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Christopher Schimke Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005 Posts: 5391 Location: PNW
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Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2010 9:42 am Post subject: Powerflex suspension bushings |
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In an effort to provide the best quality, easiest to use/install parts that I know if, I have recently made the commitment to become a stocking dealer for Powerflex bushings. Since the upper control arm bushings are a very sour subject on the Vanagon, I concentrated my initial stocking order (expected to arrive any time now) on those and other various suspension bushings.
What I would like is to hear from you guys (and girls of course) at to what bushings you are most interested in. I can pretty well guess that the front upper control arm bushings will be at the top of people's lists, but include them anyway. I would like to get a good feel for what you want so that I can include them in my second stocking order so that they are readily available to you.
Below you will find a list of Powerflex bushings along with their part numbers. Please copy and paste the items that you are most interested in into your post so that I can tally up the results. Please contact me if price is a deciding factor in your decision making process. Please email questions to [email protected]
And thank you in advance for your help on this.
Front Lower Control Arm Bushing PFF85-1001 x2
Front Anti Roll Bar Mount Bushing (link to control arm) PFF85-1002 x4
Front Steering Rack Mount Bushing PFF85-1003 x4
Front Anti Roll Bar To Chassis Bushing 21mm PFF85-1004 x2
Front Anti Roll Bar To Chassis Bushing 19mm PFF85-1004-19 x2
Front Anti Roll Bar To Chassis Bushing 21mm PFF85-1005 x2
Front Anti Roll Bar To Chassis Bushing 23mm PFF85-1005-23 x2
Front Control Arm-Upper Inner Bushing PFF85-1006 x4
Front Anti Roll Bar Endlink Eyelet Bushing 19mm PFF85-1008-19 x2
Front Anti Roll Bar Endlink Eyelet Bushing 21mm PFF85-1008-21 x2
Front Anti Roll Bar Endlink Eyelet Bushing 23mm PFF85-1008-23 x2
Rear Trailing Arm To Chassis Bushing PFR85-1011 x4 _________________ "Sometimes you have to build a box to think outside of." - Bruce (not Springsteen)
*Custom wheel hardware for Audi/VW, Porsche and Mercedes wheels - Urethane Suspension Bushings*
T3Technique.com or contact me at [email protected] |
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squeegee_boy Samba Member
Joined: April 27, 2008 Posts: 762 Location: Langley, BC, Canada
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Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2010 10:00 am Post subject: |
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My immediate interests are these:
Front Control Arm-Upper Inner Bushing PFF85-1006 x4
and these:
Front Steering Rack Mount Bushing PFF85-1003 x4
If I ever do the front end again I'll buy the works, but besides the above, that's a few years out
Robyn _________________ 1984 FrankenSyncro Westy. EJ25 RMW kit
1971 Super Beetle with an EJ22. Oh yes. Daily driver |
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connorsvw2 Samba Member
Joined: August 16, 2008 Posts: 347 Location: Denver, CO
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Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2010 11:35 am Post subject: |
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I was looking at the Powerflex USA site at the UCA bushings yesterday. These appear to be a 3 piece arrangement with inner and outer stainless steel components separated by the poly insert, which is not sealed from the environment. Powerflex specify a special type of grease to be used, but once assembled that's all there is. Has anyone had any long term experience with these fittings? I'd buy them in a moment if I was sure they'd last longer/quieter than my lousy Meyle's which are both squeeking like mad (installed 10/09).
The stainless should obviate some of the rust (and squeeking) issues, but I am assuming they are not to be tack welded into place like the stockers? The designs looks like it would lend itself well to having a zerk fitting added to be able to replenish the grease at intervals... |
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1621 Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2006 Posts: 2174
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Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2010 12:27 pm Post subject: |
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Very cool, thanks for making these bushings more readily available for the vanagon crowd. I've thought that the steering rack bushings would be worthwhile after reading a bit on their benefits over stock rubber, but I'd still like to hear some additional real world feedback first.
I imagine you'll be testing a full front end rebuild when the parts come in - would love some honest before and after reviews. _________________ '85 Westy |
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Christopher Schimke Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005 Posts: 5391 Location: PNW
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Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2010 3:13 pm Post subject: |
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Since this is a new program to me, I have some questions regarding "washout" of the grease in to Powerflex and I will let you know the reply just as soon as I hear what they have to say.
The one thing that I can say is that the design of the bushing themselves will help with the grease retention. The inner diameter of the bushing have a sort of crosshatch pattern designed into them that helps keep the grease between the bushing and the inner sleeve.
Powerflex recommends a small tack weld to retain the outer bushing sleeve in the 2wd control arms.
1621, I have installed one set of power steering rack bushings and was impressed that I could actually feel the difference. While it was not a radical change, it did firm up the steering feel. And yes, once I have everything in stock, I do plan on installing a full set, one set at a time, into my rolling test bed. I will report on everything that I experience from installation to ride quality, good or not so good.
I also want to mention that my motivation for asking this question was not in an effort to get anyone to make any commitments or to feel obligated in any way. I simply want to get a feel for which parts might be most popular so that I can keep a good stock on hand and be able to provide them in a timely manor.
Even if you have no plans of purchasing any bushings at the moment, I am still interested in hearing from you. _________________ "Sometimes you have to build a box to think outside of." - Bruce (not Springsteen)
*Custom wheel hardware for Audi/VW, Porsche and Mercedes wheels - Urethane Suspension Bushings*
T3Technique.com or contact me at [email protected] |
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syncrodoka Samba Member
Joined: December 27, 2005 Posts: 12006 Location: Santa Cruz, CA
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Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2010 3:18 pm Post subject: |
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Front Steering Rack Mount Bushing PFF85-1003 x4
I would be more than happy to be your first customer for 2 sets of these. |
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j_dirge Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2007 Posts: 4641 Location: Twain Harte, CA
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Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2010 3:21 pm Post subject: |
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I'd be interested in hearing/learning more.
I have been advised to stay away from urethane bushings on the Vanagon, but I don't know if thats just old school thinking or if there is a rationale behind it.
The steering rack bushings have my interest as do the (front) upper control arm bushings..
I'd like a better solution for the Addco swaybar (to frame) but do not see that listed.
I will be modifying 14" to 16" trailing arms and though I have the stock rubber bushings (new) waiting, I might be convinced to try the Poweflex product there as well.
Will be following this with interest _________________ -89 GL Westy, SVX.. finally.
-57 pan f/g buggy with a 67 pancake Type 3 "S"
"Jimi Hendrix owned one. Richard Nixon did not"
-Grand Tour, Season 1, episodes 4 and 5
danfromsyr wrote: |
those are straight line runs with light weight race cars for only 1/4mile at a time..
not pushing a loaded brick up a mountain pass with a family of 4+ inside expecting to have an event free vacation..
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andy syncro-nutz Samba Member
Joined: August 22, 2010 Posts: 539 Location: Upper Ottawa Valley
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Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2010 3:28 pm Post subject: |
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Is there any plans on reporducing tie rod/drag link bushes? |
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Christopher Schimke Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005 Posts: 5391 Location: PNW
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Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2010 4:57 pm Post subject: |
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Quote: |
I have been advised to stay away from urethane bushings on the Vanagon, but I don't know if thats just old school thinking or if there is a rationale behind it. |
I have been given mixed reviews from people from Europe (who have had these bushings for a good bit longer than we have) with most of them leaning toward the positive. While I can imagine the possibility of the front lower control arm and rear control arm bushings causing an increase in road feel, I cannot imagine how the upper control arm bushings could. The rubber in the original style bushings is so thin that I can even imagine the urethane bushing having better insulation properties.
Like I mentioned earlier, I do plan on a full installation with evaluations of each bushing set and honest feedback from my butt dyno.
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I'd like a better solution for the Addco swaybar (to frame) but do not see that listed. |
That's a good question. I had assumed that the anti roll bar bushings were just the bushing, but I will inquire if that included the bracket too.
Either way, if you contact Addco, they can send you a replacement bracket that is far superior to the original one that they supply (the one with the slip-in tab). The newer style bracket requires a 8mm hole to be drilled in the frame rail like the early vans have. That gives you two bolts per bracket. I just installed a set of these newer/better brackets in a customer's van and they are definitely an upgrade.
Quote: |
Is there any plans on reporducing tie rod/drag link bushes? |
I will inquire about that too.
Thanks for the feedback so far, guys! _________________ "Sometimes you have to build a box to think outside of." - Bruce (not Springsteen)
*Custom wheel hardware for Audi/VW, Porsche and Mercedes wheels - Urethane Suspension Bushings*
T3Technique.com or contact me at [email protected] |
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82WestyMan Samba Member
Joined: December 28, 2006 Posts: 1098 Location: Western OR
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Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2010 5:08 pm Post subject: |
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I've recently rebuilt my front-end so for the moment I've very interesting in the steering rack bushings
Front Steering Rack Mount Bushing PFF85-1003 x4
Are they the same for both manual and power racks? _________________ "The floggings will continue until morale improves"
"I never did give anybody hell. I just told the truth and they thought it was hell" - Harry S. Truman
82 Westfalia - w/ a Raby 'Camper Special' engine |
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Christopher Schimke Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005 Posts: 5391 Location: PNW
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Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2010 5:27 pm Post subject: |
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82WestyMan wrote: |
I've recently rebuilt my front-end so for the moment I've very interesting in the steering rack bushings
Front Steering Rack Mount Bushing PFF85-1003 x4
Are they the same for both manual and power racks? |
Yes, power and manual are the same. _________________ "Sometimes you have to build a box to think outside of." - Bruce (not Springsteen)
*Custom wheel hardware for Audi/VW, Porsche and Mercedes wheels - Urethane Suspension Bushings*
T3Technique.com or contact me at [email protected] |
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syncrodoka Samba Member
Joined: December 27, 2005 Posts: 12006 Location: Santa Cruz, CA
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Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2010 5:29 pm Post subject: |
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Those steering rack bushings are getting lots of interest... |
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240Gordy Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2008 Posts: 2354 Location: Vancouver, BC
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Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2010 5:49 pm Post subject: |
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Upper control arm bushings 4 _________________ Tencentlife said,
"So, now that you know what you're doing, go to town."
2010 GOLF TRENDLINE 2.5
1985 GL now with more! a 2.1L
H&R SPORT(RED) Springs FRONT , SLAM SPECIALTIES RE6 AIRBAGS REAR |
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SteveVanB Samba Member
Joined: June 01, 2008 Posts: 1645 Location: This side of Daytona
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Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2010 5:58 pm Post subject: |
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Front Control Arm-Upper Inner Bushing PFF85-1006 x4
Rear Trailing Arm To Chassis Bushing PFR85-1011 x4
Front Lower Control Arm Bushing PFF85-1001 x2
Front Steering Rack Mount Bushing PFF85-1003 x4
Thanks for another option! _________________ 91 CARAT
Last edited by SteveVanB on Thu Aug 26, 2010 6:08 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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M_atthewanderson Samba Member
Joined: January 25, 2005 Posts: 288 Location: Seattle
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Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2010 6:06 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks loogy,
I have just been emailing brickwerks regarding these bushings, this makes everything much easier now.
Immediately;
Front Control Arm-Upper Inner Bushing PFF85-1006 x4 _________________ 1980 2.0 Sunroof Vanagon |
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randywebb Samba Member
Joined: February 15, 2005 Posts: 3815 Location: Greater Metropolitan Nimrod, Orygun
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Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2010 6:12 pm Post subject: |
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do you want to hear via Email or by posts on this thread? _________________ 1986 2.1L Westy 2wd Auto Trans. |
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Christopher Schimke Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005 Posts: 5391 Location: PNW
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Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2010 6:16 pm Post subject: |
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randywebb wrote: |
do you want to hear via Email or by posts on this thread? |
In this thread is good, but email or PM is good too. Any way that I can get a feel for what to stock is great. Thank you!
If you (or anyone else) has questions regarding pricing, installation or anything else, it would be best to handle that over email or PM. _________________ "Sometimes you have to build a box to think outside of." - Bruce (not Springsteen)
*Custom wheel hardware for Audi/VW, Porsche and Mercedes wheels - Urethane Suspension Bushings*
T3Technique.com or contact me at [email protected] |
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JeffRobenolt Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2007 Posts: 1513 Location: Wisconsin
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Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2010 7:06 pm Post subject: |
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Prices?? _________________ --------------------------------------------------------
jfats808 wrote: |
Most, some, few is not all. You can always learn something from everyone , even the fool. |
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SyncroGhia Samba Member
Joined: August 21, 2009 Posts: 2458 Location: Highnam, UK
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Posted: Fri Aug 27, 2010 5:10 am Post subject: |
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I've fitted Powerflex bushes to the steering rack on everyone of my T3's and would suggest the same to anyone asking.
They offer the biggest change and upgrade in my opnion and the difference is immediate.
I've fitted bushes to everywhere else on one vehicle (apart from the top arm bushes as they weren't available at the time) and the ride was good, handling was excellent and no harshness was found anywhere. Well worth doing.
MG _________________ T3 Syncro 16 S6 Westfalia Limey SOLD
T3 Syncro 6x6 SOLD
T3 RS6 Bluestar
T3 Tristar Syncro 16 SOLD
T3 Tristar Syncro RHD SOLD |
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wasserbox Samba Member
Joined: April 08, 2008 Posts: 533 Location: Durango, CO
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Posted: Fri Aug 27, 2010 6:57 am Post subject: Re: Powerflex suspension bushings |
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loogy wrote: |
Front Steering Rack Mount Bushing PFF85-1003 x4
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Probably just the steering bushings.
If my van was lowered, non westy, and a little more performance oriented I'd be interested in the whole lot... but it's not.
I've installed poly bushings on an MK1 - they definitely firmed things up, but thats not really what I'm going for with my van. |
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