Polyurethane or Rubber Bushings?

[r2t]

Hey guys, I just ordered the lower ball joints for my '01 GM. I also ordered polyurethane control arm bushings but I am concerned with them squeaking, if not right after application, not far down the road. Which obviously I don't want. I want a smooth, quiet ride. I have been reading quite a bit today on non GM cars.

So my questions are:

Do polys wear faster than rubber?

Are the rubber ones pressed in rather than the polys that are not?

Is there a fool proof way (or almost) to ensure squeaking will not be an issue? I have read where some grease every side of everything. Inner shell, inner & outer bushing, inner & outer race. And some that adhere the bushing to the inner shell using a bonding agent stating the bushing should not move, but only the race & bolt within. There was also mention of scuffing the outer part of the bushing.

What type of grease works best for long term lubrication?

I can probably deal with a stiffer, more responsive ride that the polys will bring (GM is by far the most comfortable ride I have owned and my Mustang is lowered and very rigid)

I am trying to wrap my head around this and decide if I should cancel my poly order and get the rubber.

[sly]

you've got it backwards... the poly wears longer than rubber. Even with the poly in place, the ride will firm up, but not be jarring in the slightest. If you completely slather them in grease when installing them, they will not squeak. There is no need to use any adhesives or abrasives... except to remove the old rubber from the shells so that you can replace them with the poly. Poly is pressed into the old shells (no need to remove the old shells from the arms, just clean out the old rubber and press in the new poly - torch preferred except on the rear diff due to proximity to the gas tank).

[SVT98t]

Yup. What he said. +1

-ryan s.

[r2t]

Thx Sly & SVT!

I am a bit spooked about the whole 'poly squeak' thing because of all the frustration I have read online about some not ever being able to get rid of the squeak. Even after loading everything down with syntethic, marine, etc grease. The last thing I want is a loud squeaky ass ride.

[turbo2256b]

The black bushings are impregnated with graphite which helps lubricate.

[Pesty351]

Mine dont squeak if that helps.

[mrltd]

I've had poly on quite a few vehicles. Never had any squeaking.

[Lincolnmania]

get the black ones, they dont squeak

[gadget73]

Don't be chintzy with the grease, you'll be OK. Had poly bushings on my car probably 5 years now, still tight and no noises. It is slightly harsher than the rubber, but its not what I'd call objectionable. I have poly in the Mark VII and it made a much bigger difference as far as harshness and noise goes than it did on the Towncar.

[sly]

mine squeaks... but I doubt it's the bushings... more likely the springs in their seats on the LCAs up front or the old ass ball joints... or something else. There's still no play in any of it, so meh.

of course, I'm not super anal about my car, so it doesn't look the best or sound the best (rattles and squeaks)... but the sound system is awesome and everything works.