Alternative shock bushings

[jbcollier]

Those stupid #@%& AVO shock bushings don’t last very long.  The originals failed after being mounted on the car before it had even been driven!  AVO acknowledged they had a bad batch and sent me a new set for free.  At 9K, the front uppers started failing.

I have ordered these replacements instead:

https://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/p/heavy-duty-suspension-bush-for-avo-coilovers-avo-ra2-bb

For you hardcore-crazy types, there are these:

https://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/p/replacement-spherical-bearing-circlips-for-avo-coil-over-dampers-avo-com8

Just something to keep in mind if you have AVOs — which are otherwise excellent shocks.

[BDA]

I don't have AVOs but I've considered them as a possible alternative at some point. I appreciate the update!

[EuropaTC]

9K isn't a very reasonable life, is it ?  I know they are cheap enough to replace but that's not the point, you'd expect them to last for years on any normal car.

I don't know if it would work with AVOs but when I refurbished my Europa several years ago with (supposedly) OEM dampers I replaced the rubber bushes with the metal/rubber composite bushes that you use for the front wishbones. They obviously don't have as much rubber in them but they are tough and stayed working until I bought the Protech dampers several years later.

Brian

[Certified Lotus]

JB, I had a similar situation with my front upper  AVO shocks on my Elan S1. The rubber crumbled to pieces after a couple thousand miles. I contacted Dave Bean about this and sent photos and a sample. AVO said it was the first time they had seen this but supplied free replacement bushings. So far the new ones are fine.

I have AVO coil overs front and rear on my Europa. Will be watching them.

[FrankWissman]

Has anyone tried poly parts from Energy Suspension? I don't see an exact match for a 73 TC, but we are willing to cut 'n drill as needed.