My Struggles & Reviews with the Compression Rod Polyurethane Bushings
 

I've been at war with the compression rod bushing on my wife's car. I think I've found the perfect solution and I wanted to share:

1. Updated OEM bushings from dealer: Lasted about 6 months before they tore again.

2. SPL metal bushing replacements: Wife complained it was too clunky and stiff going over bumps, & dips. There was also noticeable vibration on the freeway going higher speeds. Loud thuds going over bumps.

3. Energy Suspension Polyurethane bushings, installed 2 months ago. They're much better than the SPL in terms of ride comfort. But I'm starting to get some squeaking. I do like to mention I ran into the same problem as this guy:https://g35driver.com/forums/g35-sedan-v35-2003-06/396581-energy-suspension-compression-rod-bushings-dont-fit-right.html"]https://g35driver.com/forums/g35-sedan-v35-2003-06/396581-energy-suspension-compression-rod-bushings-dont-fit-right.html"]https://g35driver.com/forums/g35-sedan-v35-2003-06/396581-energy-suspension-compression-rod-bushings-dont-fit-right.html
I ignored the gap, because everyone said it was normal. I can't say for certain, but I think the gap is causing squeaking at low speed turns and bumps. I thought it may have been because I didn't grease them properly, so I removed them, cleaned them and re-greased them. Nope, same squeaking.

So I went ahead and started looking for more options and came across these on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Infiniti-G35...eb2e87&vxp=mtr

I did some research and it seems Armstrong makes tons of bushings for other cars. So I decided to give it a try. I was attracted to their design because it was a single solid piece similar to the OEM. Took me about 30 mins to install since I've done it so many times. But so far so good. No clunking, no squeaking, Feels a little bit stiffer than OEM, but no where near as stiff as the SPL's. It's only been a week, so I'll chime in once in a while with updates.

Sorry no install pics, I figured theres plenty of compression arm install DIY's already.

http://i43.tinypic.com/2nk6l9k.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/ab73ma.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/2zfsfmc.jpg

Sub'ed. It's always nice to see alternatives out there

Good news, cant wait to see how these hold up.

did they provide any information about the alignment the bushing needs to be pressed into the rod? I see there are what looks like two flat spots on the bushing. Does it matter which way that is pointing when installed?

thanks

in to see how these hold up

Subed

Sub a dub dubbed :p

lol^^

Me too...........

I appreciate the effort that went into your post.

If new OEM bushings only lasted you 6 months I suspect they were not properly installed. Unless you were driving a lot of miles under very extreme conditions for that 6 months.

This makes me weary of all of your results... the bushings that you found outlasted the others may have just been the only ones that were properly installed.

:dunno:

Nismo

/thread

At the time I was putting in quite a few miles, my car is pretty low but I'm not sure what affect the lowering has on the bushing. When I first replaced the original ones out with OEM ones again it was because of the clunking noise coming from the right front. I would notice instances when the clunking started to return again. When on the lift the mechanic told me the bushing was out. After removing it, the bushing wasn't 100% torn, but there was a tear on one of the sides. But you're right it "may" have been improperly installed as the left held up fine, but maybe it wasn't. That was almost 2 years ago, so I can't really recall. Either way I have peace of mind now knowing the polyurethanes are in and that I don't have to worry about them again in 1, 2, 3 years. (hopefully)

I have the energy suspension polyurethane bushings on my G35 sedan and have been extremely happy with them....... I have had them on for about 6 months

They didn't come with directions. So I made an educated guess. I lined up the solid sides according to how the original bushings were orientated. In this picture its kinda of a 11:30 and 5:30 position.

http://cdn1.autopartsnetwork.com/ima...1722336OES.JPG

So far so good so I guess I'm okay. No noise, no clunking. :JAMIN:

Was there a gap like in the ES bushings with the Armstrong ones?

Energy suspension is the way to go. Installed all of them in the front and it feels like a brand new car. Best money ive spent.