MGB: Best Brand suspension bushings

I have seen a lot of threads about this, but its so scattered that I figured I would bring it up again.

I decided on not spending the money on the Hawk coil over system and sticking with the stock front suspension. So, from what I have read, the consensus seems to be for the polyurethane busings for the best all around type. So what is the best brand to buy or does it matter? Should I source from Moss or is there a better place to get them?

I used the Prothane(tm) red with no ill effects.

My preference is Superflex. They are all machined, not molded so the fit is very precise. They use stainless steel sleeves which prevent galling and eliminate problems with corroded old pivots. Shore rating varies between different bushings in the kit depending on where the bushing goes. Harder where performance is required, and softer for a better ride where you can get away with it. They aren't cheap, but you asked what the best are and in my opinion, they are it.

If you don't go this route, at least make sure you get stainless sleeves with whatever you buy. I think most Prothane bushings come with sleeves.

I use Moss stuff since I sell Moss stuff. I sell Moss stuff since it hasn't been an issue near so much as another parts source that I quit using.

I use the black "Energy Suspension" bushings from Suspension Restoration and I am VERY happy with them. They fit well, are much easier to install than rubber bushings and are graphite impregnated to eliminate squeaks. Price is good and the folks at Suspension Restoration are great to to business with!

Steve S Wrote:

Quote: "
My preference is Superflex. They are all machined, not molded so the fit is very precise. They use stainless steel sleeves which prevent galling and eliminate problems with corroded old pivots. Shore rating varies between different bushings in the kit depending on where the bushing goes. Harder where performance is required, and softer for a better ride where you can get away with it. They aren't cheap, but you asked what the best are and in my opinion, they are it.
If you don't go this route, at least make sure you get stainless sleeves with whatever you buy. I think most Prothane bushings come with sleeves.
"

Interesting, they are using stainless as a wear surface. Stainless isn't normally considered a good bearing material because of its tendency to gall. if it works great.

I wonder what the difference in those are and the Prothane. The Energy are like 30 bucks a set and the Prothane are $60+ from Moss?

I got mine (red Prothane) from Moss via Chris and could not be happier, good ride, great handling, good price, very easy to install and quiet. Hard to beat that...

cfrantz Wrote:

Quote: "Interesting, they are using stainless as a wear surface. Stainless isn't normally considered a good bearing material because of its tendency to gall. if it works great."

All sleeve inserts in high-end bushings are stainless. The rotating component is made of soft polyurethane. It will not have the ability to wear or gall a stainless steel surface. The stainless is used to prevent corrosion because this area of the car is very susceptible to it. Take a look at the steel pivots on any older car and you will see proof of this. Putting polyurethane bushings on such a surface will tear them to shreds!

The cheaper bushings, including I believe Energy brand, don't have inserts. The problem here is that polyurethane works differently than rubber. With rubber, the inner and outer surface of the bushing grip and surfaces they are installed to, and the bushing itself twists and flexes when the suspension moves. With polyurethane the material does not flex easily, so it is made to rotate on a bearing surface. This is why a precise fit is necessary for poly but not for rubber. This is also why a machined poly bushing is better than a molded one.

Steve S Wrote:

Quote: "This is why a precise fit is necessary for poly but not for rubber. This is also why a machined poly bushing is better than a molded one.
"

Hmmm.... I think the molding and machining folks might have a different opinion on that.

Molded plastics these days are held to very tight tolerances - and the beauty of molding is that the tolerances are maintained from part-to-part over many thousands of machine cycles. On the other hand, machining material that has some plasticity to it can be very difficult - the material actually deforms as it passes the cutting tool making it very difficult to maintain and repeat tight tolerances.

Compare most molded bushings to Superflex bushings and you may change your opinion! I have sets of Energy, Prothane and Superflex bushings all here on my work bench as well as rubber ones. The quality, or lack thereof, is obvious when you actually look at them.

EDIT: I lied, I no longer have the Energy bushings. Forgot I gave them away a couple months ago.

Do you have the specs and the tolerances?

If you need exact specifications, I'll see what I can come up with for you. It may be faster and easier if you contact Superflex directly (or Prothane or Energy if that's what you meant).

Superflex here!

so where do you get superflex in the US?

The main dealer, an MG parts supplier in Arizona, went out of business a couple years ago. I don't know who is selling them now, but you can order directly from the manufacturer's web site, or buy them from Mech Spec on eBay or direct order.

http://www.superflex.co.uk/

It also appears that Superflex is offering "molded and oven cured" bushings as well as machinable stock. This would explain the difference in appearance between an old and new set of Superflex I have here.

So superflex is going the molded as well.

Poly bushings sounds like the way to go when rebuilding my Bs suspension.

I installed a set of SuperFlex purchased from Chris Witor several years ago. They make car feel like new. I understand SuperFlex are rebranded SuperPro. I posted some info on this awhile back (link below). Gordon at BHive used to carry SuperPro. I just checked his website and it looks like the only Poly he has now is Prothane.

http://www.mgexperience.net/phorum/read.php?1,404884,404956#msg-404956

Paul

Has anyone used Polybush polyurethane bushes? http://www.polybush.co.uk/

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