strut rod bushings

[eagleman]

Got my new strut rod bushings today from Rockauto. Moog part number K3090 and they look very nice Except! The one washer appears at least to me to be backward! There are two heavier washers that are facing the right way but the two smaller washers look backward. Having a hard time trying to figure how they are supposed to work like that. Looked at the instructions and they also show the two smaller washers at least to me as backward. Was wondering if any of you have used these and if so were yours the same way. I may be nuts but they sure look backwards to me!

[AMC of Houston]

The one that looks like an umbrella covering the rubber goes toward the front of the car (toward the control arm).   The one that looks like an umbrella that's been blown inside-out in the wind goes toward the rear.   Also, the washer on the front one should have "this side towards front" (or something like that) stamped into it.   

Also be careful when you tighten up the big nuts.   Its very easy to NOT get the steps on the bushing into the bracket holes!!   I just replaced a set on my gremmie due to the PO doing just that.

And be sure whoever aligns it does not loosen the big nuts too far; as the steps on the bushings can pop out.  I do my own alignments (yes, I have an alignment setup on my 4-post lift), and when adjusting the caster you should tighten one big nut as you loosen the opposite nut.  That way the bushing can't pop out of its little step in the strut rod bracket.   Make sense??

[eagleman]

Yeah it all makes sense and thanks! Just don't understand why the rear washer is backwards. At least to me anyway.Like you said a umbrella turned inside out describes it well. Seem like it should be like the front one.

[AMC of Houston]

Yeah; don't know why they did it that way either.   Maybe so the washer doesn't "pinch" the rubber when it pivots as the suspension moves -- who knows.   The front one gets all the force put on it, so that washer is probably shaped like it is to try to keep the rubber from splitting as it gets beaten and squashed when hitting bumps and braking.

[Baskinator]

Yes, the bushings are supposed to be like that. Some other guys established in my project thread that these are a "problem solver" part, which Moog does with a lot of their products.

This is the driver side, and it should be the OPPOSITE of what is pictured. I put them on backwards, and still need to switch them. Also, I would suggest slathering the insides with anti-seize lubricant. It prevents squeaks, and the sleeves won't rust tight to the bar (like my old ones did).


You should also check the brackets they are attached to. If the holes are worn out and egg shaped, it would be best to replace the bracket to prevent further wear.

[eagleman]

Hey thanks guys.I believe tomorrow the ole girl is gonna get her new strut rod bushings and her new steering stabilizer.Wanted to do it today but the honey do list got in the way.Now that,thats done I got time to play with my other love and this one never complains but she sure likes my money, what little I have or did have. Oh well I love them both anyway. Thanks again!