Thread: Bush lubrication

Anything that isnt going to break down the rubber would be fine. I use silicone spray on rubber / plastics. It's also great for removing squeaks in dashes, interior trim on Defenders, Discos. But watch out as some brands say cant be used on rubber / plastics. I noted these are the ones that have a citrus smell or some other "pretty smell" additive in them.

Lanolin spray is also safe to use on rubber / plastics, but not a great smell for interior use.

Cant think of anything that dust isnt going to stick to though, at least with the use of silicone sray, the dust is easily removed.

Regards
Daz

Never had a sqeaking rubber bush since a leaf sprung vehicle , sure its those bushes ?

Sent from my GT-I9300 using AULRO mobile app

Originally Posted by loanrangie

Never had a sqeaking rubber bush since a leaf sprung vehicle , sure its those bushes ?

Sent from my GT-I9300 using AULRO mobile app

I am not sure really; probably more likely shockers than the other suspension parts, but I sprayed the top & bottom shocker bushes & all the other ones I could easily get at without jacking up the vehicle, & it is certainly squeak free at the moment.

The reason I thought it was suspension related was the fact that recently I was driving with the squeak evident, & then it started raining big-time, & within a minute or so, the squeak stopped as the rubber bushes got wet.

I had previously suspected door seals, but treating them with Autoglym trim & Bumper made no difference at all.

I am going to try Lanox, which is the lanolin based version of Inox, when the bushes start to squeak again, as this is OK for rubber according to their MDS.

Cheers,

Lionel

Keep in mind the possibility that the squeak is metal on metal contact somewhere. Maybe caused by a damaged rubber bush and /or a mount damaged or bent. This could have been caused by a shock load at some stage. Anything that lubricates the squeaking spot may temporarily stop the symptom but probably not the cause.


I once had the bottom of a rear shocker pull right through its mount on the axle. Damage obviously originally started with a mishap the first owner of the vehicle had. Repair I did was too good in one respect. Hole in thick washer welded on was a bit small. Then after rubber bushes got a small amount of movement, shocker shaft in it started squeaking. Was only obvious where the annoying squeak came from after I undid it and checked for metal to metal contact.

I think you are on the right track. But have you actually inspected all the shocker rubbers top and bottom? It a simple job to loosen and inspect the bottom bushes. The tops are a little harder as they are pushed into the shocker mount point.
Anyway, have a look and if the bushes don't need replacing give them a liberal spray with your chosen lubricant, I use white grease in a spray can. Tighten up and road test. Should be ok.
Also, have you checked the big 32mm nuts at the ends of the trailing arms? If slightly loose they squeak and if slightly looser they clunk! Well worth running a spanner over the lot actually.

Originally Posted by mox

Keep in mind the possibility that the squeak is metal on metal contact somewhere. Maybe caused by a damaged rubber bush and /or a mount damaged or bent. This could have been caused by a shock load at some stage. Anything that lubricates the squeaking spot may temporarily stop the symptom but probably not the cause.

Quite possible!

I will check all the shocker bushes when I have time - in any case, the shockers will need replacing soon. There is no sign of any damage to mounts, but, as you say, one of the bushes could be damaged.

Cheers,

Lionel

Had same annoying squeak... turned out to be the bonnet hinges - lubricate the metal pin/ plastic bush thingos, took me ages (a year) to find

This is open to the rain too...

Sam,

When you've got a second set of hands available, just lift the bonnet off and give both sides (pin and bush side) a thin smear of anti seize like copper grease. Attracts very little dust and will last a very long time in the rain and even power wash.

Did mine when I replaced the hinge bolts with stainless steel ones 4 years ago and the grease is still there with no adverse effects.

Cheers,

Lou