Shock bushes

[v8 animal]

Thinking of replacing my shock bushes to poly ones as im replacing all the front with poly.
Are the bushes std on shocks or are they different sizes.
All i can say is mine are green don't know if thats std or not.
Or is it not worth it to bother?
V8 Animal

[Ricardo Bertone]

Obvious answer.

If they need replacing - do, if they don't - don't.

The damper manufacturer should be able to supply replacements if needed.

Ricardo

[the gazman]

I would beware changing metalastic shock bushes for poly, particularly the top front shocks as the heat from the manifolds tends to melt them.

[spend]

the gazman said:

I would beware changing metalastic shock bushes for poly, particularly the top front shocks as the heat from the manifolds tends to melt them.

.. And I was under the impression that poly bushes were generally more resistant to the heat - well certainly on the front wishbones. ????

[Ricardo Bertone]

The latest ones come with their own little heat shield kit.

Ricardo

[victormeldrew]

The top one on mine has just melted away - completely - at London Thunder. It was poly, blue, but no heat shield.

I should be thankful it didn't dry out I suppose. Perhaps the sudden shock of being used after a period of inactivity caused the molecular structure of the poly bush to decompose, and the shock loading of the wheel moving up and down caused it to shear internally and spontaneously combust*.

Personally I think it succumbed to the real reason for most TVR failure, excess engine bay heat - the good health of the remaining seven bushes bearing this out (see what I did there!).

* this is the TVR's-break-when-you-don't-use-them principle

Edit: I am talking about the wishbone bushes, not shock bushes.

Edited by victormeldrew on Monday 11th December 10:16

[poorpeet]

You should be on the telly!

[v8 animal]

victormeldrew said:

The top one on mine has just melted away - completely - at London Thunder. It was poly, blue, but no heat shield.

I should be thankful it didn't dry out I suppose. Perhaps the sudden shock of being used after a period of inactivity caused the molecular structure of the poly bush to decompose, and the shock loading of the wheel moving up and down caused it to shear internally and spontaneously combust*.

Personally I think it succumbed to the real reason for most TVR failure, excess engine bay heat - the good health of the remaining seven bushes bearing this out (see what I did there!).

* this is the TVR's-break-when-you-don't-use-them principle

You've got me worried now bought a complete set for the front thinking this would be a overall improvement and later i shall be doing the rear and the diff.
Now im not so sure.
Powerflex i have bought.
V8 Animal

[the gazman]

Ricardo Bertone said:

The latest ones come with their own little heat shield kit.

Ricardo

They certainly do for the upper wishbones from Powerflex (cos I sell them as well) but Powerflex don't currently list shock bushes and I haven't bothered to commission them because if the bushes have had it, its very likely that the shocks are past their best and I would send them back for a rebuild and new metalastic bushes.
Other poly bush manufacurers do make shock bushes but trying to protect the softer bushes would be difficult.

[poorpeet]

If a company supplies goods they should be 'fit for purpose' If they melt then they clearly are not. Have a word with the supplier, it may be a duff batch.

[victormeldrew]

v8 animal said:

victormeldrew said:

The top one on mine has just melted away - completely - at London Thunder. It was poly, blue, but no heat shield.

I should be thankful it didn't dry out I suppose. Perhaps the sudden shock of being used after a period of inactivity caused the molecular structure of the poly bush to decompose, and the shock loading of the wheel moving up and down caused it to shear internally and spontaneously combust*.

Personally I think it succumbed to the real reason for most TVR failure, excess engine bay heat - the good health of the remaining seven bushes bearing this out (see what I did there!).

* this is the TVR's-break-when-you-don't-use-them principle

You've got me worried now bought a complete set for the front thinking this would be a overall improvement and later i shall be doing the rear and the diff.
Now im not so sure.
Powerflex i have bought.
V8 Animal

Mine [wishbone bushes] have been fitted for about five years, and were I think S***flex, definately NOT the latest PowerFlex, which I will be fitting instead. The one I had were fine, but I was running at 120degrees for a while at London Thunder, so the one sandwiched 'twixt exhaust and manifold did get a bit hot. The reason for the overheating was retarded ignition, and the manifolds were glowing as a result, so extreme temps even for a TVR. Luckily my engine mounts are already heat shielded or I'd be replacing them as well.

I wouldn't worry with the PowerFlex bushes mate, just make sure you fit the heat shielding they come with!

Edited by victormeldrew on Monday 11th December 10:18

[v8 animal]

victormeldrew said:

v8 animal said:

victormeldrew said:

The top one on mine has just melted away - completely - at London Thunder. It was poly, blue, but no heat shield.

I should be thankful it didn't dry out I suppose. Perhaps the sudden shock of being used after a period of inactivity caused the molecular structure of the poly bush to decompose, and the shock loading of the wheel moving up and down caused it to shear internally and spontaneously combust*.

Personally I think it succumbed to the real reason for most TVR failure, excess engine bay heat - the good health of the remaining seven bushes bearing this out (see what I did there!).

* this is the TVR's-break-when-you-don't-use-them principle

You've got me worried now bought a complete set for the front thinking this would be a overall improvement and later i shall be doing the rear and the diff.
Now im not so sure.
Powerflex i have bought.
V8 Animal

Mine [wishbone bushes] have been fitted for about five years, and were I think S***flex, definately NOT the latest PowerFlex, which I will be fitting instead. The one I had were fine, but I was running at 120degrees for a while at London Thunder, so the one sandwiched 'twixt exhaust and manifold did get a bit hot. The reason for the overheating was retarded ignition, and the manifolds were glowing as a result, so extreme temps even for a TVR. Luckily my engine mounts are already heat shielded or I'd be replacing them as well.

I wouldn't worry with the PowerFlex bushes mate, just make sure you fit the heat shielding they come with!

Edited by victormeldrew on Monday 11th December 10:18

Thanks now at ease.
And yes they do have the heatsheilds in the kit.
As for the shocks i'll see what they look like when i take them out if knackered fit std ones.
Cheers
V8 Animal

[v8 animal]

BTW Can i get away with not using a spring compressor when removing top & btm wishbones??

[victormeldrew]

Absolutely. Top wishbone isn't connected to the shock at all. Watch your toes when you unbolt the shock as the bottom wishbone will just let the hub carrier drop, and the buggers heavy. I'd imagine you can do the bushes without having to disturb the top and bottom ball joints, which can be a pain to split.