The Ford Barn

40cpe · 02-23-2012, 08:08 AM

I have a tube shock set-up on the front end that uses the spring hanger as the lower attachment for the shock. These utilize the modern hard "plastic" bushings. After I installed them I was hearing a knocking sound I as the suspension moved, sounded like tension building/relieving. I took the bushings off (not fun) and greased them in and out, reinstalled, and stopped the noise. Is this typical of those hard bushings? Are they all the same, or are some better than others? If the noise comes back, I would like to replace them with a bushing that is maybe impregnated with lubricant if they are available. Thanks for any tips.

19Fordy · 02-23-2012, 09:26 AM

I have heard of folks saying hard plastic bushing may "squeak". Is there a possibility that your plastic bushings are getting "wallered out" (spelling?) by the up and down motion of the shock thereby causing the "tension building/ relieving" sound? Since your greasing seems to have stopped the sound, drive it and see what happens. You may have cured the problem. Can you use rubber bushings?

40cpe · 02-23-2012, 12:37 PM

They are new, the noise started when i put them on. Regarding using rubber bushings; part of my question was about an alternative.

19Fordy · 02-23-2012, 01:18 PM

My 40 has after market tube shocks but the bottom is mounted to the perch bolt. Would it be possible for you to post a photo?

Pete · 02-23-2012, 08:41 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 40cpe

I have a tube shock set-up on the front end that uses the spring hanger as the lower attachment for the shock. These utilize the modern hard "plastic" bushings. After I installed them I was hearing a knocking sound I as the suspension moved, sounded like tension building/relieving. I took the bushings off (not fun) and greased them in and out, reinstalled, and stopped the noise. Is this typical of those hard bushings? Are they all the same, or are some better than others? If the noise comes back, I would like to replace them with a bushing that is maybe impregnated with lubricant if they are available. Thanks for any tips.

I have used moly filled Delrin for spring bushings for many years, both in street and race car applications. You have to have some provision to grease them though. I have never had one squeek. They last longer than other kinds of bushing material.

02-23-2012, 08:08 AM	#1
40cpe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Star, MS Posts: 4,024	modern spring bushings I have a tube shock set-up on the front end that uses the spring hanger as the lower attachment for the shock. These utilize the modern hard "plastic" bushings. After I installed them I was hearing a knocking sound I as the suspension moved, sounded like tension building/relieving. I took the bushings off (not fun) and greased them in and out, reinstalled, and stopped the noise. Is this typical of those hard bushings? Are they all the same, or are some better than others? If the noise comes back, I would like to replace them with a bushing that is maybe impregnated with lubricant if they are available. Thanks for any tips.

02-23-2012, 09:26 AM	#2
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 10,950	Re: modern spring bushings I have heard of folks saying hard plastic bushing may "squeak". Is there a possibility that your plastic bushings are getting "wallered out" (spelling?) by the up and down motion of the shock thereby causing the "tension building/ relieving" sound? Since your greasing seems to have stopped the sound, drive it and see what happens. You may have cured the problem. Can you use rubber bushings?

02-23-2012, 12:37 PM	#3
40cpe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Star, MS Posts: 4,024	Re: modern spring bushings They are new, the noise started when i put them on. Regarding using rubber bushings; part of my question was about an alternative.