Front axle suspension Rapid wear of rubber bushes

[XJ12HE]

Hello all,
On my E-V12 2+2 I have to replace the rubber bushes on the front lower wishbones at least once a year.
Within a year the lower wishbones move backwards and crush the rubber beads of the rear bushes. The front suspension then becomes noticeably uncomfortable with cracking noises.
During assembly, the outer washers have a stop due to the smaller bore and are limited by the castellated nut, which is tightened to 13 mKg.
It makes no difference whether I fit the front or rear bushes first. The result is always the same.
I have no idea what I could do differently or better to prevent this premature wear.
I must also mention that I have set a very large amount of caster.
I have found that the poly bushes wear the fastest. During the last repair I fitted the Barratt rubber-metal bushes. They seem to be more durable,
I hope you can give me an explanation and a fitting method for a permanent remedy.
Michael Gleiss

[ptjs1]

Michael,

Have you been fitting proper genuine Metalastik bushes?

There are plenty of cheap bushes around for as little as £2.75. Many of them are rubbish and quickly wear out. Proper Metalastik ones will be at least £12.50 each.

Paul

[XJ12HE]

Hi Paul,
I have the expensive ones for €26.00 each from Barratt

Michael

[ptjs1]

Hi Michael,

If you're knocking out genuine metalastik bushes in 12 months, you might want to start looking at the other elements such as:

- Wheel bearing play
- Wheel balance
- Toe alignment
- Camber alignment
- Caster alignment
- Brake grab /play
- Balljoint play

Good luck

Paul