a local mechanic who works on older cars change some suspension parts on my 1973 Duster. He regreased the front wheel bearings, and changed the lower ball joints, strut rod bushings (urethane) lower control arm bushings (urethane), and steering idler arm all with parts I supplied him from Summit Racing.
To our surprise, the car already had urethane lower control arm bushings in it, and urethane strut rod bushings. We changed them anyway.
All went well, except the right side lower control arm urethane bushing is popping and creaking like crazy, at any movement of the suspension. When we had it on the alignment rack, 3 mechanics and I were lifting and lowering it for 20 minutes, listening to the popping sounds. I had the idea of loosening the locknut on the lower control arm pivot shaft so it could rotate, and the sound instantly stopped. So we know where the problem is.
The mechanic, if you want to call him that, did not use the tube of lubricant that came with the urethane lowers. He said he put some silicone grease in there. Left side has been fine, but I guess he didn't grease the right one enough. I was going to leave the pivot bolt locknut a little loose, but after about 50 miles of driving, I guess it tightened up again, as the popping sound is coming back.
Exactly what is the best lube for these urethane lowers? He should have used the supplied grease but I guess he thought he knew better. Now I have to delicately approach with the idea of redoing it, as I may need him or his shop for other planned work.
The instructions in the box said it was teflon grease.
To our surprise, the car already had urethane lower control arm bushings in it, and urethane strut rod bushings. We changed them anyway.
All went well, except the right side lower control arm urethane bushing is popping and creaking like crazy, at any movement of the suspension. When we had it on the alignment rack, 3 mechanics and I were lifting and lowering it for 20 minutes, listening to the popping sounds. I had the idea of loosening the locknut on the lower control arm pivot shaft so it could rotate, and the sound instantly stopped. So we know where the problem is.
The mechanic, if you want to call him that, did not use the tube of lubricant that came with the urethane lowers. He said he put some silicone grease in there. Left side has been fine, but I guess he didn't grease the right one enough. I was going to leave the pivot bolt locknut a little loose, but after about 50 miles of driving, I guess it tightened up again, as the popping sound is coming back.
Exactly what is the best lube for these urethane lowers? He should have used the supplied grease but I guess he thought he knew better. Now I have to delicately approach with the idea of redoing it, as I may need him or his shop for other planned work.
The instructions in the box said it was teflon grease.
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