Squeaky suspension bushes on a '91 mx5

Technical Area Steering & Suspension
2

My rear wishbone inner bushes have started squeaking since they were last adjusted.  They are worn and will be replacing with urathene but in the meantime, how can I keep them quiet without killing them

Seached for how to fix this:

  1. Brake fluid - nono
  2. White lithium grease
  3. Water  based silicon spray.
     
    No f/b on 2 & 3 found. Can anyone give a definitive answer with actual product name to use, pref well known brand like holts/wynn etc that I can get in Cape Town.
     
    thanks
    Mark
     
3

Try WD40, it will not damage the rubber bushes, good for dry fan belts also.

Mozza

4

 Isnt that paraffin based? I thort petroleum products on rubber were a no-no.  It would probably wash off fairly quickly too.  
You can get a belt dressing for renewing drive belts, it works quite well, makes them look shiney and new and unlike WD40, increases the friction required to drive the pullys so they dont slip.  Cant remember the name of it of hand but im sure most shops will sell it.

5

Hi Squid, This is a bit late, internet went on the blink.

No, it is not paraffin based, the formula has been a secret since 1953. WD40 is one of the best products that I have used. It will preserve rubber and is safe to use on most componets, its main property is a water dispersant. I have been using it now for 40 years as a motor mechanic, it also leaves a protective coating which helps to stop aluminium from tarnishing.

Mozza

6

Holts rubber and nylon spray lubricant.

7

 Why is brake fluid a no no, it’s in contact with rubber seals etc in the brakes, isn’t it?

8

 For one it loves to remove paint, which could make the squeking worse when the bare metal rusts and second it is water soluble so would wash off.

9

 You are probably right in what you say but he only wants to stop the squeaking for the short term as he is going to replace the bushes. I guess he would clean and repaint the all the metal parts before fitting new bushes anyway. Or maybe not.

10

Im hoping to not make more work than is necessary, so anything that damages paintwork is out.  A sequel to this question would be, what grease to use when fitting the new bushes…

11

 

Hi Squid,

You can get hold of rubber grease which is generally used during assembling brake cylinders etc, but you will not go wrong with Pete’s suggestion of Holts rubber and nylon spray lubricant during the assembly process. You can attempt to stop the current squeak if you do not have any WD40, Duck Oil or Holts by using some good soapy water and hand soap such as fairy, works in some cases, but does not last.

Mozza