Swaybar bushings

[ROX]

I was just wondering if anyone in the world sells aftermarket swaybar bushings. I got in my rig this morning, and the tire rubbed on the swaybar really bad. When I measured from side to side, it is about 1 inch out of center. (it moved to passenger)

I went to the parts store and tried to get a set of Energy Suspension swaybar bushings, but apparently they don't make them for the h2 anymore. I called a couple of 4x4 shops and they don't sell any either. Of course the dealership needs the car for diagnosis and parts ordering, so there's two days.

Has anyone ever found an aftermarket set? (I searched here, but only found two threads)

Thanks in advance

H2R

drivers side

[ROX]

passenger side

[HummBebe]

Could this be a part of your front end issues???

[ROX]

It's the front bushings mounted up against the frame. (in the middle of the swaybar) I was looking around town today, and on the internet and Energy Suspension doesn't have any for an H2. ??? I figured they were the same as any other part for a Chev/GM truck.
My swaybar links, behind the tie rods, were replaced a month ago. Those bushings no longer existed. This trouble is brand new, like I drove it on Sunday, and noticed it backing out of the driveway the next morning. I did pull a heavier load than normal over a cra p p y road though.

My dealership said they could have stock ones sent in for 19.00/each.
I kinda wanted the ones you can grease. The dealership had another name for the part. I think it was anit sway sleeve, or something. sorry can't remember.

I had hoped that I could get the grease-able synthetic kind from Energy Suspension and be done with it ...

[ROX]

Originally Posted by HummBebe

Could this be a part of your front end issues???

no, more like another failure due to the fact that the dealership only replaces one part at a time, instead of being pro-active and heading off potential problems at the pass. I fired them. They no longer work on the front of my H2. (unless it's really expensive) I'd like to....rrrrrrrrrrrrr.nevermind.

My new idler arm is goofy again, I'm looking for more beefy idler/pitman solutions too. And the steering linkage. I'm starting from scratch!

Cognito or Moog?

[CO Hummer]

OK, I'm gonna take the simpleton approach here. Why does it matter of the sway bar is cocked over to one side by and inch? What performance problems does this cause? My front sway bar is 1-1.5 inches to the passenger side, has been for years. It's even polished from the rub of my old stock tires. It's never bothered me and I haven't noticed any poor performance.

My theory is that I'll just go until the bushings fall off and the bar disconnects. I can still wheel it home, then replace them. What am I missing here?

[ROX]

Well for one thing, if it's centered your wheels won't rub if you run the BFG muds, and will only rub slightly with the AT's, and if the bushings are good they won't squeak all the time.

Your theory of drive it till it drops is sound. Reminds me of another Colorado Hummer driver I know

I was wondering if anyone has replaced theirs lately and what kind did they put on? I can't seem to find the Energy Suspension ones Phil is talking about. It's like they discontinued them.

[PARAGON]

Originally Posted by H2 Rocks

My new idler arm is goofy again, I'm looking for more beefy idler/pitman solutions too. And the steering linkage. I'm starting from scratch!

prease explain

it's not the arm itself. I can talk someone through a potential solution if you or Trent want to give me a call. It's half-assed radical but is somewhat non-permanent. Of course, since I don't have this problem, I have not tried this.

[dochummer]

Originally Posted by H2 Rocks

if the bushings are good they won't squeak all the time.

Is this the squeak you get when you hit little bumps while driving down the road, or when turning corners? I've noted that something in the suspension has been squeaking when doing that, and can't figure out what it is. I also get a nice faint squeak when taking long turns - it sounded like brake pads, but the mechanic says those are fine...I'm hoping it's not CV joint related....

[CO Hummer]

Originally Posted by dochummer

I also get a nice faint squeak when taking long turns - it sounded like brake pads, but the mechanic says those are fine...I'm hoping it's not CV joint related....

Doc,
I've had a faint squeak like that from Day 1, primarily when I turn left on wide curves in the road.

I spent tons of time working with MedVed Hummer to figure out what this was. They even flew a tech out Am General. They used stethescopes, etc, etc and had my rigs for days at a time.

The final answer was "we don't know" and "it's within acceptable noise tolerance so we're not going to do anything about it".

Personally, I think it's a fluke with the steering column - where at certain angles it hums sort of like a tuning fork.

[PARAGON]

Originally Posted by CO Hummer

Doc,
I've had a faint squeak like that from Day 1, primarily when I turn left on wide curves in the road.

I spent tons of time working with MedVed Hummer to figure out what this was. They even flew a tech out Am General. They used stethescopes, etc, etc and had my rigs for days at a time.

The final answer was "we don't know" and "it's within acceptable noise tolerance so we're not going to do anything about it".

Personally, I think it's a fluke with the steering column - where at certain angles it hums sort of like a tuning fork.

so, are we talking squeak, clunk, thud, bump, knock, chirp or what.

[CO Hummer]

Originally Posted by PARAGON

so, are we talking squeak, clunk, thud, bump, knock, chirp or what.

For me it's a high pitched squeal, sort of faint.

[dochummer]

Originally Posted by CO Hummer

For me it's a high pitched squeal, sort of faint.

Same here, when taking turns at about 10+ mph. but mine didn't start until this past month. The other sound I get, when hitting bumps on the road would be described more like a "chirp" and faint, not too loud...

I've been listening to talk radio more often lately instead of the music, that's probably why I hear the noises now...

[ROX]

Originally Posted by PARAGON

prease explain

it's not the arm itself. I can talk someone through a potential solution if you or Trent want to give me a call. It's half-assed radical but is somewhat non-permanent. Of course, since I don't have this problem, I have not tried this.

Well, after only about 4000 miles my new idler is starting to rock on the centerlink. After a recent alignment, I noticed the castor adjustment bracket is at the end of travel again. (not sure if it's related, but I assume it is) I was hoping to fix this by putting on a Cognito support bracket and idler arm, as well as their pitman arm. I wasn't sure if the Moog stuff is better though. Isn't that what everyone replaced their Fabtech stuff with?

Was thinking of trying this: http://www.cognitomotorsports.com/02...t_assembly.htm

and this: http://www.cognitomotorsports.com/02...tman_idler.htm

What do you think of that?

The more I learn about the front end the more I wonder if my torsion bars are still as stiff as they were when they were new. I usually check the height on all 4 corners of the car while it's running, after the air suspension has cycled and stopped. It's still at 42.5 inches off a level floor, all the way around, so I'm not sure if the torsion bars are an issue, yet. Why does it feel so squishy all the time? I rode in someone elses 03 hummer a few weeks ago and when they came to a stop, the front end hardly moved. Whats up with that?

BTW, I'm still looking for new swaybar bushings and can't locate any that aren't stock.
Phil, I left you a message at Trailduty.

[ROX]

Originally Posted by dochummer

The other sound I get, when hitting bumps on the road would be described more like a "chirp" and faint, not too loud...

That could be dust inside the shock boot.

[dochummer]

Rox, could the extra weight from the winch be causing it?

[ROX]

Originally Posted by dochummer

Rox, could the extra weight from the winch be causing it?

When did you get a winch? I doubt that's what causing the squeak unless it's not tight on the front. Is it cradle mounted? If it is, they will move around inside the front receiver and clunk when you hit big bumps and stuff. I fixed that by running the cable over to a tow hook and tightening it down. Just make sure the cable is not under the winch or it will get pinched if you bump against a rock.

[Big Z]

Who Has a Lathe, a stock set of Bushings, and some Raw Poly!??

[ROX]

Originally Posted by Big Z

Who Has a Lathe, a stock set of Bushings, and some Raw Poly!??

I've got him working on something else right now.