Bushings

Bushings are the flexible joints that locate the suspension arms, anti-roll bars and other mounts on the body. With age they soften and crack, and the wheels start to move out of line under braking and cornering. This section lists bushings for control arms and trailing arms, anti-roll bar bushings and end links, shock, differential and shifter mounts, and complete sets for a whole car.

Choose by position first. The titles name the axle, the arm and the mounting point, for example front lower arm, compliance bush or rear trailing arm. Some also name the side of the axle. Bushings described as reinforced are stiffer than standard ones. They hold the geometry more steadily under load, at the cost of more vibration and road noise in the cabin.

Worn bushings often show as a clunk over bumps, vague steering or uneven tyre wear. Replace them left and right together, so both sides of the car behave alike. Many bushings need a press to remove and fit, and some arms are easier to replace complete. Tighten the arm bolts with the car standing on its wheels at ride height: tightened with the suspension hanging, the bushing stays twisted and wears out early. Have the wheel alignment checked afterwards.