2G Suspension bushings in 2023

[aaronth777]

I have a '98 GSX and I love it, but it's getting very hard to find factory parts anymore. My rear suspension is shot and I need to go through and replace most of the rubber bushings. The main issue is finding rubber bushings to replace the 3 worn ones on the knuckle. Every thread I found recommended energy or prothane bushings, but I couldn't find any rubber replacements. Is polyurethane our only option now for bushings (other than solid bushings)?

This is my daily driver so I'm trying to keep it as streetable as possible. Energy bushings seems like the next best thing, but I've heard they don't last as long and get destroyed when you have to regrease them after a few years. Prothane is easier to install and last longer, but I've heard they're too harsh for daily driving. Anyone have any advice?

 

[Michael Helsel]

I know this thread was posted a while ago, but I'll give my opinion. I installed the full prothane polyurethane bushing kit on my 2G about two years ago I believe. Honestly the nvh wasn't super noticeable. What is noticeable is the amount of noise they make if you don't grease them about once a year I'd say. I also have noticed a wear pattern in the front lower control arm bushings I don't really like. It looks like the bushing holes have been stretched out slightly from the back and forth movement of the arm. It's not extreme or anything, but my brother pulled some new OEM arms off his car to convert to Volk and I put that style back on my car, rubber bushings and all. The most concerning thing however, was snapping the rear trailing arm. I can't be sure that's related to the poly bushings, but it is concerning. It happened sometime during a tail of the dragon trip where I drove pretty hard.

New video · Thursday, May 19, 2022 🎬

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[Dericsh]

I know this thread was posted a while ago, but I'll give my opinion. I installed the full prothane polyurethane bushing kit on my 2G about two years ago I believe. Honestly the nvh wasn't super noticeable. What is noticeable is the amount of noise they make if you don't grease them about once a year I'd say. I also have noticed a wear pattern in the front lower control arm bushings I don't really like. It looks like the bushing holes have been stretched out slightly from the back and forth movement of the arm. It's not extreme or anything, but my brother pulled some new OEM arms off his car to convert to Volk and I put that style back on my car, rubber bushings and all. The most concerning thing however, was snapping the rear trailing arm. I can't be sure that's related to the poly bushings, but it is concerning. It happened sometime during a tail of the dragon trip where I drove pretty hard.

New video · Thursday, May 19, 2022 🎬

Tap to view!

photos.app.goo.gl

What’s your procedure for re-lubricating them? Is it a total R&R again?

 

[Michael Helsel]

What’s your procedure for re-lubricating them? Is it a total R&R again?

It seems the design is for the sleeve to rotate in the bushing, so I just slide the sleeve out, put the grease into the channels in the bushing and slide the sleeve back in. Way easier than the original install.