Hardrace bushing install


J

jason e-ek4

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Dec 12, 2007
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What's up guys. I installed a set of Hardrace bushings to my EK4 rear suspension last weekend. There were 16 bushings to be pressed in after testing the car, it feels absolutely terrific in terms of response. makes the front feel sloopy by comparison. The back rides better, it doesn't crash anymore and the only parts of the rear i can feel now are the wheels and tired stock shocks. However, while reassembling, i found that it was impossible to get the toe back to its intial setting of 0. Instead, both sides went toward maximum toe in terms of adjustment.
One thing to note is the construction of the Hardrace bushings. There are made from rubber which has a durometer that's 150% higher than stock. The trailing arm bushing in particular is made very strong, i could hardly move it. Don't know if this was why i couldnt get the toe back. It's not made solid like the ES bushings, but is shaped like a modified stock one. i have to change the bushings/arms at the front so until then i am not going for an alignment. But i am concerned that it might not be possible to get the wheels back into the correct position. does this usually occur when upgrading the bushings? i need some help here. Thanks.
 
I was thinking about these today.

How has it effecting the ride in regards to comfort?

Don't fancy doing my geometry again..only done it a month or so ago.
 
Somehow, before the install, i had a lot of confidence in the bushings. They are well made and had no problems being pressed in. Yesterday, i took my son and wifey out for a ride and she told me she could feel no difference in terms of ride comfort. The car felt the same to her after last riding in it on Friday night. Obviously, she doesn't know what to look for lol but a plus is that the car was not riding more harsh, just firmer. :nice:
 
THE TRAILING ARM BUSHES IN STANDARD FORM HAVE A SLOTTED HOLE ON THE MOUNTING POINTS WHERE THE BOLTS GO THROUGH THEM,
SEE HERE:

Trailing%20bush.jpg



CAN`T REMEMBER IF THE HARDRACE BUSINGS RETAIN THIS SLOTTING, SEE AN AFTERMARKET BUSH WITHOUT SUCH PRENOUNCED SLOTTING HERE:

88-01HondaTrailingArmBushing.jpg


IF NOT YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE THE HOLES SLOTTED WITHA SUITABLE FILE / ROTARY TOOL.

GOOD INFO HERE ON REPLACING THESE BUSHES,,

How To: Quick/Easy Civic/Integra Trailing arm bushing replacement (also ES Poly Vs. Mugen) - Honda-Tech
 
Thanks for pointing that out. Taking apart the suspension last weekend really thought me alot about how the rear suspension works. I can confirm for sure that the Hardrace trailing arm bushing also has the slotted hole as seen on a stock bush. The difference in design is the shape of the rubber and its stiffness and not the metal portions of it. I didnt take any pictures of the new bushings from the side so infortunately i cant show you guys how it is shaped.
 
jason e-ek4 said:
Thanks for pointing that out. Taking apart the suspension last weekend really thought me alot about how the rear suspension works. I can confirm for sure that the Hardrace trailing arm bushing also has the slotted hole as seen on a stock bush. The difference in design is the shape of the rubber and its stiffness and not the metal portions of it. I didnt take any pictures of the new bushings from the side so infortunately i cant show you guys how it is shaped.
Click to expand...

i got some in a box at home readyto install on mine i will take a photo at the weekend if i remember,, :nice:
 
I fitted Hardrace bushes throught on my car and they are great!

Although i went for Mugen RTA bushes as they are only slightly stiffer than stock, the Hardrace RTA bushes like you say are MEGA stiff so i opted against
 
I'm thinking of replacing the Hardrace trailing arm bushings with mugen as well. but i'll do that a bit later down. but for now, the back of the car feels really good other than the need to get the alignment done. this weekend i'm looking to install the bushing/balljoints at the front. looking forward to a better ride :nice:
 
Hi guys bit of a thread revival but its relavent and I know some people here have done this job so...

Went to get my alignment done and discovered that my RTA bushings are pretty much shot so thinking about replacing the full set with hardrace items.

Just wanted to know from those of you that have done it how hard is it to do and advice on tools needed. I dont mind working on my cars but I dont want to bite of more than I can chew.
I might possibly be able to take some parts into work and use a press there but I dont really fancy taking the RTA off and cant figure how I would press that in/out without a special sized cup as I would only have basic flat drifts.

Just to note I will be sending my car for a professional full alignment after I complete this as I would definatly not be confident that it would be remotly correct after Ive done that.
 
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RTA bushes you don't need a special tool, about 90% of garages will use a large hammer to both remove the old ones and fit the new ones
 
Cheers steve I'm not really suprised that is the prefered method. I'll have a think and might just do it myself over a few evenings and another way to work for a week or so.
 
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