Lower wishbone bearing 216903 vs Superflex 0868KSS

[RichardHyde]

Hi, does anybody have any experience / feedback on using the Superflex bush 0868KSS rather than the original bearing 216903 inserted into the lower wishbone UKC1698 ?
Thanks, Richard

[Toledo Man]

I've had this very bush fitted on my 1850 without any issues. The late great Jon Tilson would've disagreed but as far as I'm concerned, the SuperFlex part is a direct replacement.

[Richard the old one]

I will attach a photograph which shows the difference.

I would stick with the original design if it is still available.

If you decide to fit the poly type I have found it is very difficult to push the old original type bush out. The trick is to use a relatively small drill to drill out as much of the original rubber as possible before you attempt to push it out.

[Richard the old one]

A correction it was training arm bushes that caused me a problem when it can to getting the old ones out. Luckily I was told about drilling them out by the local Triumph 2000 group.

[Carledo]

There should, in theory, be no difference in performance between the 2 designs and indeed the Toledo uses (if still in original fitment) a bush and sleeve arrangement almost identical to the poly version. Chris Witor sells a poly version of this specifically FOR the Toledo.

But I have to say that I have, of necessity, replaced lots of worn out Toledo inner bushes (more recently with Poly) over the years whereas the rosejoint style bush fitted to Dolomites seems virtually indestructible, i've changed only a handful in almost 50 years. And then, usually, the dust shields will have been left out or disintegrated from corrosion. I'm not saying the Poly conversion will disintegrate at the same rate and i've not been using Poly Toledo bushes long enough for a fair test. It's more of an observation!

So my advice is, as usual, if it aint broke, don't fix it! If your original type bushes don't display play or perishing leave them alone.

In common with a lot of folk on here, i'm not in favour of indiscriminate total replacement of all bushing with Poly, just "because I CAN" preferring to cherry pick the most important and frequent wear bushes and leave the rest in stock rubber to maintain some compliance in the ride. This particular bush is right at the bottom of the list of bushes i'd replace with Poly, both in terms of need AND difficulty of the job! I'd rather seek out a NOS lower arm!

As an aside, the dust shield for the Dolomite arm is NLA, but a credible replacement can be adapted from the similar items in a Triumph Herald/Spitfire lower trunnion bush kit.

Steve