Steering Bushing lube

[striker308]

When I replace my poly lower steering bushing, what lube should I use on the steering column and inside the bushing?? I've seen references to graphite and WD-40.

Thanks,

Karl
1976 TR7
1982 VW Scirocco

[Henk]

My bushing came with a sachet white grease.

Henk

1980 TR7 US Convertible
1978 Mini Clubman Estate

[Rich in Vancouver]

I certainly wouldn't use WD-40 for anything other than freeing seized fasteners (and there are much better penetrating oils available for that job) The problem with WD is that it mostly solvent and leaves very little lubricant behind. I would be inclined to use either white grease or a Moly Lube.(assuming they are compatible with the poly)
For a spray lubricant I use Tri-Flow which has a teflon base.

Cheers,
Rich

1975 TR7 ACL764U

[Hasbeen]

I don't know of any polly bushes, which are not SELF LUBRICATING, &
I have never used any lube on any of them.

As any type of grease will attract dust, & turn into a cutting
paste, I would only use something dry like graphite powder, if I was
to use anything.

Henk, I wonder if yours came with that grease because they are
different to the normal poly bushes, or because the supplier thinks
the customer expects to use grease? What did they look like?

Hasbeen

[Henk]

Hasbeen,

It is a darkblue polyurethane bushing from superflex, the grease is white assembly lubricant was supplied in a sealed bag.
I believe it was made in AUS too.

Henk

1980 TR7 US Convertible
1978 Mini Clubman Estate

[Hasbeen]

Thats the ones Henk. I have fitted quite a few of them having owned
four 7s & one 8, most of which required many bushes.

As I said, I have never used any any lube, other than a puff of
powdered graphite, to aid assembly. I have not had any wear out
either, but I'm only up to 20,000 Km on any of them.

If your kit comes with grease, I'd have to seriously consider using
it.

Hasbeen

[Beans]

The grease looked very much like an anti seize compound to me so used it between the bolts and the stainless steel inserts, see if they come of in ten years time [8)]



<center>
<font color="blue"><i>1981 TR7 FHC Sprint (better known as 't Kreng)
1981 TR7 DHC (not very well known yet, but back on the road)
Also a 1980 TR7 DHC, 1980 TR7 DHC FI, 1981 TR7 FHC
http://tr7beans.blogspot.com/</i></font id="blue"></center>

[striker308]

Thanks everyone for your input. My lower steering bushing is the dark blue one, but I didn't receive any lube. I will follow what Hasbeen said and install it without any lube.

Thanks,

Karl
1976 TR7
1982 VW Scirocco

[grndsm]

I installed my blue bushing without any lubrication and I will have to go back and lube it! It makes really loud noise! [:D]

Hasbeen, I am surprised that you haven't use lubrication on polyurethane bushings. Energy Suspension (a very popular supplier of poly bushings in US) includes a specialty grease (it is clear and VERY thick) specifically to be used on ALL of their poly bushings. If you do not use it you are likely to end up with creaky suspension.

As for WD-40... it is NOT A LUBRICANT!!! So do not use to lubricate anything!

Leon
'94 Eagle Talon AWD Turbo 613whp <powered by Mitsu 4G63T
'80 TR7 Spyder GS-T <undergoing Mitsu 4G63T transplant
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2472999

[Henk]

I can't myself imagine that graphite is bad for the bushing.

Henk

1980 TR7 US Convertible
1978 Mini Clubman Estate

[samco]

I have rebuilt my rear suspension with poly bushes (dark blue) and used no lubricant. On the advice of a previous thread I did not tighten up the bolts until the car was sat on its suspension but now every time i get in and out of the car whilst working on it, it creaks and groans. Firstly when you tighten up the bolts do they pinch onto the metal insert holding it in place? If so when the suspension moves which bit gives as the new poly bush appears to have very little give. Whereas the old bush actually had voids in it and it was obvious how it worked. Surely the metal insert does not rotate around the bolt as it is not a bearing surface. Has anyone had experience of creaky suspension with poly bushes and if so what is the cure if they are suposed to be self lubricating

If it doesn't fit you obviously need a bigger hammer.

www.metronewquay.co.uk www.wheelintheheel.co.uk

Check out my album

http://s163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/samco_bucket/

My youtube progress http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kMDqLU1N7Y



1980 Californian import converted to right hand drive V8. Under construction.

[striker308]

I want to thank everyone, especially Jclay and Hasbeen. I got the bushing in.............what a PIA!!! I did the boil in water trick, seemed to help a little. However, it just......boiled down to (ha,ha) a lot of pushing and kneading. Now to take a spin.

Karl
1976 TR7
1982 VW Scirocco

[striker308]

Wow, what a difference that makes.......now for the next project!!

Karl
1976 TR7
1982 VW Scirocco