Check your Torque Tube Bushings -Today! (PICS)
07-29-2007, 01:20 PM
#1
Race Director
Thread Starter
Check your Torque Tube Bushings -Today! (PICS)
I picked up a vibration under load a couple weeks ago. Probably started when I left 2 16 inch wide/75 feet long black stipes in front of Willfulone's house. 
I drove it easy and figured out it was probably the torque tube bushings. Friday, I took it down to Ed Hutchings at Automotive Technologies (Supporting Tuner) and we pulled it down. Here's what we found.
I probably could have broken the rear one in half with my hands.
Interesting that the stock bushings were made in Germany - same as the replacement BMW bushings we used.
Drove the 180 miles back home with no vibration and I was able to get on it a couple times - felt good.
I drove it easy and figured out it was probably the torque tube bushings. Friday, I took it down to Ed Hutchings at Automotive Technologies (Supporting Tuner) and we pulled it down. Here's what we found.
I probably could have broken the rear one in half with my hands.
Interesting that the stock bushings were made in Germany - same as the replacement BMW bushings we used.
Drove the 180 miles back home with no vibration and I was able to get on it a couple times - felt good.
Last edited by WKMCD; 08-01-2007 at 04:59 PM.
07-29-2007, 01:33 PM
#3
Race Director
Thread Starter
Since I don't track my car at all, I left the stock (10mm bolt) TT in there and just went with the front and rear rubber BMW bushings. Mods below:
07-29-2007, 01:37 PM
#5
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Nov 2003
Location: Tampa Fl
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St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
That bucket of bolts couldnt put down 75 feet of rubber if the rear was locked and being pulled by a tow truck 
Plus, Chip said he left those marks after installing the new valve covers.
Hows Ed doing?
Plus, Chip said he left those marks after installing the new valve covers.
Hows Ed doing?
07-29-2007, 01:41 PM
#6
Race Director
You have big torque numbers and that's what twist those bushings. I opted for the 2001 and later tubes that have the 12mm bolts.
Gorgeous car by the way. Love the white with black accents.
07-29-2007, 01:41 PM
#7
Race Director
Thread Starter
Just be glad that at your power levels you'll never have to worry about anything like this and your rear tires should last forever.
Last edited by WKMCD; 07-29-2007 at 01:48 PM.
07-29-2007, 01:51 PM
#9
Race Director
Thread Starter
Thanks, I looked around and the couple that I saw must have been made of gold for the $$ people wanted. These bushings were 10 years old with 44k on them. I think I'll be fine on this "Gentleman's Cruiser".
07-29-2007, 01:55 PM
#10
Race Director
Hehehe.......now you know why I went with the ECS u-joint replacment program
The way I drive, that will be 1 less issue for me to deal with
The way I drive, that will be 1 less issue for me to deal with
07-29-2007, 01:57 PM
#11
Race Director
Thread Starter
07-29-2007, 02:06 PM
#12
Melting Slicks
07-30-2007, 02:59 AM
#13
Jacks996
Member Since: Sep 2005
Location: eagle mountain lake tx
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Hi kevin,
Do you still have a 3.90 rear in your car? looks like you almost ripped the bushing apart. Must be a factory defect, you drive it like an old lady.
Do you still have a 3.90 rear in your car? looks like you almost ripped the bushing apart. Must be a factory defect, you drive it like an old lady.
07-30-2007, 05:18 AM
#14
Team Owner
I noticed that the bushing you showed in your pic says Made in W. Germany. West Germany hasn't existed for quite some time now so man that bushing must be old! 
07-30-2007, 06:55 AM
#15
Race Director
07-30-2007, 07:18 AM
#16
Team Owner
07-30-2007, 07:56 AM
#17
Melting Slicks
07-30-2007, 04:59 PM
#20
Burning Brakes
Oh, No! Those bushings look just like the "flex discs" on my wife's old Mercedes. I hate changing those things, gotta drop the entire exhaust.
Never knew the Vette had them too. You just ruined my day!
DG
Never knew the Vette had them too. You just ruined my day!
DG