Daizen bushings: First reactions...
#1
Daizen bushings: First reactions...
So last weekend, i finally found time to install the Daizen bushings i ordered. I got their front and rear sway bar bushing kit, and their steering rack bushing kit. It was a very easy install, however, i cant make that statement universally, because im a technician and have a rack to work on, etc.. But i beleive that any capable person who has some tools and jack stands could do this job.
The front bushings are the easiest. Simply remove the gravel shield, 2 bolts on each bushing, and removed the bushing. grease up the new bushings and slide them over the bar and reinstall them with the stock hardware. Very simply.
The rear bushings are easy as well. No shields to removed, just 2 bolts on each bushings, and slide the bushing off of the bar. Now, the new bushings do not have a slit cut in them, they are solid. I beleive they want you to take off the swaybar endlinks and slide them over there. I found it easier to just cut your own slits (in a straight line! with a razor blade). And then they just slide right over the bar (after lubing them), and reinstall with the stock hardware.
The steering rack bushings are easier than i thought, but would be harder for someone in their driveway. You have to remove the subframe bracket, i beleive its 6 14mm bolts. Remove all 4 bolts for the steering rack (if you dont feel comfortable here.. dont do it!). You have to pound the old bushings out of the rack (on the drive side of the rack) and the bushing on the right side is self explanitory, it just slides around the rack. The new bushings on the left side are a 3 piece design, 2 bushings and a collar that goes through the middle. After lubing them, they slide in fairly easy. Reassemble with the stock bolts and hardware, and you're ready to go!
My first impressions... The car is a lot tighter! My steering wheel was NOT off center after messing with the rack, so i was very happy with that. The car is a lot more stable, with less body roll, in corners. And the majority of the dreaded steering wheel vibration i had previously was gone. I can honestly say that i am very happy with the 85 bucks i spent for my sway bar bushings and steering rack bushings. Less than a 100 bucks, and makes a world of difference! Great alternative to those of us who cant afford 500+ for new swaybars
The front bushings are the easiest. Simply remove the gravel shield, 2 bolts on each bushing, and removed the bushing. grease up the new bushings and slide them over the bar and reinstall them with the stock hardware. Very simply.
The rear bushings are easy as well. No shields to removed, just 2 bolts on each bushings, and slide the bushing off of the bar. Now, the new bushings do not have a slit cut in them, they are solid. I beleive they want you to take off the swaybar endlinks and slide them over there. I found it easier to just cut your own slits (in a straight line! with a razor blade). And then they just slide right over the bar (after lubing them), and reinstall with the stock hardware.
The steering rack bushings are easier than i thought, but would be harder for someone in their driveway. You have to remove the subframe bracket, i beleive its 6 14mm bolts. Remove all 4 bolts for the steering rack (if you dont feel comfortable here.. dont do it!). You have to pound the old bushings out of the rack (on the drive side of the rack) and the bushing on the right side is self explanitory, it just slides around the rack. The new bushings on the left side are a 3 piece design, 2 bushings and a collar that goes through the middle. After lubing them, they slide in fairly easy. Reassemble with the stock bolts and hardware, and you're ready to go!
My first impressions... The car is a lot tighter! My steering wheel was NOT off center after messing with the rack, so i was very happy with that. The car is a lot more stable, with less body roll, in corners. And the majority of the dreaded steering wheel vibration i had previously was gone. I can honestly say that i am very happy with the 85 bucks i spent for my sway bar bushings and steering rack bushings. Less than a 100 bucks, and makes a world of difference! Great alternative to those of us who cant afford 500+ for new swaybars
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