westvalleyxj

I have a 4.5 RC X series kit that was put on about 500 miles ago. I have the adjustable upper and lower control arms with the flex joints. After about 200 miles I noticed a loud clunking sound in the floor boards. I did a check and the flex joints on the controls arms upper and lower were worn out on the drivers side. No big deal, called up RC and told them the issue and they sent me a rebuild kit for both sides upper and lower. Replaced just the drivers side and tada, no more clunking. After about 100 miles I start hearing it from the passenger side. Rebuilt passenger side and wouldn't you know, no more noise. All is fine for about 150 more miles and drivers side is making noise at the control arm again. Is this normal for these bushings to go out this fast or is there a bad batch of polyurethane bushings going around? They were all properly greased with synthetic grease like they recommend and everything was properly aligned at an alignment shop. Any input on this would be greatly appreciated. Wouldn't mind calling up currie and getting some johnny joints but would need to get proper sizing. Thanks.

rweaver138

i've heard their bushings are awful, but they shouldn't be going out THAT fast. I'd give them another call and figure out whats going on, or buy better bushings from somewhere else

Badmunky

Pics of failed parts please.

westvalleyxj

Any suggestions on new bushings?

westvalleyxj

Pic won't give you anything to work with. They look fine but, it is as if the bushing kind of breaks in and doesn't stay tight around the joint.

PingPong

Are these poly bushings.. or flex joints? I have a couple of questions.. if they are poly bushings. ARe you installing the sleeve inside bushing? Are you using the right size bolt? Lastly are you tightening it correctly? ANy of these conditions can cause failure....If the problem continues.. I would switch suppliers.

westvalleyxj

They are RC's "FlexJoints", or a very close resemblance to curries johnny joints. Here is a link, http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep_xj_4x.html
They are made out of what seems to be polyurethane.

PingPong

Gotcha.. are you adjusting them properly when you assemble them... they have PLastic/delrin pieces on the outer part of the flex ball.

Daltonamorph

Ive had mine on for right at 5,000 miles so far and have no problems. Maybe you got a bad batch

westvalleyxj

I grease them and tighten it until the two bushings hold the joint in place, then tighten to the next notch in the spanner nut to lock it in place. Is there another way to adjust it? All it comes with is a snap ring and a washer for the one side of the joint, then two urethane bushings, a joint and a spanner nut to squeeze it all together. I don't know of this plastic delron piece you are talking about. Maybe I'm missing something.

RENIXBEAST

IIRC There should be a torque spec for those. I had to rebuild my RE flex joints and remember calling customer service to get the specs.

lolz_jeep

get sum from rustys

PingPong

See post below

Exactly

Really come on... he has a RC product.. not a CRUSTY's Item.

freegdr

x2

Gatchmo5710

same here.