Powerflex suspension bushings

[Vanagon Nut]

x3 for Chris' support and knowledge. He's a fine example of someone who helps keep "us" in the game. The "royal we" would be lost without support from folks like him.

The way I'm doing this repair is not correct, I know, but with luck, my alignment will still be "ok" after UCA bushing R&R on this '81 to use van for shorter distances. After I repair my '88, I'll redo the UCA bushings with Bushing Snot.

Neil.
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1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
(VW Gas I4)

1988 Westy DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[MartinJS]

[Vanagon Nut]

[skills@eurocarsplus]

never enough time to do it right the first time, but always time to do it a second time

talk to Christopher and overnight the shit. otherwise you run the risk of squeaks or damaged bushings

if you've seen anything I have ever posted you know I'm pretty brutal when it comes to things but T3 has gone to that "geek out level" on the stuff he sells which is rare these days.

He's the real deal and doesn't blow smoke up your ass.
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[Howesight]

T-3 Techniques' snot works for me. No squeaking at all. It gives me a smile every time I think about the container with the stylized "Bushing Snot" typeface.
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'86 Syncro Westy SVX

[Christopher Schimke]

[Vanagon Nut]

Mark:

that makes sense. For now I'll use the supplied Powerflex PTFE/silicone grease. If I'm lucky, the marks I made for camber before UCA removal will get the alignment close; no other related parts appear to be worn out of have play etc.

Chris:

thank you for taking time to view specs (data sheets?) on the products I showed. I know these topics have been discussed many times but the real time help is appreciated.

Neil.
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1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
(VW Gas I4)

1988 Westy DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[Christopher Schimke]

[Christopher Schimke]

First of all, Redline used to be a good product, but I DEFINITELY do not recommend it any longer. Even though Redline claims they have not changed the formula, something changed and the bushings started deteriorating when used with Redline grease.

I looked up the specs for Molyslip and they do not mention the water washout rating. In addition, it has some ingredients that may deteriorate the urethane. I would not recommend using it.

I couldn't find any decent specs on the Nitrolube, so I would not recommend that either.

As for the Pennzoil 707L, it has a 4.1% water washout loss rating which is very poor. This means that the grease will not last very long at all, especially in a wet climate.
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"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]

[MarkWard]

I’m not a chemist, but the lube needs to be compatible with the bushing material. Sounds like you have the provided lube. I’d use that short of waiting on the bushing snot.

Someone posted above a question about what should pivot? To me, the bushing should be snug in the supplied sleeve and the bushing should rotate on the metal bushing when everything is sized correctly including shimming the arms as described in the manual and tightened to spec.

The last bushings I had in hand, had grooves on the inside of the poly bushing to retain lube. The OD of the poly bush is smooth.

Is it bad if the poly bushing rotates in the arm metal sleeve? Probably not, just don’t believe it’s the intended design.

[Vanagon Nut]

So anyone know if Molyslip general grease (as some use on CV's) is basically the same as Redline CV2 ?

[1988M5]

Saw some success using PTFE (Teflon tape).
https://youtu.be/UbgEvh-rSl4
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1991 tin top GL
2002 Winnebago Vista. VW VR6 24V Eurovan front clip powered class C 21' RV.
Some BMWs.

[Vanagon Nut]

Thanks guys. Yes, have read of Bushing Snot.

Our local parts place might have Bushing Snot. (or alternative?) If not, need to use whats on hand.

Need to get UCA job done on this bus so I can use it to fetch a tranny for my now non op DD Westy.

Neil.
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1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
(VW Gas I4)

1988 Westy DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[do.dah]

X2 on bushing snot. I put that shit on everything...

[skills@eurocarsplus]

buy his bushing snot and be done with it. honestly, I won't use anything else now that I have used it
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[Vanagon Nut]

Hi folks.

Bought my T3 UCA "purple" bushings some years ago so assume the included grease is not to be used.

Of the greases shown below, which might be best for the T3 poly bushings? i.e. which offers the best water resistance and won't react (harm) the poly material over long term?

Moly Slip is "water proof" others show something like 'high water resistance'.

https://radd-cruisers.shoplightspeed.com/molyslip-grease-5971-454gtub.html

The Nitro Lube is really tacky. i.e. tackier than the Moly Slip.

https://www.nitrolube.com/products/grease/


Thanks,

Neil.

[kguarnotta]

I've got an '86 syncro. a previous owner installed the poweflex bushings.

Everything seemed ok for a while (not sure how to compare handling, as this is my first vanagon). But the front end squeaks like crazy. I'm thinking that I may need to take things apart and re-lube them. I'm looking for tips on locating the squeak and lubing....

Not sure if this should be a new thread - but seems like it is related to this thread?
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-Kevin
Lincoln, MA

2001 Eurovan
'86 Triple Knob Syncro w/EJ22
'78 Westy
'69 Single Cab
'65 Kombi - EZ-Camper

[Christopher Schimke]

[Cdub!]

Next to the EJ22 conversion, the powerflex suspension upgrade and T3 swaybar is the best upgrade to the van as it relates to drive ability and safety. Total game changer. Did springs and shocks to complement the powerflex.

[wesitarz]

How do Powerflex bushings affect 'ride' compared to 30 year old rubber bushings?