Dealing With Bushing Failure in Your Volkswagen

Are you a Volkswagen owner who is encountering bushing failure issues? If yes, you’re not the only one. Bushing failure is a common problem that many VW drivers experience, but with the right information and strategy you can have this problem solved and get back to enjoying a smooth and comfortable ride. Let’s see how you can deal with Volkswagen bushing failure. But before that, it is important to know what bushings are and why they are so important.

What Are Bushings?

In your VW, bushings are used in many places, but the most important ones are located in the suspension system. They contribute to the improvement in the quality of the ride and decrease vibrations. Over an extended period of time, the bushings may crack, harden, or be completely destroyed by environmental factors, and wear and tear.

Why Do The Bushings In Your Volkswagen Fail?

• Wear and Tear: The bushings are just like any other part of your car that can degrade over time due to regular usage and exposure to the elements. The older the vehicle, the more the rubber or polyurethane, which are what the bushings are made of, break down. This can happen naturally due to the friction that occurs as a result of the motion of the suspension system. In the long run, this wear and tear can make the bushings crack or become brittle which, in the end, can cause the bushings to fail. Once they fail, there is minimal to no support for your suspension.
• Aggressive Driving: Volkswagen models are very popular for their performance and comfort of driving, but when you drive roughly, it can lead to problems with suspension parts. In the case of hard braking, cornering, and acceleration, the suspension system is exposed to different stresses that may affect components like bushings. This stress can lead to faster wear and tear and, as a result, the bushings can fail before their expected life. If the goal is to reduce the possibility of bushing failure, you need to obey the rules of the road and avoid sudden turning and sharp braking that can overload the suspension system.

Simple Solutions for Dealing with Bushing Failure

• Regular Inspections: The first measure to take in preventing a bush failure is to conduct regular inspections of the suspension system of your Volkswagen. The presence of wear, damage, or deterioration such as cracks, tears, or sags is to be checked. Make sure to focus on the control arms, sway bars, and suspension mounts.
• Replace Worn Bushings: Whenever you have the opportunity to perform your inspection and you observe any indications of brushing failure, don’t hesitate to replace them immediately. Luckily, changing the worn bushings is a quite simple procedure that can be done by a mechanic with the necessary skills. Make sure that you get original OEM replacement bushings that are specifically designed for your car’s make and model unless you are upgrading to performance bushings.
• Consider Upgrading to Performance Bushings: If you are seeking to sharpen the handling and performance of your VW, then you should think about getting performance bushings. Performance bushings are made of higher quality material, either polyurethane or metal and are more stable and durable than the stock rubber bushings. Though they seem more expensive initially, performance bushings can bring you prolonged benefits and make driving more enjoyable.

Professional Help

Replacing bushings can be difficult, especially if they are hard to reach or require some special tools to install. In these instances, it is better to consult professionals. A good mechanic will make sure that the bushings are replaced in the right way and that the suspension system is correctly aligned after that.

Come To Our Professional Mechanics For Exceptional VW Repairs

For over 35 years, we at Bavarian Performance Specialists have been offering great service to VW owners in Thousand Oaks and the surrounding areas. Our garage has all the tools for every type of maintenance or repair your VW might need. Whether you need your bushings replaced or any other component of your Volkswagen, you can rely on our high-quality service.

People in Thousand Oaks are not the only ones who know us well; we also assist drivers from Agoura Hills, Westlake, Malibu, and Newbury Park, CA. Contact us right away to see how we can make your drive a smooth one once more.