NOLATHANE Track Bar Bushings

Nolathane track bar bushings cushion each end of the bar that holds the axle centered side to side. Also known as panhard bar bushings or panhard rod bushings, they?re the same part under different names. Every track bar bushing lets the bar pivot as the suspension moves while stopping the axle from shifting sideways.

When track bar bushings wear, the axle starts to move under the vehicle, and the steering feels loose and wandering. Fresh polyurethane bushings restore firm, centered location. Each listing shows the position, dimensions, and vehicles each bushing or kit fits.

How a Track Bar Locates the Axle

A solid axle needs something to keep it from moving left and right under the vehicle. The track bar does that job. It?s a single bar that runs from the frame on one side to the axle on the other, roughly parallel to the axle.

The bar resists side loads from cornering, bumps, and crosswinds, keeping the axle centered. At the same time, the bushings at each end let it pivot, so the axle can still travel up and down freely.

Track bars are common on solid front axle trucks and 4x4s, where a front track bar locates the steering axle. They?re also used at the rear of solid-axle trucks and on some performance cars with a rear panhard rod.

Track Bar and Panhard Rod Bushing Positions

A track bar has a bushing at each end, and the location of the bar determines which kit you need.

Frame-End Bushings

The frame end attaches to a bracket on the chassis. This bushing carries the bar?s side loads into the frame.

Axle-End Bushings

The axle end attaches to a bracket on the axle housing. Because it moves with the axle, it sees constant movement and often wears quickly.

Front and Rear Track Bars

A front track bar on a solid front axle truck also affects steering, so wear there is felt through the steering wheel. A rear track bar locates the rear axle, and wear there usually shows up as a loose, floating rear end.

Signs of Worn Track Bar Bushings

Worn track bar bushings usually show up in the steering and handling. Watch for:

• Steering wander, or the need for constant small corrections to stay straight
• A clunk over bumps or when changing direction
• The axle visibly shifting side to side when someone rocks the steering wheel with the engine running
• Rear end float, where the rear feels loose in corners
• Cracked or extruded bushings at either end of the bar

The steering wheel test is one of the best checks for a front track bar. With the engine running and the vehicle on its wheels, have someone rock the wheel back and forth while you watch both ends of the bar. Any movement at the bushings means they?re worn.

Worn track bar bushings are one possible contributor to front-end shimmy on solid-axle trucks, but they?re not the only cause. Ball joints, tie rod ends, and other steering parts can play a part too.

Track Bars After a Lift

Lifting a solid-axle truck changes the track bar?s geometry. Because the bar runs at an angle between the frame and the axle, raising the vehicle steepens that angle and pulls the axle off center.

Adjustable track bars are a common fix. They can be lengthened or shortened to recenter the axle at the new ride height. Even with an adjustable bar, bushing condition matters more than ever, because the steeper angle puts more load on the bushings.

When lifting a truck, check the ball joints, tie rods, and steering damper alongside the track bar, since all of them work together to keep the front end stable.

Rubber and Polyurethane Track Bar Bushings

Factory rubber track bar bushings are soft, so they tend to give way under side loads. That lets the axle shift before the bar can hold it, which is felt as wander and vague steering.

Polyurethane track bar bushings hold the axle firmly in place sideways. They offer high load-bearing capability for heavy trucks and towing, and they resist oil, grease, ozone, and weathering. The hardness, or durometer, is chosen to locate the axle firmly while still absorbing vibration.

The trade-off is slightly more road feel, since polyurethane passes a little more vibration than soft rubber.

Choosing Track Bar Bushings

You can choose track bar bushings by vehicle or by size. Each listing shows the details.

Vehicle-Specific Kits

Vehicle-specific kits are matched to your truck or car, so you know the bushings will suit both ends of the bar.

Universal Track Bar Bushings by Size

Universal bushings are chosen by outside diameter, inside diameter, length, and bolt size. They suit aftermarket bars and hard-to-find applications, and they?re guaranteed to match the dimensions shown in the listing.

Bar and Bracket Condition

Before fitting new bushings, check the bar for bends, the bolt holes for wear, and the brackets for cracks. New bushings can?t make up for damaged mounting points.

Track Bar Bushing Replacement

Because the track bar affects steering on many trucks, qualified fitting is recommended. The general process looks like this:

• Support the vehicle safely, with the suspension at ride height
• Remove the track bar
• Press the old bushings out and the new ones in, with the shells and tubes supplied
• Grease the bushings as specified
• Refit the bar and tighten it to specification at ride height, with the weight on the wheels
• Check that the axle is centered
• Have a wheel alignment carried out

Check the torque again after the first few hundred miles.

Limitations and Trade-Offs

Track bar bushings restore firm axle location, but they have limits:

• Polyurethane transmits slightly more road feel than rubber
• It can squeak if it isn?t greased
• New bushings can?t fix a bent bar, worn ball joints or tie rod ends, a worn steering box, elongated mounting holes, or a loose bracket
• Track bar bushings alone won?t cure front-end shimmy if other parts are worn

Compliance and Insurance

Make sure the vehicle meets the lift and inspection rules of the state where it?s registered, and let your insurance company know about any modifications.

Warranty and Support

Nolathane track bar bushings carry a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects in material and workmanship, for the original vehicle. Tubes supplied separately are backed by Nolathane?s warranty. Our local support team can help you find the right bushings.

Shop Track Bar Bushings

Nolathane track bar bushings are one of the most popular lines in our polyurethane bushings selection for solid axle trucks. If the bar itself is bent, a complete track bar is the better repair.

Choose a vehicle-specific kit or universal bushings by size, and order online with fast shipping. Every part is covered by our warranty and fitment guarantee.