Hi,

I'm just having my 214 MOT'd today, and was advised that the rear trailing-arm supsension bushes are a bit worn/soft(?). I need to get more information when I collect the car, however they were replaced a couple of years ago at the MOT so I'm a bit surprised they've come up again as an advisory so soon. When they were replaced a couple of years ago, it was the first time since the car was new (1990) and the mileage was then 72000 miles. Since then we've done another 6000 miles.

Has anybody got any views on how long these parts should last. I was wondering if wear in other parts of the rear suspension linkage might be putting extra stress on these large rubber bushes. The garage probably used aftermarket parts rather than Rover ones (if these are available), but they are a reputable operation and very familiar with this repair.

Thanks,
Hugh

They are a common failure item and chances are the after market ones aren't as good as the original ones. I'd be tempted to fit polyurethane ones instead as these should outlast the rest of the car and are pretty much as easy to fit.

Yes, speaking to the folk at the garage, they do seem to deteriorate quite quickly. They have an old Honda courtesy car with similar components and have had to replace the bushes several times.

When I had the bushes replaced a couple of years ago, I though they might see me or the car out, but it was not to be. Looks like I should fit the polyurethane bushes sometime later this year. I found these ones from Powerflex:

http://www.ruderacing.co.uk/Suspension- ... _info.html.

Are these the ones other members have used?

Cheers,
Hugh

yes they'll be fine, although you may have a few problems getting hold of them as the powerflex factory had a fire.

However also worth contacting Mark at Silverstormai as he is a 200 nut and also runs a company supplying bits for people including superflex bushes.

http://www.silverstormai.com/suspension-bushes.html

He doesn't list the trailing arm bushes seperately on the website, but worth e-mailing him for a seperate price for these if you need them

Thanks. That looks like a good source.