What are Suspension Bushes?
The small rubber pads that stop metal suspension parts knocking against each other.
Simplified animation — not to scale.
In plain English
Suspension bushes are rubber (sometimes polyurethane) cylinders pressed into the joints between suspension arms, anti-roll bars and the car's body. They let parts pivot while soaking up small vibrations.
"Like the rubber feet on a washing machine — when they perish, every spin shakes the whole kitchen."
How it works
When a suspension arm moves up and down over bumps, the bush flexes inside its metal sleeve so the arm doesn't grind on its mounting point. Over time the rubber hardens, cracks or tears, and the arm starts to clonk and move around more than it should.
Signs of trouble
- ⚠Knocking or clunking over bumps and speed humps
- ⚠Vague, wandering steering
- ⚠Uneven tyre wear
- ⚠MOT advisory mentioning "worn" or "perished" bushes
- ⚠Visible cracks or splits in the rubber when inspected
£80 – £300 per bush fitted
Always get a written quote. Prices vary by car, region, and parts brand.