Differential Bushes with Fitting Position Front Axle

Nolathane differential bushes, often called diff bushes or diff mount bushes, replace the worn mounts that hold a differential in place. On vehicles with independent rear suspension (IRS), the rear differential is bolted to a subframe through rubber bushes. On many 4WDs, pick-ups and all-wheel-drive vehicles, the front differential is mounted the same way. Those bushes control how much the differential moves every time power is applied or taken away.

When diff bushes wear, the differential starts to shift under load, causing clunks, vibration and wheel hop. Polyurethane diff bushes restore firm differential location, reduce driveline movement and stand up to the heat and oil that break down factory rubber.

How Differential Mount Bushes Work

A differential turns the drive from the tailshaft (driveshaft or propshaft) through 90 degrees and sends it to the wheels. As it does, the differential housing tries to rotate in the opposite direction to the drive, especially under hard acceleration, towing or engine braking.

The diff mount bushes resist that rotation and hold the differential in its designed position relative to the subframe or chassis. They also absorb gear noise and driveline vibration before it reaches the cabin. Most IRS differentials use two or more mounts, typically at the front and rear of the housing, and each one handles a different part of the load. Keeping the differential correctly located also keeps the pinion angle and the alignment of the drive shafts consistent.

Why Diff Bushes Wear Out

Diff bushes work harder than most suspension bushes, because they carry torque as well as weight. Wear is accelerated by:

• Repeated torque reversals between acceleration and engine braking
• Heat from the exhaust and the differential itself
• Oil leaks from the differential or engine softening the rubber
• High-powered engines, performance driving and launch control
• Towing, heavy loads and off-road driving
• Age and ozone exposure, which harden and crack rubber

On some vehicles, the rear diff bushes are a known weak point and can fail well before other suspension bushes.

Signs of Worn Diff Bushes

• A clunk or thud from the rear when taking off, changing gears or lifting off the throttle
• A knock when shifting between drive and reverse
• Wheel hop or axle tramp under acceleration
• Vibration or drone through the floor under load
• Rear-end shuffle or a vague feel when power is applied mid-corner
• Visible cracking, splitting or separation of rubber at the diff mounts
• The differential moving noticeably when rocked or levered with the vehicle supported

These symptoms are often mistaken for tailshaft, universal joint or CV joint problems, so it?s worth checking the diff bushes first.

Risks of Ignoring Worn Diff Bushes

Excess differential movement places extra load on the tailshaft, centre bearing, universal joints, CV joints and drive shafts, which can shorten their life. It also changes how power is delivered to the rear wheels, making the vehicle less predictable under acceleration, particularly on wet roads. Replacing worn diff bushes early is usually far cheaper than repairing the driveline damage they can cause.

Types of Diff Bush Kits

Differential bush kits vary by vehicle and mounting position. Common types include:

• Rear diff bushes for the front and rear mounting points of an IRS differential
• Front diff bushes for the front differential on 4WD and AWD vehicles
• Combined kits that cover more than one mounting position at once
• Insert-style kits that fill the voids in the factory bush to reduce movement without removing the original bush
• Location rod and support bushes used on some commercial vehicles

Each listing shows the fitting position and the vehicles the kit suits.

Polyurethane vs Rubber Diff Bushes

Factory diff bushes are usually soft rubber, designed to absorb as much gear noise as possible. That softness allows the differential to move, and as the rubber ages, it allows more.

Polyurethane diff bushes hold the differential firmly while still absorbing vibration. Nolathane has been making polyurethane suspension bushings since 1974, originally developed to replace brass bushes in hillclimb competition. The signature red bushings are made in a range of durometers (hardness grades) chosen for each position, and offer outstanding abrasion resistance, high load-bearing capability, increased tensile strength and resistance to oil, grease, ozone and weathering. That oil resistance matters in a position that often sits below a weeping differential seal.

The honest trade-off is that firmer diff bushes can transmit slightly more gear noise and driveline vibration into the cabin than soft rubber. Most drivers notice crisper throttle response and less clunk rather than harshness.

Choosing the Right Diff Bushes

Before ordering, confirm:

• Front or rear differential
• The exact mounting position, such as front mount, rear mount or support
• The vehicle variant, as drivetrain, model year and body style can change the bush
• Whether a replacement bush or an insert-style kit suits your needs

Replacing all the bushes on one differential at the same time gives the most consistent result. Our fitment guarantee means the kit you order for your vehicle is confirmed to suit it.

Replacing Diff Bushes

Diff bush replacement suits professional workshops and experienced home mechanics. On many IRS vehicles, the differential or subframe must be lowered, and factory bushes often need a press or a dedicated removal tool. As a general guide:

1. Support the vehicle securely on stands and support the differential with a suitable jack.
2. Disconnect the tailshaft, drive shafts, exhaust or brake components as needed.
3. Unbolt the differential mounts and lower the differential only as far as needed.
4. Remove the old bushes and clean the mounting housings thoroughly.
5. Fit the new bushes with a polyurethane-compatible grease where specified, such as a silicone or PTFE-based grease.
6. Raise the differential into position and tighten all fasteners to the vehicle manufacturer?s specification.
7. Reconnect the driveline and check for leaks before road testing.

Combining diff bush replacement with other driveline work, such as a differential service, CV replacement or subframe bush renewal, saves significant labour.

Diff Bush Replacement Cost

The cost of replacing diff bushes is mostly labour, and it varies widely between vehicles depending on how much has to be removed to reach the mounts. Insert-style kits can reduce labour on some vehicles because the original bush stays in place. Doing all differential mounts at once avoids paying for the same teardown twice.

Shop Differential Bushes

Rear end still moving around? Traction control bushes and cross member bushes are worth checking too.

Find the diff bushes for your vehicle, then order online with fast shipping or have them fitted by a Nolathane reseller. Every kit is backed by our warranty, 60-day returns give you time if a part isn?t right, and our local support team can help whether you?re curing a rear-end clunk, replacing worn factory rubber or upgrading for improved handling and performance.