Poly bushes: Can there be a gap between the two halves?

[sgtBerbatov]

I've just taken delivery of two polyurathene bushes which are going to go on to the trailing arms of my Corolla, as the rubber trailing arm bushes on the internet are about 10mm in diameter bigger than the trailing arm itself.

I've measured the diameter of these bushes, and they measure up to what I need. However, it's dawned on me now that I didn't think to measure the width of the trailing arm. I don't know for certain but these might be about 5mm too narrow for what I need.

I noticed though that they're in halves, so not together. So they'll go in separately and meet together in the arm. But I then wonder whether or not it's OK to have a gap in between the two halves when they're installed in the trailing arm?

I won't know until Sunday whether or not these bushes are too small or not. If they are then I'll re-order them to fit what they're meant to. But if it's OK to have a gap of 5mm in between the two bushes then I may just use them anyway.

But I'd be interested to hear whether this is a good idea or not.

[227bhp]

Come back on Monday armed with some facts and pictures, although I've seen something like what you're describing fitted with crush tubes which made it work.

[sgtBerbatov]

Quite right.

I'll photograph them on Sunday evening and report back.

[paintman]

No idea which of the various makes of polyurethane bushes you have opted for or which Corolla but a quick random Google suggests these have the metal tube inserted.
http://www.superpro.com.au/find/superpro-bushing-k...

[S0 What]

Really depends on the make, flowflex/deflex or any of the welsh manufactures tend to change the design of the bush to make them cheaper (all stem from the origional deflex company) whereas somone like superflex tend copy the manufacturers design but just use a poly instead of rubber, flowflex for instance tend to use a larger bush and leave out the outer tube so the bush sits directly in the arm instead of in a bush in a tube you push into the arm, also some get it right some dont, ive fitted loads of polybushes to older cars and most needed trimming, some needed returning and another batch sending out that fit, the usuall excuse i got was the poly carrys on swelling up as it cures after removimng from the mold, poor batch of the base material or poor mixing of it with the hardener.
The best bet is to visit a forum thats covers the particular vehical and asking somone who has done it to the actuall car i'm affraid

[sgtBerbatov]

Turned out the polybushes were the correct size and depth, so no problems

Thanks again

[finishing touch]

You push in the first half. Nice blob of the correct grease in the other side, and push in the second half.

The space between the two half bushes is now packed with grease and when you slide in the crush tube the surplus is pushed out.

The crush tube should be a tiny amount longer than the pair of bushes so that the assembly bolt holds the crush tube stationary
while the bushes turn on the o.d. of the tube. The reservoir of grease will keep out moisture and lube the bush.

( If your old crush tubes are corroded on the outside surface then replace with stainless ones. )

Hope this helps.
Paul G

[PaulKemp]

What he said...
A up Mr G how's things?

[finishing touch]

Hard up & happy Mr K