Bushes

Hi, I'm about to (finally) change my wheels from 17 to 18", but I'm a little worried about the ride afterwards. Although I live in the middle of town in 2008, the roads around me are more akin to 1808 (now I'm sure I could make some connection here between Dick Turpin and my council tax, but I won't). I had another go in a very new 997 (less than 2k miles) at the weekend and I noticed that it does not crash and bash over the bumps like mine does. Now my car has led a relatively sheltered life, it's an 03 with 40k and never been tracked, so I very much doubt the suspension has gone and I do appreciate that it's very unfair to compare the two, but it has got me thinking that I probably need to replace something in the set up. My local Indy has identified that my previously noted crashing noise (see other thread) from the front is the (sorry can't remember the exact name) triangle shaped part of the front suspension (almost certainly damaged by the f* pot holes around near me) and I'm sure this will improve things a little bit. But I'm wondering what else I can do to improve things slightly (excluding replacing shocks and springs), so I'm thinking about bushes. Has anyone ever had these done and did they make any difference please? Cheers, GD PS The local OPC said my rattling back end was the baffler in the exhaust. The Indy said that it wasn't and all that was required was the exhaust tip to be tightened. I tell you, OPC really take the biscuit sometimes.

Got my rear bushes done about a month ago and it definitely makes a diffence. The car doesn't feel quite as clunky going over holes and feels a lot less 'bouncy' than it did on ***** roads.

eddiek-62, would you mind me asking how much they cost? I've a feeling that mine have gone. Waiting for the report from JZM when it goes in for servicing next month...might as well prepare myself for more pocket surgery! Taran :frustrated:

Getting new springs and dampers installed by center gravity next weekend, so have learnt a little about this stuff (but i mean a little !) You can buy new bushes for the front and rear track control arms. See porscheshop.co.uk for the OEM ones. In addition to OEM, other manufacturers make higher spec ones - eg Powerflex. In order of increasing stiffness/tightness/hardness: OEM, Powerflex purple, Powerflex black. As with all mods, I suspect a well setup car with a well setup driver that tracks 10x p.a. would deffo notice the difference between OEM & PFlex black. I doubt a little pikey like me will. Also - a town car that never tracks prob doesnt need PFlex black as the car would feel stiff (apparently). Center gravity will remove old and fit new bushes (c.2.5hrs work front, 2.5hrs rear). I spoke to others (GT-One) who wouldnt do it, saying they just replace the whole track arm. I dont know cost of new arms, so not sure which route is cheaper. I opted to replace anti-roll bar bushes at the same time (2 front, 2 rear) as they cost c.£10 each. Camtune told me there are 3 types of squeaking noise you can get from shocks/suspension, which indicate different problems. 1) squishing = usually roll bar bushes 2) creaking = aw balls, i've forgotten already. Sorry.

I might have some 'bush' problems too then :? I get a small squeek from the rear when pulling away. Sometimes happens, sometimes doesn't. Thinking it may be bushes or a

Cheers Wagon. I suppose i'll wait for JZM to let me know what they think is the prob (if any?). I'll report back once i know. I've noticed the car "skip" at the back -just slightly- on a couple of occasions...any of you had similar occurings? Taran :?:

Don't have the bill to hand but I had three jobs done at the time and the total bill was £163. My recollection is £23 quid for the bushes and £80 to fit them but I'll dig out the bill tomorrow and find out for sure.

recently got whole car powerflexed at centre of gravity along with x74 kit fitted, so every bush front and rear, springs and shocks all round and anti roll bars changed. different car completely, rides bumps a lot better, even though much stiffer, and car much less unsettled by potholes etc and no real crashing anymore, but won't totally make up for our s**t roads, especially in glasgow can't really comment on what difference each individual bush change has made due to so much work taking place at once but every time i get back in the car i realise what a difference there is. had the car on the track last night and took two seconds off my best lap even though running into a strong wind up the main straight which took 6 mph off top speed!! give center of gravity a phone or email and let chris talk you through what you need done don't have split on individual costs but it was much cheaper than i expected it to be and workmanship second to none hope this helps andy