Protecting bushes from under-bonnet heat
Discussion
My car's currently in for a service, and I'm disappointed to be told that the front upper bushes have degraded due to heat from the exhaust manifolds. These poly bushes are only about 18 months old, and were fitted as part of my chassis refurb. The garage are going to replace the upper bushes with metalastic bushes (is that the original type?).
Obviously I don't want to be shelling out for new bushes every year or two, so I'm wondering what can be done to protect them from the heat in future.
Any ideas?
Has anyone fitted any heat shields or deflectors? Or would it help if I fitted the two-stage fan kit to generally keep temperatures down a bit?
Obviously I don't want to be shelling out for new bushes every year or two, so I'm wondering what can be done to protect them from the heat in future.
Any ideas?
Has anyone fitted any heat shields or deflectors? Or would it help if I fitted the two-stage fan kit to generally keep temperatures down a bit?
Hi, I am just about to fit these to my ''98'' 450 and see that there is a kit that comes with the bush's to protect the vulnerable ones from heat. Was this fitted on your car when the bush's were replaced? I would be intersted to know because if yours was fitted with the standard heat shield and did not work I will have the same problem. Thanks
There wasn't a heat shield fitted near my bushes.
My car does have a couple of after-market heat deflectors fitted to the exhausts where they run close to the serp belt, but there's nothing protecting the bushes.
A supplementary question: Is there much difference in the heat-resistance between poly bushes and metalastic?
Edited to add: I've read that Powerflex bushes come with some kind of heat protection. Is it possible to get something similar to protect metalastic bushes, or is it not necessary?
My car does have a couple of after-market heat deflectors fitted to the exhausts where they run close to the serp belt, but there's nothing protecting the bushes.
A supplementary question: Is there much difference in the heat-resistance between poly bushes and metalastic?
Edited to add: I've read that Powerflex bushes come with some kind of heat protection. Is it possible to get something similar to protect metalastic bushes, or is it not necessary?
Edited by Dr Mike Oxgreen on Wednesday 25th January 09:53
Dr Mike Oxgreen said:
would it help if I fitted the two-stage fan kit to generally keep temperatures down a bit?
Don't think that would significantly reduce exhaust temperature. 
Buying or making some kind of heatshield is the answer (imho). May not look pretty but wrapping with some of that silver heat proof mat like stuck to inner wings?
Maybe something like this could be adapted?
Edited by phillpot on Wednesday 25th January 10:12
I Polybushed my car 3 years ago, fitted heatshields over the rear bushes, (heat reflective material wrapped around that part of the chassis rail and secured with jubilee clips) and they are all sound.
It seems your fitter didn't fit the material that is supplied with the Polybush kit!
It seems your fitter didn't fit the material that is supplied with the Polybush kit!
Just received a package of goodies from TJC, with a couple of pieces of woven glass fibre matting, some reflective material and some metallic tape. Just goes to show there are some fab people on P/H!
And if I'm lucky there might even be enough left over to get my wife to make me a pair of hot pants!
And if I'm lucky there might even be enough left over to get my wife to make me a pair of hot pants!
Damn - looks like I won't be getting those hot pants after all. I showed my father-in-law what TJC sent me, and he's put in a claim for any leftovers to shield the power steering plumbing on his Daimler V8-250. Lovely thing - and he even lets me have a go in it. (The car, that is - as well as his daughter...)
Edited to remove some iPad-induced apostrophe abuse.
Edited again: TJC, send me your address and I'll send you a bottle of something!
Edited to remove some iPad-induced apostrophe abuse.
Edited again: TJC, send me your address and I'll send you a bottle of something!
Edited by Dr Mike Oxgreen on Thursday 2nd February 18:41
....My Powerflex bush kit came with a shield for the rear bushes. However, I didnt like the idea of using the plastic cable ties, so I secured it using some large hose clamps.
That was about two years ago and as far as I can see the bushes are still good.....however, its up for MOT on Monday so i may have tempted fate!!
That was about two years ago and as far as I can see the bushes are still good.....however, its up for MOT on Monday so i may have tempted fate!!
Brought my bush kit from Steve Heath came with the woven glass heat material and a jubilee clips for the front rear bushes fitted a treat.
On another issue I fitted some new engine mounts with the retainers from a well know supplier, had a funny smell from under the bonnet, on investigation I found the heat from the manifold was melting the top retainer for the engine mount, all the material had started to bubble and discolor, brought a sheet of the same material and wrapped the engine mounts, no more smell… While I was going mad I decided to put a cover over the top shock mounting to try and preserve the rubber bush. Maybe a bit over kill.
On another issue I fitted some new engine mounts with the retainers from a well know supplier, had a funny smell from under the bonnet, on investigation I found the heat from the manifold was melting the top retainer for the engine mount, all the material had started to bubble and discolor, brought a sheet of the same material and wrapped the engine mounts, no more smell… While I was going mad I decided to put a cover over the top shock mounting to try and preserve the rubber bush. Maybe a bit over kill.
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