Description
We previously released compression rod inserts as a nice daily-driven solution to deal with the massive compliance that exists in the front compression rod bushing. Now for those of you that are after the MPP.R experience, we have a sealed solid spherical bearing option that eliminates all of the compliance in this link, at the minor sacrifice to NVH from the noise transmitted by the bearing.
Deflection at this joint causes heavy instability under braking, and significant camber and toe distortion on corner entry, as well as a loss of caster. The OEM rubber bushings are wearing out rapidly for those who aggressively track their Model 3’s, exacerbating these issues. This is the only solution if you’re regularly attending track days and serious about front-end grip.
Rather than just create a spherical replacement, we wanted to take it a step further and see how we could do more here in terms of caster adjustability. Rather than permanently having a large offset bearing, which would force users to have significant additional caster and potential tire rubbing issues at the front fender, we found a way to make the length adjustable. By inserting an offset sleeve in the bearing, the spherical can either be nearly the OEM length (+1.5mm is the minimum setting), or it can be extended to 6.5mm longer than stock. This allows the user to fine-tune their caster on the car, as well as achieve a little bit more camber as well. The bearing is adjustable in the car, although it is challenging. You’ll likely want to select the position at installation time.
Finding a sealed spherical joint that can articulate over the entire vertical range of the Model 3’s suspension was difficult, and we had actually given up for over a year on this product – but finally, we were able to find a bearing that would work and we’re very excited to release this product for all of you that are hardcore about track duty with your Model 3’s! Note: this bearing is a new design and the long-term durability has not yet been evaluated. While we fully expect this bearing to handle the loads and last significantly longer than the OEM rubber bushing we do want to caution that this bearing MAY be a wear item in the long term if used on the racetrack regularly.
Testing from the racetrack showed results as expected – a less darty car on entry, more stability under braking, and more front-axle grip overall mid-corner and on exit. With this bearing installed alongside the MPP Front Lower Control Arm Bearings and Front Upper Control Arms, the Model 3 now has a 100% solid front suspension, giving you a total connection to the tire and road beneath you.
OEM Compression Rod Bushing, with voids visible.
CLICK HERE For Installation instructions
Daniel Wang –
These Compression Rod Bearings are an excellent replacement for those who want to fine tune the caster. Please note these will increase NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness). These are solid afterall, whereas the stock are rubber. They are well built.
RS –
Decided to replace these since my OEM bushings were completely torn and so far they’ve been very good. As stated, there is slight increased NVH. However, it mostly happens on only big bumps and wide cracks on the road. You can feel it in the car and it feels/sounds like a little “thump”. Not a big deal for me, because the additional solid feeling of the bushing along with the caster control outweighs this. After adding caster, I felt the car feel like it grips even more on turns, plus you have the increased brake pedal feeling. Great product that I’d recommend to anyone.
Rudolph Xu –
I got these after being so impressed with the other MPP products. This is no exception, it gives you the extra bit of confidence in braking as there is no more flex in the rubber joints. The slight NVH increase is minor and it’s only over bad pavement. I wear it like a badge of honor and I let all my passengers know that all the bushings in the suspension have been replaced by solid MPP parts.