Bushings are the rubber pads that serve as shock absorbers in your Volvo's suspension systems and they seldom last the whole lifecycle of the car. They are very important parts of the suspension system as they provide a barrier between the car's cabin, divots, and bumps. Your Volvo is easier and smoother to drive thanks to the suspension bushing.

You can find suspension bushings at every point that a joint has been formed all through the suspension system. They protect the joints from the wear and tear that comes with grinding.

Whenever the bushing around a joint begins to weaken, it loses its ability to absorb road shocks and its noise-absorbing capabilities. Some places burn through bushings more quickly than others. The drop-link, anti-roll bar, mounts, control arms, and shock absorbers are all places where bushings usually fail.

Drivers will hear sounds from the suspension and a considerably rougher ride when their car’s Bushing begins to fail. Let's look more closely at this issue and discover some of the symptoms of bushing failure.

Major Symptoms of Suspension Bushing Failure

Because suspension bushings are so vital for a pleasant, smooth ride and also because they prevent excessive wear to your car's suspension system. Any of the following indicators of suspension bushing failure should be taken seriously:

• There is an extreme squeaking or rattling sound whenever you drive over a rough road
• Clunking noise whenever you're turning or pressing the break
• Steering seems to be either much easier or significantly more difficult than usual
• Perceptible trembling or shaking from the vehicle's front
• Uneven or unusual tire wear

If you observe any of these symptoms, have the problem diagnosed as quickly as you can to see if suspension bushing breakdown is the cause. The problem can be thoroughly diagnosed and corrected before any further damage is done.

Causes of Bushing Failure in your Volvo

The most common cause of bushing failure is mainly that the part has outlived its usefulness and needs to be replaced. Heat exposure and high engine temperatures cause bushing failure, which can be exacerbated by stress and strain. Bushing failure can also be accelerated by environmental factors. If you drive a Volvo in an inclement or humid area, you may need to change your Bushing more regularly.

Where You Can Find Your Volvo's Bushing

If you know just where to look, you can easily inspect your Volvo's bushing. Bushings are primarily present all through the car's suspension system, so you'll need to inspect the majority of it under your car.  You can also find bushings outside of your suspension, so if you're looking to identify bushing failure, keep the following in mind:

• Transmission mounts
• Shock absorbers
• Control arms
• Engine
• Steering parts
• Strut mounts
• Stabilizer bars
• Tie rods
• Suspension
•  Ball joints

Inspecting Your Bushing

You might feel like your bushing has failed, but you might not know what to look for to validate your suspicion. Bushings are very similar to cartilage in the human body. It acts as a stress reliever for the joints. Cartilage degrades with age, just like the bushing in your Volvo.

You should inspect your Volvo by touch rather than sight. A faulty bushing will have dried up and become rigid. If your bushing feels hard like plastic instead of flexible rubber, it's worn out and requires replacement.

Because failure of a bushing can have a ripple effect on other car parts, it should always be changed at the very first sign of a problem. If the bushing that protects the control arm breaks, for example, your Volvo may become misaligned, resulting in early and excessive tire wear.

In other sections of your Volvo, a similar process may occur. Simply put, unless you're an expert, it's difficult to spot all of the potential damage caused by the worn-out bushing's lack of padding. It's advisable to have your Volvo inspected and any bushings that need to be replaced properly replaced.

Our Experts Are Ready to Help

You can count on our experts at Royalty Autoservice of Amelia Island, Brunswick, Kingsland, King Bay Base, Woodbine, Yulee, and St Marys, GA to replace your bushing when it's time.

Our professionals will service your Volvo swiftly and have you driving safe again. To learn more or to set up an appointment, contact our customer service representatives today!