Turn2 for the Suspension (long)

[Jeff Newton <Jeff_Newton@pmc-sierra.com>]

I head to the alignment shop on the weekend and my alignment guy
shows me that there is serious play in one of the rear A-arm pickup
points.  That bushing is shot and the other A-arm bushing exhibits
more than normal play as well.  With only 63K km on the clock, I'd
say my slightly agressive alignments and agressive driving style 
probably accelerated the bushings' useful life.  Luckily the alignment
guy was honest enough to suggest aligning the car in its current
condition was a waste. 

Anyone checked out the OEM bushings?  They're about as rigid as a 
limp noodle.  Sure they are designed to isolate vibration from the 
cabin but handling and steering sharpness definately suffers.

Momentum Motorsports suggested since the A-arms have to be removed
to replace the bushings anyway, I might as well have both front A-arm
bushings replaced at the same time.  Shawn suggested a poly bushing
kit instead of the OEM, promising longer life, crisper handling, etc.
Just as the Turn2 limits movement of the engine, for a more connected
feeling, the poly bushings would do the same for the GLX suspension.
Another added bonus was the 4 bushing poly kit was about the same
price as the two OEM rears!

The result was great.  The front end of the car feels as tight as ...
<insert Walleyism here>.  My butt-dyno noticed a quicker turn-in
and I swear it feels like torque steer has lessened.  I haven't
noticed any increased vibration in the cabin but keep in mind I've
got H&R coilovers and SP9000s on the car.

WARNING - before you go off and order a set of poly A-arm bushings,
let me warn you the install is a bitch!  Besides having to remove the
old bushings from the A-arm and "squeezing" the poly ones in, the 
oil pan has to be removed to get the front bolt out of the passenger
side A-arm.  Rob@Momentum definately got a workout but he had the car 
back on the road in 2 hrs.  

Definately a worthy upgrade/mod.  Interestingly enough the bad 
bushings were only noticed when the car was on the alignment rack and
the suspension loaded.  

Cheers,   

 

----
Jeff Newton
Security Analyst
PMC-Sierra Inc.