Suspension Bushings
Suspension bushings are the rubber or polyurethane mountings between suspension components and the vehicle body. They allow controlled movement while absorbing vibration and road noise, and perish with age and mileage.
What it does
Each bush lets a suspension arm pivot through its arc while resisting movement in other directions. That resistance is what holds wheel geometry steady under braking and cornering.
Signs a set of bushings is failing
- A knocking or clunking over bumps
- Vague or wandering steering
- Uneven or feathered tyre wear
- Visible cracking, splitting or displacement of the rubber
- Alignment that will not hold its settings
When to replace them
Not a scheduled item, but they perish with age and heat as well as with mileage. Inspect at every major service and whenever alignment will not hold.
What to confirm before ordering
Have these ready and the counter can usually confirm the part in under a minute.
- Which arm or mounting the bush belongs to, since a single arm may use several
- Whether the bush is supplied separately or only as part of a complete arm
- Rubber or polyurethane, since polyurethane changes ride and noise
- That alignment is booked for after fitting
Suspension Bushings by vehicle
Pick your vehicle for the years and engines covered, and what is specific to that application.
Suspension Bushings questions
Can worn bushes cause uneven tyre wear?
Yes, and it is one of the most common causes. A worn bush lets wheel geometry shift under load, so the tyre scrubs rather than rolls, which shows as feathered or one-sided wear.
Are bushings sold separately or only with the arm?
It depends on the application. Some are pressed-in items available on their own; on others the manufacturer supplies only a complete arm. The branch will confirm which applies.
Is alignment needed after replacing bushes?
Yes. Any component that locates a wheel changes the geometry when replaced, and skipping alignment undoes the benefit of the repair.