Anti Roll Bar Bushes Xsara

[dave_xsara]

Hi,

Just wondering if you can buy poly bushes for the Xsara? I've not seen any online during my searches.
There is an issue with either the DL or the roll bar bush - I think it's the latter.

Thanks.

[Stickyfinger]

Poly is good for compression type forces, not to good at "rotation" sheer type. I would say OEM rubber is better on Roll Bars.

[Michel]

Poly is good for compression type forces, not to good at "rotation" sheer type. I would say OEM rubber is better on Roll Bars.

Yes, that ^^^...

[white exec]

Not so for Toyota (RAV4), where OEM 'rubber' bushes on roll bar have an appallingly short life.
Have replaced them with polyurethane (from www.superproeurope.com), and wear problem solved. (The PU bushes are installed with a smear of silicone grease on the bar.)
Many 4x4 owners fit them at first sign of originals wearing out.

[Stickyfinger]

$4x4....they do, but the ones I know who run/compete with Landrovers do not use Polys at all. (That said they do not use roll bars on 4x4 if they even remotely serious)

[dave_xsara]

Serviced the car this weekend. Whilst at it changed out the roll bar bushes and drop links. I replaced them with the standard type as recommended above.

Incredible difference to the handling now. When you drive daily, the wear is not noticeable until it is complete gone. Handles so tight now into corners, no results and bangs. A great investment of £20.

Also amazing how well a service can improve the performance too. Just a noticeable bit more pep from the engine.

Whilst at it, I changed the gearbox oil for first time in its life - 18 years/190k miles. Again I can feel the difference.

I can agree with this fifth gear feature:

[Pug_XUD_KeenAmateur]

Having replaced my ARB Bushes a couple of times in quick succession, I put a generous smear of Grease between the new set and the Anti-Roll Bar; haven't had any further problem with them.

[dave_xsara]

Having replaced my ARB Bushes a couple of times in quick succession, I put a generous smear of Grease between the new set and the Anti-Roll Bar; haven't had any further problem with them.

Yes, I used spray grease on mine to help slide them into position. Bit of a fiddle to fit, if it wasn't for a G-clamp to get the nut caught on the thread, I'm not sure how I would have finished the job.

[Timmo]

future reference Powerflex have been supplying poly bushes for many years, they were going to do a run of bushes for the 16v bx in the early 00's but i couldnt get enough support for them and couldnt afford to have 15 sets in the shed!
https://www.powerflex.co.uk/products/Xs ... 322/1.html

the guys here will always tell you to get good quality bushes, i ignored this the first time i did the bushes on the xantia, paid for it 6 weeks later when i redid them with Lemforder bushes, the same bushes were in the car when i drove it up the yard before christmas after 5 years use!

[dave_xsara]

Good to know - I wonder are they harsh in terms of ride? That was what originally put me off looking any further into them - I was told that they are fine for sporty cars, but would make the ride harsh in my car.
However, I've got the ARB bushes for approx £6, which is just over 6 times cheaper than the powerflex. I'm sure the powerflex would last a lot longer.

[Timmo]

I 'think' the power flex have an effective lifetime warranty? That no doubt will only be valid for fitting by trained professional suppliers etc. etc.
The 2types they do one is for 'fast road' the other Track focused, i remember from when Group N bushings appeared for a lot of models, everyone that had them fitted were instantly reminded they were not in a rally car and the vibrations through the chassis were awful!