NEW OR UPRATED BUSHES

1 Fitting new OE suspension bushes or upgrading to polyurethane bushes but check the Shore Hardness (the measure of the resistance a material has to indentation) to ensure they are not too harsh. New bushes can help to improve the ride quality of a car and remove unwanted rattles and vagueness. It’s worthwhile renewing one set at a time to see if it makes a difference. In most cases, suspension components will need to be removed to renew any associated bushes.

2 Some standard suspension bushes will need to be pressed out using a hydraulic press. Do not try using a vice as it may damaged the bush or the component. If you don’t have a hydraulic press, it may be more cost-effective to pay a local garage to do this job for you instead of buying the equipment.

3 Some suspension bushes can be cut and drifted or wound out, such as the inner bushes for an MGF’s front lower arm shown here. Start by cutting off the ends, then use a length of threaded bar and a selection of nuts and sockets to wind the bush out.

4 Always clean inside the housing where the new bush will be fitted. As we’ve already said, OE bushes may need to be pressed in using a hydraulic press, whereas uprated polyurethane bushes can often be fitted by hand and carefully pushed into position using a vice. Apply a little rubber grease to reduce the risk of them squeaking.