Which bushings, what lubricant?

[Dinoti]

Hey, all.

I'm gonna replace my control arms up front -- I'm thinking with Meyle ones, to get the heavy duty outer ball joints -- and I would like some feedback on which bushings give the best performance without ruining the comfort of the ride: stock ti, or '96+ M3? If the M3s are too hard for comfort, I will just stick with stock. Waddayathink?

Also, what does one use to lube the install of the bushing onto the control arm if one can't get the BMW Special Lubricant? I am not sure that I can't get that, but if I can't, what should I use that is a temporary lubricant that won't hurt the rubber?

Thanks!
Dino

[pdxmotorhead]

Energy Suspension used to sell a special lube for installing bushings....

Dave

[DeadpaN]

i've read many places that people use dishwashing liquid.

[Dinoti]

Dishwashing liquid, I have heard of. Does it give you more time to get the car down onto the road before it dries? I know that the BMW stuff requires you to finish the job and put the car down within about 30 minutes so the bushings can set up right. I imagine that DW liquid stays put until water washes it out, which might be weeks! Is that OK? One thing is sure: my bushings will be squeaky clean!

What about the bushing choices? Any thoughts there?

[DustenT]

Originally Posted by Dinoti

Dishwashing liquid, I have heard of. Does it give you more time to get the car down onto the road before it dries? I know that the BMW stuff requires you to finish the job and put the car down within about 30 minutes so the bushings can set up right. I imagine that DW liquid stays put until water washes it out, which might be weeks! Is that OK? One thing is sure: my bushings will be squeaky clean!

What about the bushing choices? Any thoughts there?

There is a KB article on this. Do a search for LCAB.

[CirrusSR22]

I used an aerosol bug and tar remover for my lubricant. I saw somewhere that it was used, so I tested it on some rubber. It evaporated completely and left no residue so I went ahead and used it. Seemed to work just fine, but it evaporated a bit too fast. I'd go with the dishsoap next time....