I'm planning on replacing some suspension parts soon and I think I'll start with a full front and rear bushing set from Energy Suspension. I really have no idea what condition mine are in at the moment, but I was curious to hear from anyone who has done a full bushing replacement on their 8+ year old RX-8 - particularly with polyurethane bushings.

Was there any noticeable difference in the way the car handled? Any increase in vibration with the polyurethane over the stock rubber ones? My car's handling has become noticeably "harsher" over time, and it seems more difficult to control on uneven surfaces. I know all kinds of things are affecting handling, but the major components appear to be in good shape.

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated, as usual!

 

Just finished mine this winter!

I replaced all my rears with megan racing arms, 2 ball joints where bad plus the cost for the bushings and new hardware etc.... basically broke even on me You will still need the trailing arm bushings (The rear bushings are also the hardest to get out and you will likely mark up your arms badly doing so).

The fronts I used powerflex on the upper control arm and on the lower control arm, but they only provide 1 out of the 3 needed for the lower control arm so I replaced the other two with OE bushings from Mazmart.

Also put in speed source subframe bushings and poly diff bushings.

Check the last couple pages of my build

 

Great build thread, thanks for the reference! Man I wish I had a lift at my house...

Not looking forward to doing the rear ones!

Still looking for impressions on handling improvement or other observations when just replacing these bushings.

 

Can't help you on the ride quality yet, waiting to get the front end back together and then get it aligned and corner balanced.

But if you need anything how the how-to portion let me know.

 

Not fun on the street....but nice and tight for the track

The compromises we face in our daily Builds

 

Yup, we have it tough!

Only thing I did not do this winter, that I will be adding is a diff brace as well which I recommend.

 

The OE bushings are better than urethane aftermarket, nobody will ever listen ..