Bushing questions!

[bmacster]

Hey All!

Just picked up a MP3 a few weeks ago and the sway bar bushings needs to be replaced. I understand that the front is 25mm and the rear is 20mm. I also will be replacing the end links, just to be on the safe side.

The biggest question is, are there greasable bushings out there or just stuck with the standard stuff?

Also, I want to replace the bushings for the engine and transmission mounts because there is some pretty crazy movement going on. Do I have to replace the entire mount or just the bushings? If just the bushings, can some one point me to some ones that are better than stock?

Thanks!

 

[ucMP3]

Hey All!

Just picked up a MP3 a few weeks ago and the sway bar bushings needs to be replaced. I understand that the front is 25mm and the rear is 20mm. I also will be replacing the end links, just to be on the safe side.

The biggest question is, are there greasable bushings out there or just stuck with the standard stuff?

Also, I want to replace the bushings for the engine and transmission mounts because there is some pretty crazy movement going on. Do I have to replace the entire mount or just the bushings? If just the bushings, can some one point me to some ones that are better than stock?

Thanks!

Greasable bushings:
http://www.energysuspension.com/universal-products/sway-bar-bushings.html
http://www.prothane.com/universal.php

Motor Mounts: You have to replace the entire mount. I have all 4 AWR replacements. You will get a little bit of vibrations, but with 70 duro (the most similar to stock duro), I don't mind the little bit of vibes. The stiffer the mount and the more vibes you will get, tho.
http://www.protegegarage.com/1690-awr-complete-four-piece-mount-set-99-to-03-protege.html

IMO, AWR mounts are the best.

 

[bmacster]

Greasable bushings:
http://www.energysuspension.com/universal-products/sway-bar-bushings.html
http://www.prothane.com/universal.php

Motor Mounts: You have to replace the entire mount. I have all 4 AWR replacements. You will get a little bit of vibrations, but with 70 duro (the most similar to stock duro), I don't mind the little bit of vibes. The stiffer the mount and the more vibes you will get, tho.
http://www.protegegarage.com/1690-awr-complete-four-piece-mount-set-99-to-03-protege.html

IMO, AWR mounts are the best.

Dang, ah well, $400 bones isn't bad for some better than stock.

Thanks for the links for the bushings also, I went and ordered them. Should make for a fun weekend project.

 

[ucMP3]

Dang, ah well, $400 bones isn't bad for some better than stock.

Thanks for the links for the bushings also, I went and ordered them. Should make for a fun weekend project.

No problem.

And ya, the AWR mounts are pricey, but stock replacements that won't last 1/2 as long as the AWR solid mounts would run ~$300 new, I think. Lord knows how much a dealer would charge...

My driveline feels so much more solid after putting in solid mounts tho. Was well worth it.

 

[bmacster]

No problem.

And ya, the AWR mounts are pricey, but stock replacements that won't last 1/2 as long as the AWR solid mounts would run ~$300 new, I think. Lord knows how much a dealer would charge...

My driveline feels so much more solid after putting in solid mounts tho. Was well worth it.

I am looking forward to having a solid drive train. Even with it being "sloppy" it is a great car to drive. It is a shame that the 3rd gear syncro is going out on it so can't do any hard core driving until I get the trans rebuilt.

It is kinda strange though that it doesn't do it when cold, typically only when driving for a bit or sitting in traffic when it starts to "act up" and becomes difficult to shift.

I'm going to change the fluids and such this weekend so maybe that is all that is wrong.... *fingers crossed*

 

[ucMP3]

I am looking forward to having a solid drive train. Even with it being "sloppy" it is a great car to drive. It is a shame that the 3rd gear syncro is going out on it so can't do any hard core driving until I get the trans rebuilt.

It is kinda strange though that it doesn't do it when cold, typically only when driving for a bit or sitting in traffic when it starts to "act up" and becomes difficult to shift.

I'm going to change the fluids and such this weekend so maybe that is all that is wrong.... *fingers crossed*

A good Synthetic tranny fluid should help. Most of the people around here live by Redline MT90 & GM Syncromesh. Also look into upgrading your shifter bushings, that will help engage your shift linkage more precisely.

 

[NocturnalSpeed]

The AWR Motor Mounts are great. Just put all 4 on a about a month ago and the car response nicely. It vibrates like a mofo when you first put them on, but it settles down after about 2 weeks. Only bad thing is the car rattles violently when in 1st gear. My duro are 95 F/R and 88 Passangers sides. Hope that helps.

I also threw in TWM Short Shifter w/ Bushings and it has the same effect as the Mounts; it's super firm, but after a couple weeks it breaks in nicely and made a huge difference compared to the spongy stock one. Should look into getting one it the near future.

Both are the only performance mods I have currently on her and she feels 10x better then stock.

Just my (2cents)

Edit: Whoops! Congrats and welcome to the forums.

 

[bmacster]

Thanks for the advice guys!

I was looking on the site and noticed there are 2 different ones....

http://www.protegegarage.com/1690-awr-complete-four-piece-mount-set-99-to-03-protege.html

http://www.protegegarage.com/1427-product-1427.html

Does it really matter or what?

Also, I can't find a 20mm greasable rear sway bar bushing.. plenty of 20.5mm ones though.

 

[LinuxRacr]

Welcome to the site. I have had AWR mounts since 2003, and must say they go the distance. You just reminded me that I seriously need to change my swaybar bushings... My front ones have never been changed!!

 

[CitizenPro]

Thanks for the advice guys!

I was looking on the site and noticed there are 2 different ones....

http://www.protegegarage.com/1690-awr-complete-four-piece-mount-set-99-to-03-protege.html

http://www.protegegarage.com/1427-product-1427.html

Does it really matter or what?

Also, I can't find a 20mm greasable rear sway bar bushing.. plenty of 20.5mm ones though.

The first link is the full 4-piece mount set. The second link is the full kit minus the new passenger mount, and uses urethane inserts for the passenger mount instead.....lower price.

AWR has urethane bushings for the MSP/MP3 rear sway bar, and comes with grease. Try cross overauto.com, and im sure Ken @ ProtegeGarage can get them also.

 

[bmacster]

THANK YOU!!!

They have everything I need for the car and then some. My poor credit card....

 

[ucMP3]

THANK YOU!!!

They have everything I need for the car and then some. My poor credit card....

LOL, we feel your pain. We all have modding problems (I know I do, at least). (2thumbs)

 

[bmacster]

LOL, we feel your pain. We all have modding problems (I know I do, at least). (2thumbs)

Tell me about it. I saw all the turbo stuff on there and I think I felt my card catch fire...

The prior owner finally got me the maintenance logs (or lack there of) and I am in the process of planning a road trip to Texas and she hasn't done a thing to it, besides oil changes.

So besides the suspension, I need to do the timing belt, tensioner, spring, water pump, belts, probably need to clean the EGR since it is developing a slight "hickup" at idle.

(headshake

Ah well, that just means the modding will begin in earnest!