Powerflex bushes

[Mickhar]

Hi guys finally got round to fitting my powerflex bushes to the front wishbones and arbs I also replaced the lower ball joints aswell .
None of the original bushes were worn out but i decided to do the job as an upgrade in the hope it would make a difference to comfort ,general feel etc . Removing the wishbones is relatively easy getting the old bushes out ( without an extraction tool ) with just my workshop tools is a little harder . Having watched videos on YouTube i decided to have a go by drilling around the bushes pushing out the core then cutting a slot in the metal case of the bush to relieve the tension and finally knocking them out . Installing the new poly bushes is a push fit job using the silicone grease which they include .
Time wise I started at about 10 am and finished at 4pm that's including a lunch break and ofcoarse a couple of tea breaks I don't know how much a garage would charge for the work but I guess it would be expensive .

 

[Dellmassive]

@RedUn

 

[Dundee_Kev]

None of the original bushes were worn out but i decided to do the job as an upgrade in the hope it would make a difference to comfort ,general feel etc .

I stuck poly bushes in my front arms a few weeks ago and I surprisingly noticed a difference. The front and rear of the van now feel like they belong to each other and it eliminated little noises over bumps. Also did away with the little thump when you dabbed the brake on due to the split style OE rear bushes.

I didn't use powerflex though (too expensive for a Scotsman!) went for these 6x VW Transporter T6 (15-Present) Complete Front Bushing & ARB Polyurethane Bushing Kit - psbushings.co.uk

Time will tell how they stand up....

 

[Mickhar]

Thanks for your replies Dundee Kev that's interesting I haven't driven mine very far yet but it does feel a bit better , I plan to do the rears aswell soon .

 

[JB_T5.1]

Good upgrade but if for comfort you're going to be disappointed.

 

[nimrod]

can some one give more detail on the comfort thing, why is he going to be disappointed etc, and if you want comfort what is the alternative please. N

 

[Notintheclique]

can some one give more detail on the comfort thing, why is he going to be disappointed etc, and if you want comfort what is the alternative please. N

Less give in the polyurethane than rubber so gives a firmer ride. I’ve not put them on my Transporter so can’t say how much.

 

[Sasquatch]

Its a bit misleading.

PU bushes as supplied tend to be firmer, but thats not an inherent limitation of the material - thats just what suppliers tend to sell.

In my Volvo I've Powerflex PU touring 'black' compound bushes on the suspension, which approximate the behaviour of the original rubber. It all behaves as standard.

In the engine bay I've more typical blue items for the engjne and gearbox, which are firmer, and other than slightly noticeable on idle make zero noticeable difference to NVH, while making autobkx changes much more decisive as the drive train isn't wobbling about the place with torque changes.

Even with the firmer grade of PU bushes tyre size, tyre make/type, wheel weight, etc, have a far bigger influence on ride and NVH. If im ever needing t replace bushes on my van ill happily go the PU route.

 

[Mickhar]

Its a bit misleading.

PU bushes as supplied tend to be firmer, but thats not an inherent limitation of the material - thats just what suppliers tend to sell.

In my Volvo I've Powerflex PU touring 'black' compound bushes on the suspension, which approximate the behaviour of the original rubber. It all behaves as standard.

In the engine bay I've more typical blue items for the engjne and gearbox, which are firmer, and other than slightly noticeable on idle make zero noticeable difference to NVH, while making autobkx changes much more decisive as the drive train isn't wobbling about the place with torque changes.

Even with the firmer grade of PU bushes tyre size, tyre make/type, wheel weight, etc, have a far bigger influence on ride and NVH. If im ever needing t replace bushes on my van ill happily go the PU route.

I agree