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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum
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Tension strut bushings: M sport vs. Polyurethane
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08-12-2023, 04:08 AM | #1 |
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Tension strut bushings: M sport vs. Polyurethane
Hello,
M-bits in the front end are among the top advised mods. I had my doubts about the tension strut bushing being solid and went with Meyle HD tension struts. They, however, deflect a bit too much for my liking, so I am thinking of replacing the bushings either to polyurethane (80ShA) or m-style. Has anyone tried both? Please share your experience. Similar questions have surely been discussed, albeit usually between standard and harder m3 or polyurethane ones. FYI, polyurethane bushings that I am debating are made by Strongflex. AFAIK they have redesigned them to be two-piece with metal sleeves: |
08-12-2023, 10:43 AM | #2 |
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I would just get monoballs and imo poly are only for stationary mounts like subframe/diff. tried them all on diff cars and just go straight for front monoballs now with solid rear mount as 1st mods
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08-12-2023, 11:14 AM | #3 |
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I used Powerflex purple bushings in my front tension struts. Monoball are likely the optimum solution for steering feel and performance, but at a higher price and possibly wear concerns if they salt your roads in the winter. The Powerflex has an inner aluminum bushing with an offset hole allowing for some additional caster. I installed them for maximum caster. While I do not notice a dramatic change there is no squeeking and no increase in NVH in the 10,000 km since I installed them.
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08-12-2023, 04:29 PM | #4 |
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Glad to know that! Sadly, the roads are far from perfect where I live, lots of salt also.
Polyurethane seems to be a cheaper and (possibly) a longer lasting option than m3 tension struts. The fact that the spindle is not bonded to the bushing, however, raises a question due to possible deflection and wear. |
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08-13-2023, 06:21 PM | #5 |
Cometh
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I ran monoball tension struts briefly. Incredible precision, feel and steering response unfortunately ruined by any slight imperfection in the road. The increase in harshness was unbearable for a daily driver. Ended up going back to M3 tension struts which are a happy medium.
What is wrong with the solid rubber bushing on the M3 tension strut that polyurethane addresses? The angle of the mounting location makes me wary of polyurethane |
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08-14-2023, 01:20 PM | #6 |
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https://psbushings.co.uk/?gclid=Cj0K...8aAm15EALw_wcB
Unbelievable improvement running these in the tension strut. Absolutely stopped the front end skipping. Can't reccomend PSB enough! |
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08-15-2023, 03:15 PM | #7 |
postimus minimus
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TRW M3 tension arms from RockAuto were a phenomenal upgrade to my 1 series.
I have Dinan mono balls in my M3 which are awesome as well, I get zero additional NVH with them and can never understand the complaints from the non-M cars... same with solid subframe bushings. Can't go wrong with either. |
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08-29-2023, 04:20 AM | #8 |
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So I opted for M3 bushings fearing that polyurethane, albeit responsive, will not be comfortable in the long run.
I started feeling the frot shudder when going over bigger bumps. I am sure I torqued both ends of the tension strut to spec with preloaded suspension. At the moment I can't lift the vehicle to inspect the suspension, but everything before that was in order. It's a bit naive to expect a diagnosis from such a short video, but any suggestions are welcome. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gJYsnTrbeWA |
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