RTA Bushings - OEM vs Hardrace

[anzai]

need new RTA bushings and unsure of whether to go OEM or Hardrace

ive read a few threads here and most people say only use oem/mugen/hardrace, and stay away from ES polyurethane stuff..

but no one has really mentioned the difference b/w oem and hardrace

from what ive gathered OEM is more durable and longer lasting, whereas hardrace is stiffer so not as durable

anything else?

[flipfire]

I find OEM is like soft rubber (more comfort) but its weaker and less durable.

[anzai]

oh, i thought its the other way around?

so are you saying that hardrace would last longer?

also taking into account the oem bushings are $96 each...

[Jccck]

oh, i thought its the other way around?

so are you saying that hardrace would last longer?

also taking into account the oem bushings are $96 each...

A stiffer (But not more brittle) polycarbonate is more durable than a softer one.
OEM is soft and comfy (And last like 10-15 years anyway)
Hardrace claim to be stiffer, and i can't imagine they'd ware out quicker than OEM if they're quality parts.

[flipfire]

I tried Energy Suspension Bushings (PU i think) and it was like rock hard rubber (but not brittle) compared to OEM. My OEM bushings had some cuts and tears on it, i dont see this happening to PU bushings.

The new bushings was a lot stiffer, it didnt absorb vibration as well.

[TheSaint]

im looking at replacing the RTAs on my EG8 at the moment - these seem to be my options
OEM and ES would be about the same for durability but ES will be a little stiffer
Hardrace Rubber will be a bit better for durability and a little stiffer again than ES
than Hardrace Spherical Bearing will be a bit stiffer again but have the longest lifetime of them all
the spherical bearing types are alot easier to dial in to center from what i read as well - but they are alot more expensive

OEM > Energy Suspension > Hardrace Rubber > Hardrace Spherical Bearing

[anzai]

need more inputs guys, still havent decided on which rta bushings to get =(

[AndreaCivic]

I used prothane rta bushings on my ek4 as they came with the pin separately so you don't need to retain your OE pin - unlike with the ES bushings...
Maybe have a look at their prices compared to mugen & hardrace. Quality seems good, i cant give an opinion on the bushings alone as I had coilovers installed at the same time..

[charliebrown]

I just had ES polyurethane ones put in. They were $55 shipped so ordered them straight away too cheap! If i was to do it again i'd go with hardrace though since they come with the sleeve thing, much easier to install, just press out and press in. Worth the extra coin imo.

I didn't notice a difference between OEM and ES, and doubt you'd really notice a big difference with hardrace/mugen unless your stock ones are completely rooted. So whatever works out to be cheapest go for it i reckon

[mocchi]

oem is $35usd/ea exc. shipping
52385-S21-003

shipping to AU would probably be $40-50

[anzai]

not 52385-SR3-000 os?

[mocchi]

not 52385-SR3-000 os?

that has been superceeded by s21
there was a service bulletin floating around the intarwebz to replace sr3 with s21

s21 is cheaper by $20usd/ea as well