The Passing Lane Newsletter - August 2010

Why Polyurethane? (aka Poly)

Over the years we have developed ipd Polyurethane engine mounts, transmission mounts and suspension bushings help control drive train flex exaggerated by tired rubber mounts. Ipd polyurethane engine mounts, transmission mounts and suspension bushings also reduce chatter, missed shifts or harsh shifting and improve overall throttle response. In extreme cases, worn rubber bushings can allow enough movement in the power train or suspension to cause serious damage to other critical and expensive parts and worn suspension bushings can lead to serious alignment and handling issues.

Polyurethane is an ideal material for performance suspension bushings, engine and transmission mounts. Rubber mounts and suspension bushings are still commonly used by vehicle manufacturers as they do provide a good compromise between comfort and durability, but in many applications, especially where performance is concerned polyurethane is a superior choice that improves performance as well as longevity.

Increased horsepower, larger wheel and tire packages, stiffer performance shocks and lowered suspension mixed with grit and grime push rubber bushings beyond design limits. Polyurethane bushings are firm enough to control movement and maintain alignment in sway bars, control arms, and other stressed suspension and engine components with much less harshness or resonance associated with solid metal or nylon bushings.

If you are modifying or maintaining your daily driven Volvo or restoring a vintage Volvo, Ipd performance polyurethane upgrades are the best bet for your project.

Heavy Duty Polyurethane Longitudinal Transmission Mount

Most front wheel drive and all wheel drive Volvos utilize a link style transmission mount installed between the transmission and the engine subframe. This mount is designed to limit the twisting torque of the power train under acceleration. The mount has two bushings in it and the larger of the two bushings is very soft and prone to premature failure, which allows the engine and transmission to over torque, stressing other mounts and noticeably reducing performance and shifting smoothness. We have developed an effective economical solution that replaces the large hi void area rubber bushing with a heavy duty full polyurethane bushing. The upgrade is available as a kit (A) that allows you to replace the faulty bushing or as a complete assembled unit (B) for those of you who prefer a direct bolt on part. Pressing out the original bushing is pretty easy and can be done with a medium size vice and hammer. A press is not required. Replacing the complete part takes about 30 minutes with common hand tools, add an addition l5 minutes if you are pressing the new bushing into your original hardware. Instructions are included.

*Kit now includes both the blue, softer durometer bushing insert and the black, firmer durometer bushing insert for the large bushing location so you can choose which bushing is right for you.

Heavy Duty Polyurethane Longitudinal Transmission Mount (Complete Assembly) (location D in image above)

item D in the image above

1993-1997 850 FWD models1998-2000 S70 & V70 FWD models1998-2005 C70 all models2001-2007 S60 and V70 all models2003-2007 XC90 all 5 cyl. models

Heavy Duty Polyurethane Longitudinal Transmission Mount Bushing Upgrade (location D in image above)

Order this part if you want to press out your old worn bushing and reuse the original bracket.

1993-1997 850 all models1998-2000 S70 & V70 all models including all wheel drive.1998-2005 C70 all models 2001-2007 S60 and V70 all models.S80 5 cyl. models 1999-20062003-2007 XC90 all 5 cyl

HD Polyurethane Engine Stabilizer Mounts

This mount is located near the top of the engine on the back side just to the right of center, connecting the engine to the firewall. The original mount requires a special Volvo press tool for installation. Our improved polyurethane material is stronger (we warranty it for life) and the 2-piece design allows for easy installation without special tools. The original mount was covered under the basic Volvo warranty, however we have heard from customers that have had the original rubber mount replaced several times. Our HD replacement can be installed in about 30 minutes with common hand tools.

Upper Engine Stabilizer Poly Bushing Kit