Urethane or Rubber Torsion Bar Bushings?

piperj

Hi, I'm getting ready to replace my original 1967 bug bushings and am wondering what the forum recommends? I understand that Empi purchased Bugpack and some of the grommet /bushing options we once had are no longer available. So do we only choose between Empi red urethane or original rubber types? Suggestions/Ideas appreciated.

My car is stock except for 1915 dual carb and performance exhaust and I'm just looking for good replacement bushings that will last .

John
_________________
67 Sun Roof Bug

grandpa pete · Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2015 8:06 pm Post subject:

I think you will find that The red grommets and bushings are NOT holding up as they should . There have been several posts on this subject recently .

do a search...lots of info out there
_________________
63 two fold rag
66 sedan delivery Type 6

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=569619&highlight=sedan+delivery

piperj · Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2015 8:50 pm Post subject:

Grandpa Pete, thanks for the tip. I did quite a bit of searching prior to posting my question and really didn't find what I was looking for. Would appreciate your being a bit more specific; if you can provide me with a link to a post I would appreciate it. If the net of your answer is to just use rubber; I'm ok with that; just want to know best choice for longevity.

Thanks!
from one Grandpa to another...
_________________
67 Sun Roof Bug

61SNRF · Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2015 4:52 am Post subject:

Not sure if it relates to torsion bar bushings, but I've seen red urethane motor and trans mounts dry up, disintegrate and crumble into small pellets after about 10-15 years.

Rubber on the other hand may harden, shrink and crack, but still hang in there.
Changed the originals just for good measure on my '66 when I was messing around with the torsion bar adjustments. They were 45+ years and still looked in good to fair shape.

I went with WW's replacements, which claim to be from an OEM maker...
http://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/DetailsList.cfm?ID=311511246
_________________
-Bruce

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

vwnut1 · Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2015 5:53 am Post subject:

Make sure to apply grease to the urethane bushings if you decide to go that route. They are known to squeek without lube.
_________________
1957 VW Oval Resto Mod

allsidius · Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2015 6:09 am Post subject:

Considering that the rubber bushes on my 1972 made car are probably never replaced and still hanging in there, I'd go for OG rubber stuff when they finally need replacement. I went out and got the lot from reputable dealers, always went for the best german quality I could. But the MOT guy said they did not need replacement yet, so it is kept on a shelf in a cold dark place until further notice. But stay away for those cheap chinese knockoffs, they will crumble in a season or two.
_________________
1973 1303S w sunroof Click to view image
1978 1303 convertible (sold)Click to view image
1966 1300 RIPClick to view image

Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

Northof49 · Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2015 7:22 am Post subject:

I just replaced my year old squeaking red urethane bushings with rubber ones. No more squeak. No noticeable change in handling. When I took it apart, there was still lots of thick silicone based grease on the inside of the urethane bushings. I don't get it. I recommend rubber unless you are using it for some extreme application like autocross or road racing.
_________________
1958 Karmann Ghia owner

Markymarc

piperj · Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2015 10:11 am Post subject:

I appreciate the input from everyone. Sounds like the consensus is to stay with rubber. I ordered a set from WW today. From some other forum topics it sounds like using talcum powder is the way to install.... Any other thoughts , let me know!

Have a great day!
John
_________________
67 Sun Roof Bug

ThingBeast · Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2015 7:44 pm Post subject:

If you are speaking about the bushings that mount on the beam, I went with Delrin. They are the best out there. I know Airkewld suggests them too. Do not try to skimp out on this, you will be replacing the red polyurethane ones as they squeak. I've had absolutely zero issues with mine going on 2 years. Just my 2 cents worth

piperj · Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2015 12:35 pm Post subject:

I should have mentioned that my post is in regard to my rear torsion bar suspension springs... I guess that would help a bunch Embarassed

I guess the technology between urethane and rubber applies to either but I am just working on the rear suspension at this time. The front is stock on mine.
_________________
67 Sun Roof Bug

Northof49 · Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2015 1:44 pm Post subject:

The rear housing bushings were the urethane one's that squeaked like heck on mine. Rubber handles just fine.
_________________
1958 Karmann Ghia owner


Hello! Log in or Register \| Help \| Donate \| Buy Shirts	See all banner ads \| Advertise on TheSamba.com

	Forum Index -> Beetle - 1958-1967	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page 1 of 1