Polybushing?

[LukeR94]

I can get a full set of polybushes for my car for around £180.

How much would it be to have these fitted at a garage, I only need approximate cost? thats a full polybush kit.

Is it a DIY job?

[Krikkit]

I assume it's your Astra? Probably quite pricey at a garage due to the time it could take, but not especially difficult. Definitely a DIY job if you're confident with the spanners.

[kambites]

Probably a lot more than the parts - it's not a hard job but it's a very time-taking one (depending on how rusty things are).

[LukeR94]

Yes it is my Astra, if it doesnt require specialist tools or anything I'll probably try it myself with a couple of mates, were fairly handy so im sure we'll crack through!

Thanks guys!

[kambites]

LukeR94 said:

Yes it is my Astra, if it doesnt require specialist tools or anything I'll probably try it myself with a couple of mates, were fairly handy so im sure we'll crack through!

Thanks guys!

Depending on how the Astra's suspension works you might need a ball-joint splitter and/or spring compressors but otherwise it'll just be spanners and a hammer.

[The Wookie]

Worth pointing out that apart from one or two select manufacturers (probably the most expensive) are likely to not last very long on the road before they start squeaking and splitting, despite the claims of longer life than rubber components.

They're also going to make the car pretty harsh, so not worth doing a full set unless you're a regular track day goer. You'll find most of the benefit in changing a select few of the bushes with a much smaller compromise in ride comfort.

For example, changing the cornering bushes (i.e. whichever front wishbone bush is inline with the hub) for stiffer items will sharpen up the steering and make the thing much more precise without ruining the ride.

Next step would then be ARB bushes to improve the body control, again at some expense in ride.

Personally, for that sort of car and road use I'd probably stick with OEM rubber though.

[morgrp]

Make sure you've got all the right tools before you start - I'd recommend a selection of large washers, threaded rod and nuts to help with the fitting of the bushes - pry bars are also very handy for this type of job - quite a lot of work if you're doing front and rear so budget around a weekend to do it

[jamieduff1981]

Am I the only one who's found bush replacements an absolute pain in the backside without a hydraulic press? (So much so that I bought a hydraulic press)

[Krikkit]

jamieduff1981 said:

Am I the only one who's found bush replacements an absolute pain in the backside without a hydraulic press? (So much so that I bought a hydraulic press)

No. Some are a doddle, some are a complete ballache, even with a press!

[Mound Dawg]

If the poly bush has a separate steel insert then the trick is to push this in after you've pressed the bush into the wishbone/tie rod/whatever.

The extra squidge the bush has without the insert really does help.