Preserving suspension bushings.
Preserving suspension bushings.
(OP)
What is the best way to prevent deterioration and dry rotting or suspension bushings, especially in areas of the country exposed to road salt 4 months a year? I like to spray suspension parts and fasteners with grease every couple oil changes to prevent rust and to make it easier to align the vehicle and replace parts. I would like to spray the bushings with something as well to extend their life but i have heard that petroleum based greases eat the bushings. Would a silicone based spray be better?





RE: Preserving suspension bushings.
I live in the Atlantic provinces of Canada (Ford mentions us in their salt testing as the worst conditions in North America) and bushing life doesn't seem to be affected by the salt.
I drive a 1985 model year vehicle and its body mount bushings are just deteriorating now. Just to note, there are not many cars over 10 years old here. Anything 80's is generally a rustbucket.
RE: Preserving suspension bushings.
I use vacuum diaphram grease, works really good on leather to seal out water too.
RE: Preserving suspension bushings.
the type of grease you are using, I can tell you with 100%
confidence that many mineral based lubricants chemically
destroy synthetic rubber isolation bushings/mounts in
short order and should never contact them. Modern
bushings, unless they have grease fittings are usually
designed to operate dry or they are internally lubricated
for life. Does the factory repair manual for your
application suggest any maintenance/lubrication? In
general, if they freeze up, start cracking, squeaking,
grinding, clunking, groaning, or otherwise complaining,
it's time for new ones. Heat and lubricant contamination
usually does the most damage over time.
Lubricants also cause dirt to stick where otherwise, it
wouldn't. Regular washing with clean fresh water under
moderate pressure would be far preferable to any lubricant
to maintain/extend bushing lifespan.
Silicone works as a preservative but it also attracts
dirt which promotes abrasion and corrosion. I've never
used anything on OEM bushings, cv boots, or isolation
mounts and I've found their lifespan acceptable, (8 to
15 years depending on the application) but, I live far
away from the salt belt. I've seen the damage salt does
though. It's ugly stuff.
Hope this helps.
Chumley
RE: Preserving suspension bushings.