Trailing Arm Bushings - what to do?
 

Hey guys,

I'm getting the last few bits together and all I need are now some trailing arm bushings. Question is: what is the best choice?

I don't want to buy new original trailing arms, as mine aren't rotten and they are then way too expensive. So, ideas:

1. Replace the trailing arm bushings with OEM from Lemförder
2. Replace the trailing arm bushings with uprated heavy duty from Meyle HD
3. Replace the trailing arm bushings with PU ones from Powerflex and forget about them for ever

1. and 2. both need a special tool to do so, 3. doesn't.

Has anyone here installed the PU bushings from Powerflex? I could just leave the bushings and replace all the other stuff but then I am very sure, the little buggers will then start to squeak (I get the random sqeak every so often).

Cheers

Damien

I don't think anyone that needs trailing arm bushings replaces the whole arm... that's unnecessary expense, unless they're completely rusted through.

I've had my bushes replaced by a garage using genuine parts. They pressed the old bushes out and pressed the new ones in with the special tool (genuine parts). However, they can be a real bugger to get out.

I wouldn't personally bother with Powerflex PU bushings. I've heard and read mixed reviews on them, especially when people used them in control arms for example. My mechanic told me they make the ride harsher and can create vibration because the rubber is so hard combatively to the OEM rubber. I'm not sure what the trailing arm ones are like, but based on what I've heard, I won't be using them.

Option 1 or 2 would be my suggestion. Option 3 would be a no.

Keep in mind, these P3 Volvo's have Ford underpinnings. You may be able to get the same bushes from Ford cheaper than Volvo.

You need to get an alignment done after you replace the bushings.

OEM Lemförder bushings cost sod all over here... Not totally sure where I am heading yet. Harsh ride wouldn't bother me, as I already am running 18"s ans lowering the car in the next few weeks...

You wouldn't be doing that in the UK, if you valued your spine and teeth anyway. :teeth_smile:

I renewed my trailing arm bushes in 2020. I originally planned (and even bought) Powerflex bushes, however I abandoned that idea when I realised that I would have to remove the arms to press them in. If you buy OEM replacements (I bought Lemförder) they are easy(ish) to put in on your drive with the latest press tool (search for one to use with Ford Mondeo/ Galaxy/ SMax - photo attached). It's not the easiest job I have done, but it's certainly achievable. I then sold the press tool on, so cost was minimal.

you may find one of the replacement bushes doesn't have all the necessary bolts attached to hold all your car's exhaust/brake pipes, etc. Mine didn't, so I cut off the old flange, reshaped it with a Dremel and bolted it to the new part. Pics attached. All going well 4 years on.

Here are some more photos of the installation process:

The strange hammer, socket and nylon tie arrangement photo is to hold the trailing arm down below the underside of the car whilst pressing in the bush. So many unforeseen glitches...

Hey Simboc,

Thanks for your reply. I have currently postponed the change, as mine don't squeak yet. I have seen people install them in situ (Vpower on YouTube fronSweden fits them without even needing any special tool). So I'll see what turns out in the end.

And the more you do, the better at doing it you get... the first side took me two days - mainly because I discovered that the press tool is surprisingly powerful and, if you don't get the bearing absolutely square to the hole in the arm, it will bend the new bush out of shape really quickly... the other side took me a couple of hours. Practice makes perfect (well, less imperfect!).

I wouldn't do them if they don't need doing. You will really know when it needs doing - and it's not squeaking that's the issue. Mine finally became an advisory at MOT and the rear suspension was "crashing" into ruts and over lumps in the road. When I got the nearside one out the rubber was no longer attached to the metal surround... Because it's hidden behind a plastic under tray "thing" it doesn't really get looked at properly at MOT. Photo attached of the failed item.

That's because there's variations of the trailing arm bushes on these cars. Some only have 1 bolt hole, some have 3.

Its best to order the trailing arm bushes in particular using your VIN, as it saves having to do alterations.

You worked around it though, which is cool. :cool: