So I replaced all the accessory bushings on the last TB change, but the alternator bushings aren't lasting very long. Happened on two cars, the symptom was squealing alternator belts out of the blue, the bushings were cracked and falling apart. Recently replaced them on brick 1 (93), bushings were three years old. Now brick 2 (92) has the same problem, bushings are 2 yrs 10 months old. They are the IPD blue poly type. I am getting ready to do another TB change on brick 1 and have some more poly bushings ordered (maybe I'm a little slow...). Any ideas? Thanks!

If you lubricated them with a petroleum based grease or oil it might explain why they failed. Polyurethane should be lubricated with a silicone grease.

Hi,

I have noticed VERY slight deformation in them (URO Poly bushings) on my 92 245. I replaced the original bushings about 3 years ago. I figure after another couple years they may need changed which then I would use OEM bushings. Cheapest would probably be FCPeuro.com or Tasca for them.

Are you sure you have everything put together correctly-there is a spacer at the PS bracket and on each of my cars I had to add a washer or two to take up empty space. At the alternator and A/C compressor there is also a single flat washer (from the factory) that goes between the bushing and the bracket to take up empty space. Too much stress on those bushings will deform them or even crack them.

The URO poly bushing seem to be slightly shorter than OEM bushings.

Travis

That's surprising for poly, expected for rubber. The aftermarket rubber ones only seem to last a few years, if that, for me.
My definition of failure for them is being so deformed that the belt doesn't run parallel to the pulley any more.

I'd call IPD and ask, if nobody else has had something similar happen between now and then.

What climate do you live in?

Cheers and Good Luck

See if you can get bushings from a Volvo dealer. They will be high priced in comparison to the aftermarket ones, but experience seems to be that the Volvo rubber stuff lasts and the aftermarket stuff does not. My 83 still has the original bushings in the alternator and PS pump mounts 30 years and 170k mi after it left the factory. Maybe they "should" be replaced, but they look OK, and no belt squealing.

Is any leaking oil getting to your bushings? Oil is the enemy of rubber.
--
Bob: son's XC70, dtr's '94-940, my 81GL, 83-DL, 89-745(V8) and 98-S90. Also 77-MGB and some old motorcycles.

I think yama might have hit it - I remember (I think) using neverseize to help them slide in, so we'll try silicone on this lot (just arrived a few minutes ago), then back to volvo black ones if that doesn't work...
As far as engine oil flying around, probably no more than any other brick,
We live and drive in FL, so heat can be a factor.
Thanks for the feedback!