View Full Version : Upgrading Alternator bushings to solid
El_Raul_Turbo_Freak
12-04-07, 06:11 AM
As we all know polyurethane can not take the heat, stock rubber does not like the heat but it will last longer than polyurethane. I live in Arizona and I have to keep changing Alternator bushings every two years, this design just plain sucks. Am thinking of installing solid bushings, some VWs have the same diameter solid brass bushings, so I might use those. I wonder if stock alternator will like the the engone harmonics, maybe it will go bad sooner then?
ShadowWorks
12-04-07, 06:20 AM
I know what you mean, the answer is;)
You need a stiffer swing arm:lol:
I would not use solid bushes, the vibration can reduce the life span of the alternator, thats why the bushes are needed to cushion or absorb there vibration energy, small wonder they wear out.
I would recommend a custom made heavy durt top swing arm and interferance fitting silicone bushes, they can't wear out so fast
If your very handy you could just make a new and better alternator mount.
Breakin5speeds
12-04-07, 02:09 PM
it would not be the alternator I would be worried about, it would be the bracket, they are very thin and fairly fragile around the bushings
I've used custom made aluminium bushes for the lower mount without problems. Only difficulty is when the lower mount screw is tightened up, the alternator is unable to swivel. The belt tensioning screw would therefore require to be tightened up sufficiently before tightening the lower screw, which can be a challenge.
Poly alternator bushes have been under my driver's seat for quite a while. now Do they last any longer than the stock ones?
Matthew
12-04-07, 06:17 PM
How about nylon bushings as a compromise?
El_Raul_Turbo_Freak
13-04-07, 03:17 AM
Poly alternator bushes have been under my driver's seat for quite a while. now Do they last any longer than the stock ones?
Poly does not like heat. They will melt.
ShadowWorks
13-04-07, 05:10 AM
Poly does not like heat. They will melt.
That must be weird kind of polyurethane bush to melt, you sure its not a knock off?
El_Raul_Turbo_Freak
13-04-07, 06:56 AM
That must be weird kind of polyurethane bush to melt, you should its not a knock off?
IT is known that polyurethane brakes down with heat, the alternator bracket gets hot as the engine 200f, I know for fact that even best quality poly can not stand 200f. It is know fact, I have used poly bushes and thats what happens, am not talking out of my *** ser
TheRedBaron
13-04-07, 02:31 PM
Yeah polyurethane supposedly is only good for 180-200degrees farenheit, tops - you're probably best off getting a little silicone or something similar and fashioning some bushings with a drill or punch and a lathe. Then you can forget about it :D
ShadowWorks
13-04-07, 02:48 PM
Ah your in Sunny Arizona, I am Sunny Scotland, I don't get close to those kind of under bonnet temperatures;)
Why would they be manufactured then? I don't believe that they are going to melt down.. I have also been advised to get the Superflex ones by a person who has already used them. Perhaps it has to do something with the fact that we are far up in north...
i'd say that in the grand scheme of things changing out a couple bushings isnt that big a deal. use stock ones and dont fret it.