Shop by Brand

View our Privacy Policy

Leaf Spring Bushing

 Shop Leaf Spring Bushing

Leaf Spring Bushing: How to Install One in Six Steps

Your vehicle's leaf spring bushing is a very important part. Without this rubber bushing, you will have an uncomfortable driving experience due to excessive vibrations in the chassis and axle. What's more, once this part becomes corroded, you will encounter steering difficulties. If you want to replace the leaf spring bushing, check this guide for the steps and tools that you will need to accomplish this task.

Required skill level: Intermediate

Needed tools and materials:

  • Floor jack
  • Jack stands
  • Punch
  • Metric or SAE wrench set
  • Hammer
  • Torch
  • Torque wrench
  • Socket set
  • Die grinder
  • Anti-seize compound
  • Replacement leaf spring bushing

    • Preparing the vehicle

    Using the floor jack, lift your vehicle. Don't forget to secure it by placing jack stands under its frame and axle.

    Accessing the old leaf spring bushing

    Depending on your vehicle's make and model, you may need to use a metric or SAE wrench set to remove the bolts that are holding the leaf spring and hanger together. Once the bolts have been removed, lower the jack so that the spring eyes and old leaf spring bushing can be accessed.

    Removing the bushing

    With the help of the hammer, loosen the worn bushing from the spring eyes. However, if the bushing is stuck, you can use the torch to free it.

    Cleaning the spring eyes

    After removing the old leaf spring bushing, use the die grinder to clean the rust and other kinds of debris from the spring eyes. Then, lubricate the eyes by applying some grease. Doing this will make it easier for you to install the new bushing.

    Installing the replacement leaf spring bushing

    Once the spring eyes have been properly lubricated, put the new bushing in place. Make sure that it is driven all the way into the spring. Then, lift the rear axle to center the spring eyes. Don't forget to line the bolt holes of the bushing and the hanger.

    Finishing the installation

    Lubricate the bolt that you removed earlier. Afterwards, move it through the bushing and hanger. You can also apply some anti-seize compound to protect the bolt threads. Then, using the torque wrench, tighten the retaining bolts and nuts according to the specifications of your vehicle's manufacturer.

    Leaf Spring Bushing Articles

    • 11 January 2013

      Energy Suspension vs. Stylin: Which Brand Manufactures the Best Leaf Spring Bushing?

      Though oftentimes overlooked, one of the most important parts of your vehicle is the leaf spring bushing. Once it gets damaged, vibrations in the chassis and axle will increase, which may affect your vehicle's overall performance. So you will get the best replacement bushing for you and your vehicle, check this guide for the strengths and weaknesses of two of the most prominent leaf spring bushing manufacturers nowadays-Stylin and Energy Suspension.

      Price

      Depending on quantity sold, the price of leaf spring bushings from Energy Suspension ranges from 9 to 73 USD. On the other hand, those from Stylin also have an average price of 9 USD. So if you're going to choose a brand based on the price tag, then you can purchase either one of these brands.

      WINNER: Styling and Energy Suspension


      Warranty

      In terms of warranty, Energy Suspension offers leaf spring bushings that are backed by a two-year limited warranty, while Stylin ones are covered by one-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.

      WINNER: Energy Suspension


      Ease of installation

      To gauge which brand manufactures the bushing that can be easily installed, we tried Energy Suspension and Stylin's leaf spring bushings on our 2000 Dodge Ram 1500. Both bushings were easily installed using some simple tools. What's more, they fit our vehicle well, and it only took a few hours to install them.

      WINNER: Stylin and Energy Suspension


      Quality

      The leaf spring bushings produced by Stylin and Energy Suspension were made from high-quality materials such as polyurethane. Both brands also guarantee that their products are tested and engineered to last for a long time.

      WINNER: Energy Suspension and Stylin


      Performance

      After installing each leaf spring bushing on our Dodge Ram, we took our vehicle out for a test drive to see which brand made our vehicle perform better. With Energy Suspension, our Ram felt a little stiff, but it was flexible enough when we maneuvered through turns. Likewise, we noticed significant improvements with our vehicle's handling even if we drove it off-road for a few miles.

      WINNER: Energy Suspension and Stylin


      The verdict

      After much testing, we found out that both Stylin and Energy Suspension are reliable manufacturers of leaf spring bushings. However, if you are looking for a replacement bushing that is backed by a warranty plan that has longer coverage, then you should settle for Energy Suspension.

      Continue Reading View Less