After searching through douzens of threads, I haven't been able to find the answers to this dilema:

Which Master Kit should I buy?

According to the manufacturer's web sites, both master kits include the following:

Front Control Arm Bushings.
Rear Control Arm Bushings.
Front Sway Bay Bushings.
Rear Sway Bar Bushings.
Tie Rod End Dust Covers.
Ball Joint Covers.

However, when you look at the pictures of the kits, the ES one has a mass of washers and metal inserts for the bushings, while the Prothane kit seems to have just the bushings. Is this correct, or are these simple generic product photos? Other than the actual Poly Bushings, what is included in each kit?

What Are the performance differences between the two brands? Are there any?

What about fitment issues?

Is one better made than the other?

Right now, I can get the ES Master kit for $88.37, and the Prothane one for $59.39. Is the ES kit worth 50% more? Or is there hardware in that kit you don't get with the Prothane?

Thanks!

 

I bought the ES polyurethane kit for $90. It came with front and rear control arm bushings, front and rear sway bar bushings dust covers and end links bushings, which I sold for $25 since I couldn't use them on my S5. The kit came with everything needed. Installation was a big pain in the *** though. Performace wise.. yeah they made a big difference the car feels tighter on the curves. I probably kinda regret putting them on, the car is my daily driver and it's a rought ride with potholes and stuff. I really don't get to drive it spiritedly. If you don't mind a rougher ride go for it. That's about all I can tell you about the ES kit. I am not familiar with the other brands. The ES did come with everything you will need including inserts washers and nuts. It's a good kit.

 

Cool, thanks.

So, anyone have any experience with the Prothane kit? Does it come with the washers and inserts as well? What about the quality of the bushings compared to ES?

Any good/bad experiences with either is appreciated!

 

Hey i have the es master kit but all i am using is the front and rear control arm bushings. So I these left over.
Front Sway Bay Bushings.
Rear Sway Bar Bushings.
Tie Rod End Dust Covers.
Ball Joint Covers.

Willing to sell them to you if you want nick and i am loctated in toronto but will ship to ottawa

 

Thanks for the offer man, but I want an entire kit.
All the bushings on my car are original - of course - and are in need of replacement.

 

tend to belive Prothane kit is basically same, we are ordering one soon.
Will see and let u know

 

i have the es master kit on my car. but when i put it in, it was missing a couple pieces for the rear control arms. a friend of mine had the same problem but we called es and they sent us the parts fast and free of charge. so if you go with es, make sure it has everything before you put it on.

 

I installed an ES master kit - there were 4 incorrect bushings. If this happens to you, simply call ES. I got the replacements within 3 days at no cost. Excellent customer service, even if they mess up the packing list

 

yea, I was missing a couple rear a-arm bushings, also called them.. I had them the next day... never touched prothane... so don't know... but it feels tight

 

Anyone use the Prothane kit?

Does it come with the metal hardware too? Any experiences wanted!

 

I got the energy stuff and it was all there. I like the engergy stuff because it has grafite in the bushing. At least the black ones. And anything to help it not squeak is worth it to me.

James

 

Hey guys i have a question please. Does the energy suspension master bushing kit contain bushings to replace the rear upright toe eliminators. like the ones racing beat sales?

 

Some of the kits may have something to keep squeaking which is a nice feature but in the end I think aside from them being the right dimension (I'm sure they all are) there could be a difference in hardness rating. I did a project here at OSU where we modified skateboard wheels and I guess they have different hardnesses for the urethane wheels for different speeds. In the end, I don't think the difference between them would be all that much and I think few (if any people) on here could even come near telling the difference.

Side note: I run energy bushings as well :-D

 

nope.

 

no

 

whats the dificulty level of changing all the bushings?????

 

like anything else on FC.......with right tools its piece of cake

 

where did you get ES bushing set for so cheap?

 

Both those prices are from Summit. summitracing.com.

Anyone else with experience using the Prothane kit?

 

cool, i just decided to go with mazdatrix bushings, hope they all work out, looks like its going to be a ton of work, we'll see when i get to it.

 

I have the Prothane kit. Installation is the same as the ES kit from what I have read. I have had no issues.

It comes with all the metal sleeves and hardware you need. The two kits are basically the same and equally susceptible to squeaking.

The only difference that I know of is: the ES kit comes with sway-bar end-link bushings and the Prothane kit does not. That is what the small sleeves and extra hardware is for. The end-link bushings can only be used on S4 cars anyway.

My advice: Save yourself some money and get the Prothane kit. If you have an S4 and want the end-link bushings, just buy them off of someone who has the ES kit and didn’t use the end-link bushings (basically anyone with an S5). There are plenty of them around so don’t pay a lot for them.

If you are really worried about squeaking, get the Black ES kit. They have high graphite content and are self lubricating.