Rear Suspension Bushes - How Long Do They Last?

[Midas]

My car (1.8vvc) is now 17 years old, and done 30 000 miles. All the suspension is original, except the four shocks which I replaced with upgraded Nitrons last year.

I have been getting an occasional knock from the rear A frame bush, so have removed the A frame from the car. Both 'race washers' were in a very poor condition, and I suspect that has allowed the frame to touch/knock on the de dion tube.

To the eye all the bushes in the A frame seem in good condition. I have replaced the De dion bush 'just in case' which was a pig to remove and inspecting the removed bush it was in good condition.

How long do bushes last on a road car - are the trailing arm bushes easy to replace?

 

 

 

[paul mel]

My car is on 60k and I'm about to replace all the bushes, wishbone bushes are definitely past their best, the back end seems ok but I'm certain I'll notice an improvement. You've spent a decent amount on your Nitrons so it has to be worth the relatively small investment to be sure you are getting the best out of the suspension. £96 for a complete set of bushes from Caterham. 

They are easy enough to replace with either a proper bush tool or a press of some sort although it can also be done with a combination of old sockets, a vice, threaded bar etc.

Worth also getting a geometry/flat floor set up after everything has been replaced too.

[Duckpit]

I have just replaced all bushes on my 21 year old super sprint, they looked OK but with the new ones in, she handles a lot better.

I have a live axle and replace bushes on rear A frame under axle once a year as they wear quickly and not helped by oil from the Ital axle.

[grumpy the 7th]

If it's got the lower ARB check the drop link balls. New balls please! are obtainable on their own from Redline,.