[s-cars] Re: subframe connectors

[steve powers]

Fair question.

Please remember that these are subframe bushings, not control arm bushings. 
Most of the time when people say "Delrin bushings", they're talking about 
control arm bushings. I'm not.

I've had the car since new. I drove it when it was at its "finest". Yes, my 
bushings were worn when I replaced them. I think they are now at least as 
good as then were when new. I have every confidence that they will retain 
this feel for longer than any rubber bushing.

Remember, Audi designed things they meant to warrant. We're all taking 
chances here with any non-OE part we put on these cars. This, IMHO, is a 
fair and reasonable risk to take.

Your willingness to take risks may vary... ;)

sp

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Peter Schulz" <pcschulz at comcast.net>
To: "steve powers" <steve at thepowers.net>; <mlped at qwest.net>; "'Bill Clancy'" 
<clancybill at yahoo.com>; <s-car-list at audifans.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2004 1:55 PM
Subject: Re: [s-cars] Re: subframe connectors


> At 04:44 PM 5/19/2004, steve powers wrote:
> >Alex Neckas is making them. I have some of his prototype units on my car.
> >
> >The kits are $250 and include:
> >     - (4) Delrin bushings for subframe
> >     - (4) OE replacement bolts
> >     - (2) OE steel sleeves
> >     - (2) OE bushings (for rear)
> >
> >As I indicated earlier, the turn in is greatly improved. You don't get 
> >the
> >feeling that the car isn't quite responding. The ride isn't noticeably 
> >more
> >harsh. Seattle isn't known for it's quality city streets. If I keep my 
> >tire
> >pressures at 34-36, there is little (if any) effect.
> >
> >It's easiest to reach Alex via email: staff at intendedacceleration.com. He
> >says that kits would be 2 weeks out. He's been spending a bit of time
> >focusing on improving the front end suspension of these beasts. He has 
> >some
> >interesting things in the works.
> >
> >I'm satisfied with mine. Hope this helps!
> >
> >sp
>
>
> Steve:
>
> Are you comparing performance of new delrin to that of old (worn) factory
> rubber bushings?
> It's not really a fair comparison.
>
> New factory bushings will also have a positive effect in improving 
> handling
> and turn in.
>
> Personally, I might look at a factory style rubber based bushing with a
> harder rubber durometer before going to the rigidity of delrin.
> I believe that the audi engineers used the rubber bushings to build in 
> some
> compliance in the overall suspension system.
>
> When you remove this compliance, you may be shifting stress elsewhere into
> the lower suspension or chassis.
> However the likelihood of delrin subframe bushings causing this is much
> less than in a moving member ( like the lower front control arms).
> There was a big push a number of years ago for the 80/90 CQ crowd to
> replace the control arm bushings with delrin.
> In this case it led at least a number of documented failures of the 
> stamped
> control arm, and I believe that there was one or more failures of the type
> 44/C4 style lower control arm with a delrin bushing.
>
>
> -Peter
>
>
>
>
>
> Peter Schulz
> 1990 CQ (perpetually awaiting S2 3b engine transplant)
> 1991 200 20v TQW indigo mica
> 1991 200 20v TQW titanium grey
> Chelmsford, MA USA
> peter at audifans.com