New Bushings for Light Racing UCA's.

You know the thing is I'm not so sure the new bushings will squeak any less then the old ones did. They may be more reliable though. I checked mine out this afternoon and I have no play in them so I guess i'll wait to replace them but man I wish there was a way to get them to shut up.

 

I have a whole new set coming my way within the next week. I had to pay $200 for a core charge that will be returned when I send my current units back. Gotta love SPCs warranty!

 

I have a set of the new bushings on order. However, I do have a few questions:

1. How do we know that these new bushings will actually be any better long-term? Since they are new they have not been tested.

2. Without zerk fittings and the ability to add grease, won't these bushings begin to squeak?

3. Is the poly material capable of lasting for years/thousands of miles before any sign of deterioration?

4. How do we know that the edge of the UCAs' bushing housings won't dig into the bushings' flared ends?

I'm just throwing out potential problems that possibly have not been addressed yet. Thanks!

 

How can you tell if the bushing should be replaced on these UCA's? I've got an older set, no play in the bushing, I don't know if they squeek because I haven't mounted them. I guess I'm asking, I have a used set, would you replace the bushings pre-install just to be safe?

 

These questions would probably be best addressed to SPC

 

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I cant speak for the longevity of the new bushings. I can only speak of what I installed and what I observed was different from the rest of the other pivot bushing manufacturers. You can see that in my previous and original posts.

4. The way the pivot bushing works is the bolt/nut and washer is restricted by the length of the metal sleeve and restricts the bushings from being over squished.

If they don't have tears or ate not dry rotted, go ahead and install them. They are easy enough to take out in the future IF you ever have a problem with them.

This^^^^

 

pAP, How did you get SPC to ship the new boots for free? Everytime I try to buy them, they're trying to charge me $10 for shipping!

 

That's odd. I would talk to Chris at SPC. He told me to tell everyone there was no shipping charge on that price. My name is Chris as well if you want to name drop. He knows about this thread I started.

 

Thanks! Just spoke with Brad, didn't even need to name drop, they're going to refund the shipping and said they shouldn't have rung up online with any shipping costs to begin with. New bushings and boots on their way, $30 including shipping!

+1 to SPC

 

Good info. The replacement boots must be new, they didnt offer them when I was looking about 8 months ago.

 

So I just got a set of these UCA's in the last group buy and they have the new bushings. The instructions say there is "no need to weight the vehicle first" before you torque the bolt to 85 ftlb. But still seems like a good idea to weight the truck before you torque the bolt.... right?! Would rather not take any chances to f-up the new bushing...

 

Good to hear. Really, don't bother weighting the truck down. It doesn't matter with these bushings. The sleeve moves freely of the bushing. Eith way you do it will be perfectly fine.

 

Bad news...was installing the Spec Ride bushings last night and I tore one of my bushings (the one on the vent hole side). I had everything off-set, but with the dish soap, the bushing started twisting and I just went with it.
I got so pissed I didn't even start the other arm.
I'm planning to finish the other arm after work today, hopefully won't botch that side too.

Anyone know what the negative affects of running with the torn bushing?

If I do indeed need to pull the torn one out and replace it, I'd rather not have to buy the whole kit again. I'm planning to call SPC (wanna see if I tear another one tonight) and see what they think about using the torn bushing or if I could buy just the bushings.
Just thought someone here might have some insight.

I'll post some pictures when I get home.

 

Depending on how bad the tear is, a torn bushing can let water, dirt and grime inside the joint and cause lots of noise and early bushing failure.

 

Thanks Mike. I'm just going to replace the torn one and be more cautious with the rest. I've already talked to Brad at SPC and ordered two more bushings. I can't say enough about how awesome those guys are.

 

Dumb question, but how were you able to squeeze those washers in?? I'm going nuts!

 

Now the drivers side bolt is stuck...won't go in, won't come out. I have no idea what to do.

 

Use a good bolt and nut and compress the bushing in. It will go.

What drivers side bolt?

 

Jerk!