Suspension bushings play an important role in being able to drive smoothly and protect your vehicle’s engine. When the suspension bushings begin to fail, your Volvo may be at risk for greater damage.
It is normal for suspension bushings to wear over time. However, it is important that when they begin to affect your vehicle’s driving quality, you take your vehicle to a certified mechanic and have the suspension bushings replaced. This avoids other potential damage that could cost far greater than a suspension bushing replacement.
When suspension bushings completely fail, they cause metal to metal contact and leave vulnerable engine parts at greater risk of harm. In order for you to avoid unnecessary damage to your vehicle’s engine, it is important for you to understand the signs of failed suspension bushings to ensure prompt maintenance and replacement.
Below you can find a detailed explanation of what a suspension bushing is, signs of failed suspension bushings, how failed suspension bushings might occur, and ways you can prevent excessive wear on suspension bushings.
Suspension bushings are sleeves or linings, typically made of rubber or other materials such as polyurethane, that are mounted on various parts of the vehicle’s suspension system. There are different types of suspension bushings for different parts of the suspension system. Suspension bushings can be found fitted to control arms, shock absorbers, springs, and sway bars, among other parts of the vehicle’s suspension system.
The primary purpose of suspension bushings is to absorb the shocks and vibrations that occur when driving. Other purposes of suspension bushings include reducing friction at the mechanical joints and holding the vehicle’s suspension system in place, isolating it from the body of the vehicle.
If you experience any of the following, you may be dealing with failed suspension bushing:
Other than age and wear over time, the following are potential causes for failed suspension bushings:
If you would like to try and extend the life of your suspension bushings, you can prevent excessive wear by doing the following:
There is no specified maintenance or replacement period for suspension bushings. Instead they are meant to be replaced as needed due to wear and cracking of the rubber casing. This means it is important to pay close attention to your vehicle and watch for the aforementioned signs of failed suspension bushings. With proper attention to your vehicle, you can notice the signs of failed suspension bushings early and promptly acquire a diagnosis and maintenance before the issue advances and puts other parts of the vehicles at risk, such as the engine.
If you are in the Green Bay, Manitowoc, and Sturgeon Bay, WI area and are experiencing any signs of failed suspension bushings on your Volvo, please contact Dell’s Service Center. Our ASE certified technicians are well-experienced with Volvos as well as other European made cars. At Dell’s Service Center, you will receive expert care for your vehicle and be ensured a safe, smooth drive.