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Axle beam bushes: replacement and selection

When and why it is necessary to replace axle beam bushes

Lifetime limit of these components is 100,000 – 150,000 kilometers of mileage. New bushes are installed in case of damaging of old ones, for instance, at deformation. Also replacement is necessary if a rubber part of components lost elasticity. Moreover, corrosive damages of metal parts are possible.

Apart from wear-out, the cause of bush defect can be improper operation of the car. For example, if the car wheels were left motionless for a long time with the steering wheel turned right or left, the bushes are deformed. During this, they lose their ability for recovery. Traces of corrosive damage on the metal parts is the result of constant contact of the bushes with road dirt.

Wear of the axle beam bushes is indicated by noise in suspension of the driven car. Also violation of road-holding ability at straightforward movement and uneven wear-out of tyres tread are possible.

It is recommended to replace the axle beam bushes in a set on one axle. This work should be performed at a service station, as after installation of new parts, wheel alignment should be done with the help of a special stand. It is necessary to demount the beam itself before installation of the bushes. In order to make this process comfortable and safe, before work start, the car is lifted with the help of a special equipment. A specialist disconnects all the parts connecting the axle beam to the car body: the pressure regulator lever, brake hoses, parking brake cables. Then a specialist will remove the assembly. Only after this the bushes can be replaced.

How to select axle beam bushes

These components can be fully rubber or polyurethane, as well as produced of rubber or polyurethane in combination with metal. The rubber parts are notable for elasticity and softness. The bushes, produced using this material, prevent body vibrations, and this increases driver’s and passengers’ comfort level. Along with this, the parts made of polyurethane serve longer. Moreover, this material is harder than rubber, thus making the suspension with these bushes stiffer. At the same time, car steerability improves.

In order to make the bushes perform their function efficiently, give preference to products of proven manufacturers. LEMFÖRDER, Febi Bilstein, VAICO are trustworthy brands.

During components selection, consider the brand, model, production year and body type of your car, as well as the steering system type. Take into account the following characteristics of the parts themselves: inner and outer diameters, length, thickness. Also don’t forget that the bushes can be installed on the left or right side, the front or rear axle. Moreover, they differ from one another by the type of fastening to the axle beam.