The suspension system of our car is one of the most important components for safety on the road. At Proautoenthusiast.com we want to explain what suspension bushings are and what they are used for.
When it comes to talking about the suspension system, you always have to mention the names of many components. Among these parts, one of the least popular, but just as important, are the suspension bushings. At Proautoenthusiast.com we have prepared this article to explain what suspension bushings are and what they are used for.
1. What are suspension bushings
Suspension bushings are small discs whose main function is to absorb much of the energy and sensation of a shock. These components are located at different junction points between the vehicle’s suspension system and the frame or chassis.
Most bushings are made of rubber, and a few are made of synthetic materials. Dimensionally, they are just slightly larger than the screw caps on most PET bottles.
Suspension bushings are susceptible to failure, especially over time due to the dryness of the material, and due to road imperfections. When bushings fail, they need to be replaced. We can notice it by listening to knocks in the suspension, and perceive uncontrolled movements in the wheels when going through rough roads.
· What are suspension bushings for?
Being slightly flexible components, mostly rigid but with a certain softness, the suspension bushings fulfill the function of allowing slight movements of the suspension system on impacts, preventing the parts from breaking and receiving the impacts directly. The suspension bushings provide a slight flexibility between the parts of the suspension system and the chassis, but mostly maintaining hardness, avoiding loss of control.
In simple terms, the suspension bushings are those components that “hold the rod” for all the other delicate elements of the suspension system , avoiding many expensive repairs and maintaining a lot of safety in the shoot.
· front suspension bushings
Front suspension bushings are responsible for allowing some movement to the components of the front suspension , such as control arms, forks, stabilizer bars, shock absorbers, coil springs and others. They tend to be slightly larger than rear suspension bushings due to the higher front end weight.
· rear suspension bushings
The rear suspension bushings are the components that are responsible for allowing slight movements to the rear suspension components , among which, in most general brand cars, the shock absorbers, coil springs, and anchor points stand out. with the axis.
2. How to change suspension bushings
Changing the suspension bushings is not something that is done on a daily basis, and in fact it is not something that most people can do, which is why we recommend you go to an automotive technician specialized in suspensions, who will be able to carry out this procedure. the best way and with zero complications.
To change the suspension bushings, the first step is to lift the car and remove the wheels, then it is necessary to disassemble the suspension system to remove the suspension arm: the element that connects the suspension system to the vehicle’s chassis. Subsequently, with a suspension bushing extractor or, failing that, with a press, the suspension bushing must be removed. The new component will be placed in exactly the same place and with the same orientation, using a press for placement.
· Suspension Bushing Puller
To remove the suspension bushings, a special tool is required: the suspension bushing extractor . As with most tools, some extractors are more expensive than others, and while they all essentially do the same thing, they do it in different ways, and some are easier to use than others. Their costs range from 30 to 100 dollars, and this depends on the ease of use, their efficiency in the function, and the quality and resistance of the materials they are made of.
· Suspension bushing prices
The prices of bushings for suspension vary a lot from one vehicle to another and from one brand of bushing manufacturer to another, but we can say for reference that a set of rear suspension bushings costs between 25 and 50 Dollar, while a complete kit of Front and rear suspension bushings usually range from 70 to 90 dollars, this in relation to most general brand cars .
In the premium segment we will find much higher prices, since a set of bushings for rear suspension can range from 90 to 120 dollars, and the complete kit of bushings ranges between 125 and 140 dollars.