Universal Parts

Nolathane universal parts are suspension components that fit by size and design rather than by a single vehicle. They?re the answer when a vehicle-specific part isn?t available, when a vehicle has been modified, or when a workshop needs common parts on the shelf. From sway bar mount bushes and shock absorber bushes to camber bolts, U-bolts and polyurethane sheet and rod for custom work, universal parts help complete repairs that would otherwise stall for lack of a part.

They suit classic and older vehicles, modified and custom builds, 4WDs and pick-ups, passenger cars and workshops that service a wide variety of vehicles.

What Makes a Part Universal

A vehicle-specific part is designed for one position on one range of vehicles. A universal part is designed around common dimensions, such as an inside diameter, outside diameter, length, thread size or ball stud size, so it can suit many vehicles that share those measurements.

That makes universal parts especially useful when:

• The original part is no longer made or is hard to find
• A vehicle has been lifted, lowered or modified, so factory parts no longer fit correctly
• A custom build uses parts from several different vehicles
• A workshop wants common sizes on hand to avoid waiting for deliveries
• A part needs to be adapted to a non-standard application

Each listing shows the key dimensions so the part can be matched by measurement.

Types of Universal Parts

The universal range covers the components that most often need replacing or adapting across many vehicles:

• Sway bar mount bushes and brackets that locate the sway bar to the chassis
• Sway bar links and link bushes that connect the sway bar to the suspension
• Shock absorber bushes for the eye and pin mounts of dampers
• Leaf spring bushes for spring eyes and shackles
• Body mount bushes that isolate the body from the chassis
• Bump stops that cushion the suspension at full compression
• Steering coupling bushes for flexible steering couplings, also called rag joints
• Coil spring spacers for modest ride height adjustment
• Lowering blocks for leaf sprung rear axles
• U-bolts for clamping leaf springs to the axle
• Camber bolts and alignment shims for correcting wheel alignment
• Polyurethane sheet and rod for custom-made bushes, pads and spacers
• Bushing grease for lubricating polyurethane bushes
• Trade packs of commonly used parts for workshops

How to Measure for Universal Parts

Correct measurement is the key to a successful fit:

1. Bushes: measure the inside diameter (the bolt or bar size), the outside diameter (the housing size) and the length or width of the housing.
2. Sway bar mount bushes: measure the diameter of the sway bar where the bush sits, and the bracket size.
3. Sway bar links: measure the length between mounting points at ride height and the stud or bolt size at each end.
4. U-bolts: measure the inside width, leg length and thread size.
5. Camber bolts: measure the diameter of the original bolt and check the bracket design.

Measure worn parts carefully, as wear and distortion can change their dimensions. Where possible, measure the mounting housing or bracket rather than the old part.

Polyurethane for Universal Fitment

Most universal bushes and pads are made from polyurethane, which holds its shape under load, resists the oil, grease, ozone and weathering that break down rubber, and lasts far longer in harsh conditions. 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 application, and offer outstanding abrasion resistance, high load-bearing capability and increased tensile strength.

Polyurethane sheet and rod give fabricators and restorers a way to make custom bushes, pads, spacers and isolators where no ready-made part exists. Choose the durometer to suit the job, and use a grease suitable for polyurethane on any moving surfaces.

Universal vs Vehicle-Specific Parts

Vehicle-specific parts are usually the first choice, because they?re designed to match the original dimensions exactly. Universal parts are the right choice when no specific part exists, when a vehicle has been modified, or when a common size will do the job equally well.

The honest trade-off is that universal parts depend on accurate measurement. A universal part that?s slightly too large or too small won?t perform as intended, so always measure carefully and check fit before final assembly. Some universal parts, such as cut-to-length sway bar links, also need trimming or adjustment during fitting.

Universal Parts for Workshops

Workshops servicing many different vehicles benefit from keeping common universal parts on hand. Sway bar mount bushes, shock absorber bushes, leaf spring bushes, U-bolts and bushing grease are among the most frequently used. Trade packs reduce repeat ordering and help jobs get finished the same day rather than waiting for parts.

Choosing the Right Universal Part

Start by identifying the position and function of the part you?re replacing, then match its key dimensions using the measurements above. Consider how the vehicle is used, as a touring 4WD, a daily driver and a performance car may suit different hardness grades. If you?re unsure, compare the new part?s dimensions with the mounting point before ordering, and replace parts in pairs across an axle so both sides behave the same.

Fitting Universal Parts

Fitting suits professional workshops and experienced home mechanics. Support the vehicle securely, clean the mounting points, and test fit the part before final assembly. Lubricate polyurethane bushes with a suitable grease, tighten fasteners to the vehicle manufacturer?s specification, and tighten suspension pivots with the vehicle at ride height. Have a wheel alignment (tracking) carried out after any change that affects suspension geometry, and check that any ride height change meets the vehicle standards where the vehicle is registered.

Shop Universal Parts

Common fit-by-size lines include universal camber bolts, universal leaf spring bushes, universal sway bar links and universal U bolts.

Find the universal parts you need by size, then order online with fast shipping or have them fitted by a Nolathane reseller. Every product is backed by our warranty and our fitment guarantee, 60-day returns give you time if a part isn?t right, and our local support team can help you measure and choose the correct size, whether you?re restoring a classic, finishing a custom build or stocking a workshop.