Arm bushes: common defects and their signs

1. Wear-out of the rubber part
   • Cracks, blisters or delamination are visible on the arm bush at inspection.
   • Vehicle handling worsens.
   • Rattling sound from the suspension is heard during driving.
   • Vehicle response to steering wheel turns is delayed.
   • The car randomly changes its moving trajectory at high speeds.
   • Tyres on different wheels wear out unevenly.
2. Metal elements corrosion
   • Foreign sounds are heard from the suspension when overcoming obstacles.
   • Wheel alignment angles are violated.
   • Tyres wear out unevenly.
   • Increased body vibrations in the area of a defective bush.
   • The component has free play takes place when the arm is rocked.

How to replace arm bushes?

Independent suspension arm bushes are expendable elements, that is why they are not subject to repair. If you’ve found any signs of component malfunction, it should be immediately replaced, because long operation of a car with a defective bushing can lead to breakdown of the arm itself. This may require an expensive repair and carries a threat to road safety.

Arm bushes should be replaced at a service station because this requires a special remover, furthermore, the process can have special features for different car models and suspension types. It is recommended to replace components simultaneously on both sides on one axle. A service station specialist will lift the car body with a lifting platform, demount the wheel and will also remove the engine cover, if necessary. Then the steering knuckle and the arm will be disconnected from the ball joint, and after that the arm will be demounted. Then, with a special remover the broken bushing will be pressed out, a new one will be installed and the unit - reassembled. After work is finished, wheel alignment adjustment is a must.

It is advised to perform replacement of the arm bushings at a service station.
It is necessary to replace the arm bushings as a pair on each car axle.
It is advised to replace bolts and nuts inside of bushings during replacement of the arm bushings.
Average operational lifetime: 50 000 – 70 000 km.

Types:

1. By mounting axle:
   • for the front axle;
   • for the rear axle.
2. By mounting side:
   • left;
   • right;
   • multipurpose.
3. By mutual position:
   • upper;
   • lower.
4. By material of elastic element:
   • with the rubber insert;
   • with the polyurethane insert.