Suspension Bolts Anti-Seize

[Lewis's Friend]

Hi All, a quick question...

I am about to start putting the suspension back together on my mk1 MX5. It'll will be having all new OE bushes, and in many cases, new bolts.

However, I want to ensure that in the future, it comes back apart as easily as possible (although not accidentally when driving of course!).

I want to use some kind of anti-seize, particularly where bolts pass through bush inner housings and hub bores etc. So my question is what should I use? I have copper slip, but this sounds rather abrasive. What would be better?

Also, I would like to use anti-seize on as many fixings as possible on the car. This should not be an issue with body fixings etc, but seems unwise on brake and suspension bolts. Is there any product that would be suitable for this application, or is it best to just leave them?

[Gtech309]

Use ACF-50 on the exposed parts to stop corrosion.

When I sold my GT86 the suspension was like new after a year outside in all weather

[GreenV8S]

Suspension pivot bolts are usually not done up tight and usually use some form of stiff nut to prevent them working loose. The bearing surfaces should be greased. You can use any grease including coppaslip on the threads to prevent them seizing. Don't use thread lock on stiff nuts.

Bolts which provide clamping would be done up tight, usually to a specified torque. You would not use stiff nuts for these. The torque may be specified dry or wet (greased/oiled/threadlocked) and you need to know which. You can use threadlock or oil/grease in either case but need to reduce the torque accordingly. Threadlock is preferable since it ensures the bolt doesn't come loose, as well as preventing corrosion and galling, but note that if you plan to remove the fastener in future it needs to be breakable threadlock and the threadlock will need to be cleaned off the threads before you reuse the fasteners next time.

[CrutyRammers]

Silicone grease on the bushings, copper slip on the bolt threads is what I do. Assuming you're using nylock bolts that is.
^^^ GreenV8's reply is more comprehensive

[Lewis's Friend]

Cheers for all the info. Most of the bolts on the suspension etc don't use nylocs. Hence wanting to be very careful about what I put on the threads!

In terms of the bushes, a little silicon grease sounds good. I think I may even have some already!