I am replacing the stock lower control arm bushings in my 63 Riviera with Energy Suspension polyurathane ones. I have removed the old rubber bushings leaving the outer metal sleeve in tact. While trying to fit the new bushings It looks like the OD on the Energy Suspension bushings are the same OD as the outer metal sleeve. I greased the sleeve as well as the bushing and it still does not seem to fit. Both the instructions and Energy Suspensions website state "You Must Re-Use The Outer Metal Sleeve". Has anyone encountered this problem before and have any suggestions?
Yes, and I stuck a bolt through them and turned some of the OD off in a lathe after getting no help over the phone... Not right, but they won't press down like rubber will.
You would think that the bushings would fit right in being Energy Suspension has always had a good rep. I guess it's off to the lathe!
Called Energy Suspension this morning and was put on hold forever. Someone answered and then hung the phone up before saying anything. Great customer service! LOL! I guess it's time for Plan B.
Go to Plan C: buy new RUBBER bushings at your local NAPA and forget all about urathane for the front control arms. (They'll squeak eventually anyway)
If you do stick with the urethane, be sure to use the special grease made for that material. If everything is right, they will give much freer movement than the stock type...
I finally Got a hold of someone at Energy Suspension and they told me that the lower control arm bushings were discontinued due to fitment problems and that they were not in demand. He also had asked me where I purchased them from because they were not suppose to have sold them to me. When I contacted the seller they told me that they were on back order from Energy. Their story was true. I later looked at the packing slip and the bushings were drop shipped from Energy. I will probably never deal with energy again due to there poor customer service and the fact that they lied to me. Never the less I had the bushings machined by Steve at Hock Precision in Reseda, CA and they fit perfect.
I just bought a set for the rear end on my 66 chevy and they fit perfect. Thanks for the scoop on there customer service. I'll never call them and buy the stock rubber ones next time.
I just bought a set for my '59 El Camino.. I hope I don't have the same issues. The outer shells have to be used with the 59 -64 Chevys, too. I was told to use the torch, to burn out the old bushings. I hate that smell..
For what it's worth. I took a drill and used a small bit so I wouldn't damage the outer shell and made a few holes around the rubber. I used a flat blade screwdriver and picked out the rubber until there was Just enough missing to expose the inner sleeve. I then sprayed WD-40 into the rubber bushing and let it sit for a minute. Then using a pair of Vise Grips I grabbed the exposed part of the sleeve and twisted it out with little effort. After removing the sleeve I used a wood dowel to push out the rubber bushing Leaving the outer shell in perfect shape. I later took a fine piece of wet & dry just to clean the outer shell a little. If you have to machine the two piece bushings make the rear ones about 5 thousands smaller then the fronts or you will not get them in the outer shell. The front part of the shell has that beveled collar which makes it easier to press in. FYI. All the other Energy Suspension Bushings and boots that I used on the front end fit perfect. Hope this helps!
BINGO. Just did the same fer my rear control arm's on the('61) Bubble Top. I like the improved ride baby! You worked through the problem, way to be.
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