I have been on my flipper rebuilds, but I'm picky. I also have been replacing the back rubber stop too.

Maintenance!!! 100%
Cracks in the bushing are sometimes hard to spot. For the stupid-low cost, I replace them.
Consider that these are designed to keep the flipper perfectly horizontal to the playfield. When you see PF wear just above the flippers guess what, that ain't from pinballs! You've either got a cracked flipper bat or a cracked bushing.

Always replace the bushings. If they wear, the flippers can drag and mess up the playfield. They are only $.25 and you have everything apart anyway....

Yes, they are an important part of the rebuild, I replace them.

I replace the rubber stop as well, if they aren't of uniform size.

I replace them also. I wish vendors would start to include them in the rebuild kits.

I always replace them when I do a flipper rebuild.

While you have the bat out hold it by the shaft and grab the tip and twist it back and forth, you can't always see the cracks in the ribs but it will flex and make a crackling sound if they are bad.
They get brittle and discolored with age, most of the time I just replace them while I have the assy. apart.

Yea I think they should be included with all kits as well. Makes no sense to leave them out.

I rebuilt the flippers on my Taxy recently, and was disappointed in the amout of improvement that it gained me. Upon further inspection, I noticed slop in the flipper bat bushings, and decided to order some and replace them. Very happy with the results. I think the tourque is transmitted much better without the slop in the new bushings.

Even if the bushing is not cracked, it can develop an egg shape in the hole which creates "slop" to the flipper bat and shaft. This in turn creates "lost motion" from the slop which reduces power and response of the flipper assembly. Bushings are relatively cheap but are usually not sold as part of some flipper rebuild kits.

I always replace them and the rubber stops. I think they should be included.

If rebuilding and not just making an adjustment. I always swap it out.

These should always be replaced when doing a flipper rebuild. The extra tightness is part of the flipper strength.

I always replace them and the coil sleeve's. if your taking them apart, you may as well change everything you can.

You're already there + price is low + results last just that much longer = Just Do It!

-Aaron
Play Pinball in Iowa!