mechanics.tradeSuspension bushes
Testers wrote suspension bushes down 714,362 times during 2025, 17th on a list of 265 kinds of defect.
714,362recorded in 2025
2.3%of all recorded defects
17thon the national list
What it is
Bushes are rubber blocks that let suspension parts pivot without metal touching metal. As the rubber ages it cracks and the part starts to move where it should not, which the tester can feel.
What the tester can write down
| Wording on the certificate | Category | Recorded in 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | Major | 577,044 |
What you can do about it
Worn bushes show up as a knock over rough surfaces and vague steering at speed. Some can be pressed out and renewed on their own, which is cheaper than replacing the whole arm.
Advisories
Testers also noted this 3,849,693 times in 2025 as an advisory, without failing the car for it. That is worth acting on before the next test comes round.
Nearby on the list
Every defect on the list, from 42,728,066 MOT tests in 2025.