As I am killing time waiting for delayed parts to complete the rear end re-build, I decided to finally get around to swapping out the IPD anti-sway bar bushes on the front bar.
I will not say for sure that these are the cause of the graunching/groaning I get from the front suspension, but after reading elsewhere that the fix was to use Energy suspension 1" greasable bushes I decided to give them a shot. Having already re-grease the 'New' IPD bushes multiple times (requires removing them and they suggest to do this every 6 months) I never got more than 200km before the noise returned.
Well, I have now replaced them with Energy Suspension items, but will have to wait to see it there is an improvement.
What I did find was that like the back bar, the bushes are fitted over powder coating, which rubs off and then allows the bar to rust under the bush. What I thought was a knurled finish was actually rust. I have now cleaned this off and put the new bushes in.
But to the point of being told the grease nipples would not be accessible, here is a couple of photos to show they are:
- Energy Suspension anti-sway bar bush in place
- Energy Suspension anti-sway bar bush in place (2)
- Energy Suspension anti-sway bar bush in place (3)
A couple of point I would make though.
1) Having a flexible grease pipe on the grease gun makes this possible, but I am going to get a 18"-24" flexible pipe as it will make using the grease gun much easier.
2) I have contacted Energy Suspension to find out if the nipple can be swapped out for a 45 or 90 degree nipple which will make access even with a grease gun with rigid pipe possible.
Final point, I am not sure what the grease is they supply, but man-o-man is it some seriously sticky stuff! Make sure you wear gloves using that stuff!!
Funny though, the IPD and Energy Suspension bushes are almost identical. Hm...!
Neil.
