Universal Shock Absorber Bushes

Nolathane universal shock absorber bushes give workshops, restorers and DIY mechanics a durable polyurethane replacement for worn shock bushes at the upper and lower mounting points. Selected by size and mounting type rather than make and model, they suit shock absorbers where the original bushes have perished, where a direct-fit kit is unavailable, or where non-standard shocks have been fitted.

Each listing shows the bush type, dimensions and kit contents, so you can match them to the shock absorber eye or stem before ordering.

The Role of Shock Absorber Bushes

A shock absorber controls how quickly the suspension compresses and rebounds, keeping the tyres in contact with the road and the body stable over bumps. For it to work properly, the shock must be firmly attached to both the chassis and the axle or control arm, while still being able to pivot slightly as the suspension moves through its travel.

Shock absorber bushes make that possible. They sit at each mounting point, locating the shock securely, allowing a small amount of controlled movement, and isolating the body from vibration and impact. When they wear, the shock moves in its mounts before it starts to do its job, reducing damping control and creating noise.

Types of Shock Absorber Mounts

Shock absorbers use two main mounting styles, and many shocks combine one of each at the top and bottom.

Eye Mounts

An eye mount is a round eye at the end of the shock that fits over a bolt or pin. A cylindrical bush, usually with a centre sleeve, sits inside the eye. Eye bushes are commonly found at the lower mount and on many 4WD and commercial vehicle shocks.

Stem or Stud Mounts

A stem mount uses a threaded shaft that passes through a hole in the chassis or mounting bracket. Bushes sit on either side of the bracket, held in place by cup washers and a nut. These are often stepped or top-hat shaped so one part of the bush locates in the hole while the shoulder supports the washer.

Knowing which type you have, along with its dimensions, is the first step in choosing universal shock bushes.

Signs of Worn Shock Absorber Bushings

Shock bushes are small, but they work constantly. Common signs of wear include:

• Clunking or knocking over bumps, potholes and corrugations, particularly at low speed.
• A loose or vague feel through rough corners, or a body that floats after a bump.
• Visible cracking, splitting or flattening of the rubber at the shock mounts.
• The shock absorber eye sitting off-centre on its pin, or cup washers touching the bracket.
• Rust-coloured dust or polished marks around the mount, indicating metal contact.
• New shocks that feel no better than the old ones, because worn mounts are allowing movement before damping begins.

Check the bushes whenever shock absorbers are replaced. With the vehicle on the ground, use a pry bar at each mount to look for movement between the shock and its bracket.

Why Replace Shock Absorber Bushes

Worn shock absorber bushes allow the shock to move in its mounting before it starts to resist suspension movement. That delay reduces damping control, which can make the vehicle feel less stable over bumps, increase body movement when towing and reduce tyre grip on rough surfaces. Excessive movement also increases stress on the shock absorber?s own seals and mounting eyes, shortening its life.

Replacing worn bushes restores secure mounting, reduces noise and helps new or existing shock absorbers perform as designed. For 4WDs, pick-ups and vehicles that tow or carry heavy loads, firmly located shocks are particularly important for stability and control.

When Universal Shock Bushes Make Sense

A vehicle-specific kit is the simplest option where one exists. Universal shock absorber bushes are a practical choice for:

• Classic, rare and imported vehicles where direct-fit bushes are no longer produced.
• Aftermarket or performance shock absorbers fitted to custom builds.
• Trailers and caravans that use common shock absorber mount sizes.
• Workshops that need a fit-by-size solution for vehicles outside the direct-fit catalogue.
• Replacing a single worn mount without buying a complete vehicle kit.

Measuring for the Right Fit

For eye-type mounts, measure the inside diameter of the shock absorber eye, the pin or bolt diameter, and the width of the eye. For stem-type mounts, measure the stem diameter, the hole size in the mounting bracket and the thickness of the bracket. Stepped bushes have two outer diameters, so measure both the locating step and the shoulder.

Compare these measurements with the dimensions shown in each listing. If your readings fall between sizes, our support team can help confirm the right option.

Polyurethane Versus Rubber Shock Bushes

Factory shock absorber rubbers are designed to isolate vibration, but rubber deteriorates with heat, load cycling, oil and road grime. Once it cracks or compresses, the shock moves in its mounts and noise follows.

Polyurethane holds its shape far longer. It offers outstanding abrasion resistance, high load-bearing capability for 4WDs, pick-ups and towing, increased tensile strength and resistance to oil, grease, ozone and weathering. Nolathane polyurethane bushes are mechanically fitted with minimal crush, and where a sleeve is used it is lubricated so the shock can pivot freely rather than twisting the bush. This keeps the shock absorber accurately located and helps maintain damping control over the long term.

Replacing Shock Absorber Bushes

Support the vehicle securely so the suspension is not fully extended or compressed, and remove the shock absorber or loosen the mount as required.

For eye mounts, press out the old bush or remove any remaining rubber from the eye, taking care not to damage the shock. Clean the eye, apply polyurethane-compatible bushing grease, then fit the new bush and sleeve. Refit the shock and tighten the bolt to the manufacturer?s torque specification, ensuring the sleeve takes the clamping load.

For stem mounts, fit the lower cup washer and bush onto the stem, pass it through the bracket and fit the upper bush, cup washer and nut. Tighten until the bushes are lightly compressed and the cup washers are seated, without over-tightening, which can crush the bush and transmit harshness. Follow the shock absorber manufacturer?s guidance where available, and use a locknut or second nut if specified.

Re-check all mounts after the first few hundred kilometres and again during regular servicing.

Limitations and Trade-Offs

Polyurethane is firmer than soft rubber, so slightly more road noise and vibration can be felt through the body, particularly on corrugated roads or with very stiff shock absorbers. Over-tightening stem-mount bushes increases this effect, so correct fitting is important.

Polyurethane bushes also need lubrication at sliding surfaces; if fitted dry, they can squeak. New bushes cannot fix a damaged shock absorber eye, a bent stem or a cracked mounting bracket, so inspect these parts and replace them where necessary. Worn shock absorbers should be replaced, as new bushes alone will not restore lost damping.

Compliance

Shock absorbers and their mounts form part of the suspension, so any replacement must keep the vehicle safe and within the standards that apply where it is registered. In the UK and Europe, suspension condition is checked at the MOT or periodic roadworthiness inspection. Tell your insurer about any suspension modification.

Nolathane Polyurethane Since 1974

Nolathane has been making polyurethane suspension bushings since 1974, originally developed to replace brass bushes in hillclimb competition. More than 50 years on, the signature red bushings are produced in a range of durometers (hardness grades) selected for each application, so shock bushes are firm enough to locate the shock absorber accurately while still absorbing vibration. With superior elasticity, memory and outright durability, they help keep the shocks working as intended over many kilometres.

Shop Universal Shock Absorber Bushes

Shock bushes sized to fit are found in Nolathane's universal parts range.

Identify the mount type, measure the eye or stem and mounting bracket, compare them with each listing and choose the shock absorber bush kit that suits your application. Orders are sent with fast shipping, and our local support team can help with sizing and fitting advice, whether you are replacing worn shock bushes, restoring a classic or setting up aftermarket shocks.