Suspension Brakes 1st Gen Most liked posts in thread: Front Control Arm Bushing, what brand do you use?

I had the kit but didn’t install it. With the subframe off the vehicle, I observed the articulation of the arm and could see it was necessary to allow the arm a small amount of forward and aft movement. The arm does not rotate on one axis on a fixed plane; the arm rolls over the inner ball joint at an angle not perpendicular or inline with the pivot end. Also, the bolt would require the pivot shaft to be drilled and tapped for it; to do it right would have meant a drill press. Ultimately I didn’t feel comfortable drilling or limiting arm movement.

The Madness control arm only allows pivot and rock, which I believe is limiting positive characteristics engineered into the R50-53 OEM arm & bushing.

 

I think the PF are a much better buy. Mainly cause of price and ease to install. With the Bav units you do get caster, but not alot. And are you really building a race car? In reality these mostly are just our toy cars and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference with or without the extra caster. Plus getting the caster even when installing them isn't easy. So I save save your money and just get the PF units.

 

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Hey now, Updating my website is a top priority, but I'm too busy running a real shop and actually working on cars everyday, unlike home run and the BIG evil businesses out there. So you are right I end up making it a low priority. But I can tell you how to install any part you buy from us.:lol:

 

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No offense taken. I was just having fun making a point how REAL tuner shops such as myself WMW, DT and Helix. Don't focus on our websites, because that isn't our primary business. We REALLY work on MINI's and REALLY know about them. There are so many just internet shops/home run businesses popping up and giving out information and selling parts now, that we have to make a point as to show why people should buy from us. Basicly saying buy from us cause in the future we'll be the ones with the answers people need, but when times are hard internet and parts sales can help keep us going so we can keep our REAL businesses going. We all know economy is hard for everyone, so I just want people to support people making REAL livings, not just side money. And this goes for other things not just MINI stuff. Another good example is Motorcycle shops, I know small local ones really are struggling to compete with internet whores, so I support them.

 

I read all 3 pages.......

of this thread and was really impressed with the candid exchange of dialog (including the occasional jab ) without flames! Nicely done.

Anyways, I'll be checking my bushings this morning on my '06 MCS with 31k miles.

....Les

 

i have seen the PF units and they are not bad, you need to lube them when you put them together or you could get some nasty noises and bushing damage. I have also seen poly bushings dry out over time because of the lube used and then they turn to junk.

i have on my car and use the PSRS, but i also have the ability to weld them. for where that bushing is and what it does, you only want the control arm to rotate at one point and not move side to side or up and down. when it does that you are changing the alignment of the car. and if you track the car (or even drive it hard), and have a spot on alignment, you will notice a huge difference in how the car handles. we put them into a cooper that just had an intake and wheels/tires and the car handled so much better. as for extra road feel i have never noticed it, but i also drive a lot stiffer cars, so it have never been an issue that any customer i know of has complained about. hope that helps

Chad
Detroit Tuned

 

Powerflex

We have tried them all and PowerFlex is hands down the best.

 

Powerflex bushings do include Copper Grease. Powerflex does have a note in the instructions that says do NOT use Copper Anti seize. What's the diff., I honestly can't say.

 

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and here i will have to insert the inappropriate joke:

If you buy your lube in gallon sizes, you're a better man than me.

 

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What turned you away from the PSRS?