ES bushing how-to coming soon.

Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives

Trailing arm ES bushing install coming soon. Did the install today and will be doing the write-up this week with pics. Thanks to Ohsigmachi

Total time: 1 hour

I've said it before and I'll say it again... "Why bother?" Poly bushings used in the rr suspension cause binding and lead to harshness of the NVH type.

The only place where poly is effective and warranted is sway bar bushings, motor mounts and the 4 bolt front A arms.

Others will disagree but I've "been there, done that" long ago. Contour owner for 10 years, Contour modifier for 9.5 yrs.

So because you think (or in your mind know) it isn't worth doing....noone should know how to do it if they decide to?

I have yet to see this binding you speak of and my rear suspension consist of nothing but poly and rod ends.....man i better undo all the custom work i put into it to get rid of the binding i DON'T have.....

Originally posted by pole120:
So because you think (or in your mind know) it isn't worth doing....noone should know how to do it if they decide to?

I have yet to see this binding you speak of and my rear suspension consist of nothing but poly and rod ends.....man i better undo all the custom work i put into it to get rid of the binding i DON'T have.....

I really hope you replaced the ones on the rear knuckle....helloooo wandering rear end....

I wouldn't be so quick to criticize Brad. He has fabricated and real-world tested many more components on these car short of someone like a ford engineer or the Mondeo BTCC. Infact I've tested (track) many of the parts Brad had fabricated and sold so I can vouch for what he speaks.

Also he was referring to Poly busings all around...not rod-ends. Rod ends acutally prevent the binding that poly would create so your original comment is invaild.

Originally posted by timeless420:

Also he was referring to Poly busings all around...not rod-ends. Rod ends acutally prevent the binding that poly would create so your original comment is invaild.

Not on the rear. This suspension, unlike most, has inherent bind without longitudinal play in the arms.

I'm not criticizing anyone, I'm criticizing the thinking. Say they do cause binding....someone doesn't believe it, should they not have a how-to to do the install to see for themselves?

I have nothing but respect for people that are on the same mission i am: to push the limits of contour performance. You see.....I too have fabricated and real-world tested my fair share of parts and have gained my own knowledge from that. I came off more than a bit harsh in my statement, and for that I apologize.

My point...i've installed these bushings on four cars. Two of tehse cars were mine one with all stock arms and one with modified arms. I have yet to run into either the bind or the (aparently noticeable) harshness he is speaking of.

Originally posted by Bradness:
I've said it before and I'll say it again... "Why bother?" Poly bushings used in the rr suspension cause binding and lead to harshness of the NVH type.

The only place where poly is effective and warranted is sway bar bushings, motor mounts and the 4 bolt front A arms.

Others will disagree but I've "been there, done that" long ago. Contour owner for 10 years, Contour modifier for 9.5 yrs.

Just because you've been "modifying" contours for 9 1/2 years doesn't mean you know what your talking about. I too never had these "binding" issues you preach about. But I had more spherical rod ends in my rear suspension then I did poly bushings. But then again wtf do I know?

Originally posted by Pole120:
Trailing arm ES bushing install coming soon. Did the install today and will be doing the write-up this week with pics. Thanks to Ohsigmachi

Total time: 1 hour

1. Any news on this?

2. Could your process also apply to OEM bushings?

3. 1 hour sounds friggin' awesome but hard to believe. What is included in that time? Is that "car on ground" to "car on ground?" Did you do both tie rod and knuckle?

I'm convinced my bushings are shot. I've pretty much ruled out any other source of clunking (I think) and I'm sick of the "beater" noises coming out of my car.

I thuroughly apolojize, i have all the pics and info i just have to find time to write this up. Time, ha, i remember when i had an hour of that to myself each day.

Originally posted by Pole120:
I thuroughly apolojize, i have all the pics and info i just have to find time to write this up. Time, ha, i remember when i had an hour of that to myself each day.

No problem. "Summer Baseball" just finished up, as well as a few other of the brood's summer activities, and I'm suddenly blessed with a few extra hours a week. Scary.

Now I'm pushing to get as much done as I can before school starts again. Summer break goes by quickly!

Pics might be helpful on their own, if you have time to post them. (Worth 1,000 words, or so I've heard...)

Still, I probably won't get to this job until about 15 July, so no immediate need for the info.

BTW...the one hour time is with the parts off the car. removal and installation are not figured into that.

~Josh

I'm anxious, too: I'll be doing some rebuilding next week, and it would be a good time to throw in the bushings I've had sitting around.

Guys, i'm going to do my absolute best to get the how-to together this week for you. I've got a show to prep the car for so time is tight....

~Josh

That would be great. The rear end is coming apart very soon, and I'd love some help to make things smoother.