2fasst

iTrader: (6)

I'm looking to replace some bushings in my Z. Since my vehicle is a street-only vehicle I don't a more comfortable/quiet ride.

I know polyurethane (Energy Suspension) bushings are known to squeak if not lubed and can be harsh.

Are Whiteline bushings any 'softer' then Energy Suspension? I'm also considering hardened rubber bushings offered from HardRace.

Any inputs appreciated.

thanks..

dvo

iTrader: (26)

just get oem replacement bushings if you're worried about noise and comfort.

Trevor Hebert

In for this. Im thinking of changing my bushings also.
I seen Z1 sells the energy kits for a decent price. Worth the money?

sidewaysil80

iTrader: (2)

If you want durability, ease of installation/replacement, and a boost in handling...go with urethane. The harshness with standard urethane bushings (white line/ES) is BARELY noticeable yet the increased feel and tightness is quite apparent.

Get the ES master bushing kit, throw away the front compression bushings and spend the money on the white line versions. They are properly designed to allow articulation/movement which will allow them to last longer/create less wear on other bushings. The ES ones are solid hunks of urethane with no play. Everything else is good to go in ES master kit. If you plan on rear diff, get SPL or something solid. Urethane ones have failed due to design/material.

PS
Just do a cost comparison. It may be cheaper to buy everything through white line, vice mixing it up. IIRC people where complaining about the lack of firmness with the white line hence I went ES and bought the white line compression bushing. But I don't think the price difference was major.

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

White line is a lot better quality , better engineered , and properly selected for hardness over the ES bushings.

sidewaysil80

iTrader: (2)

Not that I'm doubting you but do you have anything to back that up? I searched for awhile prior to going with the ES kit as I had heard murmurings along the lines of what your saying. However, I couldn't find ANYTHING on the matter.

2004Black350z

iTrader: (37)

I'm looking into replacing mine as well. My car is DD and never tracked so I haven't decided yet

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

Being a professional aircraft mechanic and a turning wrenches on cars for over 20 years , it's just my analysis. Best way to form the opinion of you own is install a set of each in a car, you will see the difference in quality.

350ZZJoe

iTrader: (2)

I am also on the fence between Whiteline and ES bushings.

I recently replaced my worn OEM compression arm bushings with the Whiteline bushings. Instantly noticed much sharper steering and less front end wiggle going over bumps at speed.

I need to do the front lower control arm inner and shock mount busings (they are blown!!) but I can't decide between ES and Whiteline.

2fasst

iTrader: (6)

Thanks for the responses everyone, especially terrasmak and sidewaysil80.

I currently have SPL endlinks and spl LCA bushings. Although quality is great and steering precision is excellent, my weekend vehicle will soon be driven my lady as a daily driver so I'm planning to convert my ride to 'as stock-like' as possible.

Jason

Trevor Hebert

Does WhiteLine sell a complete master kit like ES?

2004Black350z

iTrader: (37)

No master kit. Have to buy individual pieces. I say 1k or more. I was told by a few vendors the ES are lot louder then whiteline

guitman32

iTrader: (15)

^1K?!?!

All Whiteline prices pulled from Z1:

Lower Comp: 107
LCA Inner: 53.95
LCA Shock: 49.95
Rear Lower Trailing Arm Outer: 35.15
Rear Lower CA Outer: 49.50
Rear Lower Shock: 49.50
Rear Upper Trailing Arm Outer: 38.46

If you want the Whiteline rear subframe and diff over solid pieces:
Diff Bushings: 98
Upper Inserts: 49.50
Subframe: 149

Total: 680 plus shipping.

Edit, just checked Whitelines site, these are the additional bushings that arent sold by Z1 (or that werent listed on their site - probably because these are the bushings on the arms themselves, which if you go aftermarket come with the units):

-Front UCA inner (69.90 Whiteline MSRP)
-Rear lower trailing arm inner (44.90 MSRP)
-Rear upper trailing arm inner (59.90 MSRP)
-Rear lower CA inner (59.90 MSRP)

So, you werent that far off after all...

guitman32

iTrader: (15)

So far no one has really commented on whether there is an appreciable hardness difference between the Whiteline and ES...one that will affect handling.

From Z1 site: "Whiteline Plus...bushings provide the softness needed for street driven, low vibration, noise and harshness characteristics, while displaying extreme abrasion, tear and cut resistance, and near-zero compression set at a lower durometer reading of 70-80 (versus most poly bushings 100+ rating). In addition, Whiteline Plus polyurethane bushings are able to be bonded directly to the metal shell, which provide a method of flow control giving the bushing the characteristics of soft ride while on smooth roads, and when under cornering pressure cause the bushing to become firmer for improved suspension performance.

Whiteline Plus Overall Benefits:
Ride quality of softer rubber, with the performance of ultra firm polyurethane."


I did some research, it seems most threads beat around the bush on Whiteline vs ES and end up concluding that the ancillary drawbacks are usually the deciding factor (road noise, squeaking). If Whiteline simply doesnt deliver in the performance arena (non-dedicated track use vehicle, nt01 level tire - please leave solid bushings out of this discussion) compared to ES...one would be more inclined to go ES except for the few where Whiteline is definitely recommended (eg compression arm).

If their pitch above rings true however, then the decision is easy, Whiteline all around.

l2iceman

iTrader: (8)

Does this apply to the whiteline kit, which is sleeved to avoid deformation?

guitman32

iTrader: (15)

About the whilteline compression rod bushings, they are hollow walled...its a thick layer of rubber on the outer and the inner sides, and in the middle there is a void that you can see a bright light shining on the other side...obviously they are closed in by the thick base of each insert...so the combined support from the upper and lower on the race is larger than if it were a single piece bushing.

I didnt take a picture but they are not completely solid. An interesting way to introduce compliance into that area.

Edit