Product Review Hillbilly Review of PSB Control Arm Bushings

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by HillbillyChili, Feb 8, 2019.

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  1. HillbillyChili

    HillbillyChili Member

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    #1 HillbillyChili, Feb 8, 2019
    Hey Everyone,

    As I continue to basically rebuild #22 from the wheels up I wanted to share another review with you guys. This time it is for Problem Solving Bushings (PSB) Polyurethane control arm bushings. I went with these over Powerflex because they were $65 vs $85 for the PF.

    Links to purchase them:
    Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/COOPER-00-08-Control-Wishbone-Bushing/dp/B00KH4X3DU
    Ebay - https://www.ebay.com/itm/MINI-Cooper-00-15-Front-Lower-Control-Arm-Wishbone-Poly-Bushing-Kit-Red-PSB-640/322827409606?fits=Model%3ACooper%7CMake%3AMini&hash=item4b2a0358c6:g:U6gAAOSwhIZbCDlB:rk:7:pf:0

    Now mine came exactly as shown but did not include any lube unfortunately. I had to buy some silicone, water resistant grease as well but that was like $2. Comes with horrid directions so I followed Mod Mini's video on installation. Also, has a lifetime warranty so if they wear out I can just sang a new set. Although, not looking forward to replacing them again if they go bad...

    To install I used the cutoff method since I already had all the ball joints off to replace anyway. Cutting the old ones out was a bear but installation of the new ones went quickly using my homemade press made from 1/2in all-thread rod, 2 washers, 2 nuts, and 2 1/2" black pipe floor flange from the plumbing section. The bushing did go lopsided during installation but I kept tightening it down and it corrected itself. Had to hit it with a hammer to get it in the rest of the way after I bottomed out the "press". This hammering didn't seem to mar the surface or deform the bushing in anyway, pretty dang tough. Then I just slid the red pieces onto the control arm and shoved it in there with liberal amounts of grease all over it. kept popping out until I put the ball joints in the arm and that kept it in place.

    Haven't had a chance to test drive it yet but installation was easy enough. Will update with performance if noteworthy.

    Hope this might save you guys some cash.

    -HC
     

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  2. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #2 MCS02, Feb 8, 2019
    Thanks for the review. When I did my bushings I got a set of prepressed PF bushings from Detroit Tuned. I dropped the subframe to do it. I also changed my power steering hose clamps to stop the leaks caused by the stock clamps while the subframe was on the ground.
     
  3. HillbillyChili

    HillbillyChili Member

    Jun 14, 2017
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    #3 HillbillyChili, Feb 12, 2019
    If I ever have to do it again, I will just drop the subframe. Would be a good chance to get it powder coated and would also save me the 2 hours of getting the inner ball joints on and off. I should probably get my PS hoses replaced too but then I wouldn't have the "rust-prohibitive coating" that I get with my leaky ones.
     

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