When you think about suspension upgrades, coilovers and sway bars might come to mind, but one of the most overlooked performance mods is upgrading your car’s bushings. These small components play a big role in how your car handles, steers, and absorbs road vibrations.
At WOT Performance Parts, we provide high-performance bushing kits that transform the way your vehicle feels on the road or track.
What Are Bushings And What Do They Do?
Bushings are rubber or polyurethane components that cushion contact between metal parts in your suspension and drivetrain. You’ll find them in areas like:
-
Control arms
- Sway bars
-
Shock mounts
- Subframes
- Steering racks
- Engine and transmission mounts
Their main job is to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) while maintaining alignment and component stability.
Why Factory Bushings Fall Short
Most factory bushings are made of soft rubber, which prioritizes comfort over performance. Over time, they:
-
Crack or deteriorate from heat, age, and fluid exposure
-
Flex excessively, causing sloppy handling and delayed steering response
-
Increase body roll, brake dive, and drivetrain movement under load
If your car feels loose in corners or unstable at high speeds, worn bushings might be the culprit.
Benefits Of Upgrading Your Car’s Bushings
1. Sharper Handling
Upgraded polyurethane or solid bushings significantly reduce unwanted flex, keeping suspension geometry tight and consistent. The result?
- Tighter cornering
- More direct steering feel
- Greater chassis stability
2. Long-Lasting Durability
Performance bushings are made from polyurethane or Delrin, which:
- Last longer than rubber
- Resist oil, grease, and extreme temperatures
- Maintain performance under heavy loads
3. Improved Brake And Throttle Response
By limiting drivetrain movement and chassis flex, upgraded bushings enhance how your car reacts under acceleration, deceleration, and hard braking.
4. Custom Tuning Options
Some bushing kits allow you to choose from different durometers (hardness levels) so you can dial in your ride comfort vs. handling balance.
5. Ideal For Performance Builds
Whether you're tracking your car or building a responsive daily driver, bushing upgrades are a must-have mod that complements any suspension or steering enhancement.
Potential Downsides To Consider
-
Increased NVH: Stiffer bushings may transmit more vibration into the cabin.
-
Installation Time: Some bushings require pressing tools or subframe removal.
-
Break-In Period: Polyurethane bushings may squeak initially—use the correct lubricant to prevent this.
Common Bushing Upgrades Worth Doing
-
Control Arm Bushings – Improve alignment under load
-
Sway Bar Bushings & End Links – Sharpen body roll control
-
Engine & Transmission Mounts – Reduce drivetrain slop
-
Subframe Bushings – Eliminate flex in high-horsepower builds
Upgrade With Confidence At WOT Performance Parts
We carry high-performance bushing kits for a wide range of vehicles—from daily drivers to full race builds. Whether you're eliminating flex, improving control, or upgrading your ride for the track, WOT Performance Parts has the gear you need. Contact us today for more information.
