* Reduce friction and noise: They act as a buffer between moving metal parts, preventing metal-on-metal contact which would create squeaking, rattling, and excessive wear.
* Absorb vibrations: They dampen vibrations from the road, making the ride smoother and quieter.
* Allow controlled movement: While reducing friction, they still allow for the necessary movement of suspension components, such as the articulation of the suspension arms. They're designed to allow specific types and amounts of movement, preventing excessive play or binding.
Bushes are found in many locations throughout a car, including:
* Suspension arms: Connecting the suspension to the chassis.
* Steering components: Allowing for steering input while maintaining stability.
* Engine mounts: Isolating the engine from the chassis to reduce vibrations transmitted to the cabin.
* Transmission mounts: Similar to engine mounts, isolating the transmission.
Over time, bushes wear out, becoming cracked, torn, or hardened. This leads to increased noise, vibration, poor handling, and potentially unsafe driving conditions. Replacing worn bushes is a common maintenance task.
