energy suspension sh

[shaynezrl]

Have anyone replaced the suspension bushing on your zr1? I noticed most of the rubber bushing on my Z have lots of cracks. I was thinking of replacing it with Energy suspension with polyeurothane bushing. Have anyone changed it on their car and how is the ride after the installed?

thanks
shayne

[Pete]

I just finished installing Energy Suspension through out my Z for the same reason you mention.
Haven't driven it yet.

Pete

[UKZR1]

Done mine last winter. Done a few thousand miles on them since with no problems, squeeks etc. Can't comment on the ride difference as I fitted coilovers at the same time.

If you have access to a press that will really help.

[shaynezrl]

aaahh ..thank you for the advice.

shayne

[Pete]

I took it for a drive and what a differance over bumps it's more stable doesn't jerk thru out the whole car.
More solid feel in the steering and more precise handling.

Should've done it a long time ago.

Pete

[shaynezrl]

I took it for a drive and what a differance over bumps it's more stable doesn't jerk thru out the whole car.
More solid feel in the steering and more precise handling.

Should've done it a long time ago.

PetePete,

How difficult is it to replace all of the bushing? did you have it done or did you did it yourself? Great to hear that your project went well.

shayne

[Pete]

Pete,

How difficult is it to replace all of the bushing? did you have it done or did you did it yourself? Great to hear that your project went well.

shayne


I did it myself.
You need a press,a lift would be a plus (i have a 2 post lift) and some big sockets.

Pete

[UKZR1]

I did all mine as well. I held off buying a press and managed to nearly all of it using a large vice and ising my pilar drill to remove the old bushes. I started at the rear and finished up on the fronts last. - the upper A-arms in fact and of course they have to be done in one go and wouldn't fit in a large vice so I had to go and get a press anyway and have been kicking myself for not getting one sooner ever since.


I also fitted poly's in the diff carrier. That was the hardest job - getting the oem bushes out was a real pain. There is a special tool for it. In the end I had a guy where my mother works fabricate a tool for me.

[Jeffvette]

Shayne, it's fairly easy, if you have the right tools. The guys are right on in saying you need a press.

If you don't have a need for press again, most shops will be willing to do all your bushings for you if you just bring in the parts.

The upper carrier bushings are fun (insert crazy smiley) It's easier if you crack the diff case open and just have the bat wing assembly by itself. And then replace the fluid in the diff after you seal it back up.

The fronts are a little tricky as well, as one of the lower A-arms bolts is inserted well backwards. The factory never had to deal with the frame when the put the cradle together. So when you try to back a bolt out, it hits the frame. You just need to remove the K-rail to get it out.

[shaynezrl]

Hi Jeff,

thanks for the advice. I went out and bought the kit from the local speed shop here today. It is the complet kit from Energy suspension part # 3.18122r. It sound pretty intimidating but i got a friend that ASE certified mechanic thats gonna help me out. I'll probably do most of the wrench passing :). How is the brake project coming along?

thanks again
shayne