How do suspension bushings work

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Acura takes wraps off forthcoming Integra Do we like it or not? Featured Readers' Ride Paul 's Miata. Try Our Other Magazine. Get our newsletter Sign up. Technical tip. What is a suspension bushing? What are suspension bushes made of? Why do suspension bushings fail?

What are the signs that a suspension bush needs replacing? Key points to consider: When replacing a bush there are a few things to bear in mind: It goes without saying that you should always fit the correct bush for the vehicle — although on the surface they may look the same, there are many internal features designed for the specific application.

In the case of anti-roll bar bushes, it is advisable to replace in pairs. Always carry out a dimensional check of the part before fitting.

Remember to torque tighten the fixings with the vehicle on the ground. Failure to do so could put unnecessary stress on the bush in the wrong position, resulting in premature failure. Some bushes can be difficult to replace and may need specialist pressing tools. In this instance, it can be more economical to replace the entire component rather than just the bush.

Where to buy. About Us. Contact Us. Select Language. What are bushings in a car? Message Regarding Your Privacy. I accept Submit Submit. How to replace car bushes? The rubber reinforcement should always be in the direction of the support after installation center of the vehicle. If you are wondering how to tell if suspension bushings are worn on your vehicle, consider the answers to the following questions:.

Typical tell-tale signs of worn bushings under a vehicle include the following symptoms :. The last two symptoms are often the result of worn front bushings under a vehicle. When the rear bushings fail, the problem is less easy to pinpoint because the steering functions are not affected. Moreover, a truck is not as prone to cause difficulty when cornering if the bushing problem is confined to the rear of the vehicle.

Bushings are used on a number of components on a motor vehicle. During an inspection of your vehicle you will likely see bushings on the following parts :. Bushings are liable to become worn over time on various components due to friction, stress and age.

Prolonged, recurrent exposure to engine heat can cause bushings to wear down at a hastened rate. Exposure to the elements can also cause bushings to wear out, especially in climates with humid and inclement weather patterns or environmental impurities. The bushings in a vehicle could be compared to the cartilage in the human body. Whereas cartilage protects against joint stress by preventing bone-to-bone contact, bushings safeguard metal joints from stress by preventing metal-to-metal contact.

However, just as cartilage can wear down in a body as an individual ages, so too can bushings wear out in a vehicle. One of the more damaging possibilities of worn bushings is when the problem affects the control arm of the vehicle. If the bushings wear out on this component, the front end of the truck could fall into misalignment, which could ultimately cause the tires to wear out prematurely. In order for a bushing problem to be accurately diagnosed, a truck will usually need to be inspected.

One of the common misinterpretations of a bushing-related problem is when a truck makes noise along turns and the driver attributes the issue to a loose stabilizer bar.

In many of these cases, an inspection reveals that the problem stems from the bushings, not the bar. In some cases, movements and noises that would seem to indicate trouble with a suspension component or ball joint might actually stem from a problem with the bushings.

For example, worn bushings along the metal joints of a truck can lead to shocks and noises when the vehicle is driven over rocky roads and along sharp turns. When bushings cause noise, the problem is not always a matter of rubber wear or stress. In some cases, the noise is simply the result of dried bushings.

To remedy the matter, lubrication is required. In newer trucks, bushings often come pre-lubricated, but the lubrication will usually need to be reapplied at some point before the rubber runs its course.

There is no set timeframe for when to change suspension bushings. They wear down at different speeds in different vehicles. It really depends on the environment where you operate the vehicle and the amount of stress you put it through on a regular basis.

Basically, you will know when to change bushings in a car or truck when the symptoms of bad bushings make it difficult to operate your vehicle. With certain issues related to bushings, you might be faced with a tough question: Should only the bushings be replaced, or must the corresponding part be replaced as well? The answer could depend on the cost and labor involved as well as whether or not the bushing can be accessed without replacing the part. Generally, individual bushing replacement is the best option when the bushing can be accessed and removed at a reasonable cost.

Oftentimes, however, auto service specialists will recommend that you replace the corresponding vehicle component along with the bushings, even if the problem is confined to the latter. On certain components, it is not possible to replace the bushings alone. On a control arm, for example, it is virtually impossible to remove the bushings.