steering and suspension Front poly bushing questions

[2002Targa]

So,

redoing my front bushings with the IE kit (big kudos to them, shipped 2 days after late night order).

 

First question, whats the general life expectancy for a set of poly bushings?  The ones in the car are all either dryrotted or "wallered" out. 

 

2nd question, the control arm bushings are obvious, but with the front IE bushings, which side goes forward, fat or skinny??

 

Thanks,

TK

[peterschop]

I did rubber but if you are talking radius rod, fat side goes to the front.

Edited May 30, 2015 by peterschop

[roadhog0]

Honestly, I have forgotten which side goes where. I'll try to remember to crawl under my car and look today. As far as life expectancy I would say 10-15 years depending on the conditions that the bushing is living in, it could even be longer than that. I've had many dry rotted urethane bushings come through my hands (old truck springs) so I know they have a life. A big part of it is keeping them lubricated!

[2002Targa]

Thanks

[AceAndrew]

Peter's right.  Long side on the front.

 

As long as you go in every couple years to lube them up (use a good dielectric grease), urethane will have a similar life expectancy as oem rubber (as nate said 15 years-ish).

[2002Targa]

Thanks Ace,

I think I kind of went overboard with the lubing.  The kit comes with 2 blisterpacks of grease, I used 1.5 of them just on the left side.  I just ordered an 8oz tub of "poly" grease from amazon. 

Really appreciate the input and the quick turnaround!!!

 

Thanks,

TK

[roadhog0]

You can usually just buy something like "Sil-Glide" at your local auto parts store. Works good!