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Are poly bushings too stiff for daily driving?

10145 Views 34 Replies 23 Participants Last post by  Steve-O
I have a ES master kit for my EF that has yet to be installed but it will be going on the same time as my rear disc conversion and Skunk 2 Pro S coilovers.

But now im having second thoughts about going poly as I would like to still have a decent ride while im driving normally. Is it going to be too stiff and bumpy?
how is the ride quality for those who have this kit installed?
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No, only if you swap out the rear trailing arm bushing. NEVER go poly for that one. As for the rest, don't even think about it. All the cars I've ridden in with poly bushings feel tight, not stiff.

I don't have them installed on my car, but I am about to. I have driven a 96 with them master kit installed and it wasn't harsh at all in my opinion. Drove great.
yep i already have the OEM rubber bushings for my RTA's so no worries there!
Why are the RTA bushings a big no no?
ive read that the poly RTA bushings dont allow the arm to move within its natural range of motion which can cause them to seize up. someone correct me if im wrong.
ive read that the poly RTA bushings dont allow the arm to move within its natural range of motion which can cause them to seize up. someone correct me if im wrong.
I have energy suspension rta bushings, they have been on my car for over 2 years and I have never had one single problem with them "siezing" They made a huge difference in the handling of my car. I have taken my car to the track countless times for auto x etc and never had one single issue with them.

As for the whole master kit? it is all about personal preference. Some might say that it is not comfortable enough. As for me, I dont mind it one bit. I love the feel of my car.
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Worth every penny, just make sure to grease the crap out of them when you install them.
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Worth every penny, just make sure to grease the crap out of them when you install them.
X2 some of those fuckers are tighter to get in than a virgin.
I am slowly going poly on my girls ride. I have the master kit on my Integra no problems and I love them. Let me know how the S2 pro coilovers work for you. I have heard they are very well matched to each car.
I too have the RTA poly bushings... I never had any problems, and it improved the feel of the suspension too.
I three have RTA and have had no problems, I had a stage where they were squeking for a while but that went away. The whole kit made a incredible diffrence, I had to raise my car up after install cause everything was stiff but after awile it loosened up, Good Luck
ive read that the poly RTA bushings dont allow the arm to move within its natural range of motion which can cause them to seize up. someone correct me if im wrong.
This can be true but with proper maintenance it's not a problem. You need to keep the poly bushings greased up. If it gets bound up then the arm can't move laterally and can make the car handle dangerously.
This can be true but with proper maintenance it's not a problem. You need to keep the poly bushings greased up. If it gets bound up then the arm can't move laterally and can make the car handle dangerously.
Hi,

Can someone explain to what's RTA? Also, when u mentioned that the bushing need to be grease, u mean when one is doing the installation or after the installation also must do greasing? Thanks in advance for any input
Hi,

Can someone explain to what's RTA? Also, when u mentioned that the bushing need to be grease, u mean when one is doing the installation or after the installation also must do greasing? Thanks in advance for any input
RTA = Rear Trailing arm

And you grease them during installation so they actually go in without much effort.
RTA = Rear Trailing arm

And you grease them during installation so they actually go in without much effort.
make sure the big metal pin through the center of the rear trailing arm bushing stays lubed up so the bushing can slide along the pin.

I don't know if pin is the right word but here's a pic of mine...
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The RTA is a 50/50 thing. Some people say it's fine, some people say it binds and can cause snap oversteer. Personally, I choose to err on the side of caution because i'm not trying to squeeze every little bit out of my car, it's a DD. On a track car, I would probably do the poly RTA and see what happens.
NOPE!
make sure the big metal pin through the center of the rear trailing arm bushing stays lubed up so the bushing can slide along the pin.

I don't know if pin is the right word but here's a pic of mine...
Hi,
Yr rear disc look very nice, any idea where to get them as I am thinin gof changing my rear rotor for my D16Z6 ride?
I also have RTA puly bushings, another option is megan racing, they put out some that arent completley solid but are pliable enough to not bind.
I have energy suspension rta bushings, they have been on my car for over 2 years and I have never had one single problem with them "siezing" They made a huge difference in the handling of my car. I have taken my car to the track countless times for auto x etc and never had one single issue with them.

As for the whole master kit? it is all about personal preference. Some might say that it is not comfortable enough. As for me, I dont mind it one bit. I love the feel of my car.
:werd:

couldn't have said it better myself...although had i tried it would be 100x as long :p

i have every bushing that ES makes for the 95 civic and i love them. i dont notice this snap oversteer or anything of that nature but i also have a 21mm front sway bar, illumina shocks, progress sport springs (2" drop) and all four tie bars so that might be a factor.

guess i just learned how to drive my car the way it is :TU:
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