Rubber-to-metal bushings fitted to control and trailing arms are among the least glamorous components in a suspension system, yet they define how precisely the wheel moves relative to the body. Each bushing consists of an inner metal sleeve bonded to an outer sleeve via a rubber element that absorbs micro-movements, road vibration, and the constant angular flex that occurs as the arm pivots under load. When the rubber degrades — typically from ozone cracking, age, or contamination by oil and road salt — the bonding breaks down and the arm begins to move beyond its engineered envelope. The driver usually notices this as vague steering, a clunking noise from the front or rear suspension over rough surfaces, or uneven tyre wear that no tracking adjustment seems to cure. Identifying the correct OE number is critical because control arm geometry varies substantially between chassis generations, and a bushing from the wrong application will have the wrong stiffness rating and mounting diameter. STELLOX and TEDGUM are well-represented in the catalogue alongside other specialist suspension suppliers, collectively covering the vast majority of European applications. Replacement is typically straightforward but requires a hydraulic press to seat the new bushing correctly, and it is common to replace the complete axle set rather than a single side to maintain consistent compliance across the suspension.
The OE number for a control or trailing arm bushing is linked to the specific arm assembly, chassis code, and production year of your vehicle. Cross-referencing the number stamped on the arm or listed in your vehicle's parts catalogue against the OE references on this page — filtered by make, model, and year — will confirm fitment. Using the VIN to narrow down the exact chassis variant is the most reliable approach, since the same model can run different arm configurations across production runs.
OEM bushings are manufactured to the vehicle maker's specifications, typically by specialist rubber-to-metal suppliers and carry exact OE references. Quality aftermarket options from brands like STELLOX or TEDGUM are produced to equivalent dimensional and shore-hardness tolerances, making them fully interchangeable. Lower-cost alternatives may use a different rubber compound that hardens faster in cold climates or softens under heat, reducing their service life compared to OEM-grade parts.
Yes, replacing both sides of an axle at the same time is strongly recommended. Both bushings experience identical road loads and age at a similar rate, so when one side shows visible cracking or measurable play, the opposite bushing is usually in comparable condition. Replacing only one side can result in uneven suspension compliance — the stiffer new bushing on one side and the worn original on the other — leading to the same handling complaints within months.
The most common signs are a knocking or clunking noise from the suspension, particularly over speed bumps or on uneven surfaces, and vague or wandering steering that becomes worse at motorway speeds. Worn bushings also allow the wheel alignment geometry to shift, producing rapid and uneven tyre wear — often more wear on the inner or outer edge — that does not fully resolve after a standard wheel alignment check. In severe cases the car may pull to one side under braking.
Showing 100 of 18,995 Control/trailing arm bushing OE numbers. Enter the OE on the main OE search to jump to any reference.
