When you’re upgrading your suspension bushes, it’s natural to ask one question before anything else: which hardness should I choose?

At Polybush, we manufacture polyurethane bushes in different material grades to suit different vehicles, driving styles and applications. Whether you’re restoring a classic car, improving the handling of your daily driver or building a dedicated track car, selecting the right material can make a noticeable difference to how your vehicle performs.

However, you won’t always see multiple hardness options listed on our website.

That’s entirely intentional.

If we don’t offer a choice of hardness for a particular bush, it’s because we’ve already selected the material that delivers the best balance of ride comfort, handling, durability and longevity for that specific suspension location. Every product is developed with the vehicle’s suspension design in mind, so you can order with confidence knowing we’ve already done the engineering.

What Does Polyurethane Hardness Mean?

Polyurethane hardness is measured using the Shore A scale. In simple terms:

• A lower Shore A rating produces a softer, more compliant bush.
• A higher Shore A rating creates a firmer bush with less deflection under load.

It’s easy to assume that harder is always better, but that’s rarely the case.

Every suspension bush has a specific job to do. Some locations need more compliance to allow suspension articulation and absorb vibration, while others benefit from a firmer material to maintain suspension geometry under cornering, braking and acceleration.

That’s why we don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach.

Why Do Some Vehicles Have More Hardness Options Than Others?

One of the most common questions we receive is why some vehicles are available in Comfort, Dynamic and Performance grades, while others only come in a single material.

The answer is simple: vehicle suspension has changed dramatically over the last 50 years.

Classic cars and older Land Rovers were designed around relatively soft rubber bushes. At the time, suspension relied on a significant amount of bush movement to deliver ride comfort and allow the suspension to work effectively. Take a Jaguar E-Type as an example. The original rubber bushes were considerably softer than the bushes found on most modern vehicles, because that’s exactly what the suspension was engineered around.

Today, suspension design is very different.

Modern cars are generally heavier, faster, more powerful and capable of generating far greater braking and cornering forces. Manufacturers have also developed much more sophisticated suspension geometry with far tighter tolerances than older vehicles.

As a result, the original rubber bushes fitted to many modern vehicles are already significantly stiffer than those fitted to classics. Although manufacturers still use rubber due to the ease of manufacturing in volume, rather than polyurethane, the stiffness of those bushes is often comparable to our firmer polyurethane compounds.

It isn’t unusual for an everyday modern hatchback with a modest engine to require a bush equivalent in stiffness to our 85A Performance material, simply because that’s what the suspension was designed to use.

That’s why you’ll often find we offer multiple hardness options for classics and Land Rovers, allowing owners to choose between originality, improved road manners or outright performance.

For many newer vehicles, however, there’s simply no benefit in offering softer alternatives. We’ve already selected the material that best matches the vehicle’s original suspension design, ensuring it performs exactly as intended while providing all the durability advantages of polyurethane.

Comfort Grade (Blue – 65 Shore A)

Our Comfort bushes are designed for drivers who want to preserve ride quality while enjoying the long-term durability of polyurethane.

Manufactured from 65 Shore A polyurethane, these bushes provide the greatest suspension articulation while absorbing bumps, vibration and road noise more effectively than firmer materials.

They’re especially popular on:

• Classic cars
• Land Rovers
• Touring vehicles
• Everyday road cars of yesteryear
• Restorations where maintaining the original driving character is important

Comfort bushes retain much of the relaxed, compliant feel associated with factory suspension while lasting significantly longer than traditional rubber.

Ideal for:

• Daily driving
• Classic vehicle restoration
• Off-road vehicles requiring maximum suspension articulation

Dynamic Grade (Orange – 75 Shore A)

Our Dynamic grade offers the ideal middle ground.

At 75 Shore A, these bushes are firmer than Comfort, reducing unwanted suspension movement to improve steering precision and cornering response, while remaining comfortable enough for everyday driving.

For many enthusiasts, this represents the perfect balance between comfort and performance.

Dynamic bushes are equally suited to the daily commute, spirited weekend drives and occasional track days.

Ideal for:

• Fast road driving
• Daily driven performance cars
• Lightly modified vehicles
• Occasional track use
• Drivers wanting sharper handling without sacrificing comfort

Performance Grade (Red – 85 Shore A)

For drivers demanding maximum precision, our Performance bushes deliver the highest level of control.

Manufactured from 85 Shore A polyurethane, these bushes minimise suspension deflection, helping maintain accurate suspension geometry under heavy cornering, hard braking and acceleration.

The result is:

• Sharper steering response
• Increased stability
• More consistent handling
• Greater driver confidence
• Improved performance when towing heavy loads

Although they naturally transmit a little more road feel than softer compounds, they’re the ideal choice for drivers who prioritise precision above outright ride comfort.

Ideal for:

• Performance road cars
• Track day vehicles
• Motorsport applications
• Highly modified vehicles
• Vehicles used for towing

Machinable Polyurethane Material (90 Shore A)

Alongside our suspension bushes, we also manufacture machinable polyurethane rod.

Produced in 90 Shore A polyurethane, this material has been specifically formulated for machining on a lathe, making it suitable for producing custom bushes, mounts and specialist engineering components where durability and dimensional stability are essential.

Why Choose Polybush Polyurethane Bushes?

Replacing worn rubber bushes with Polybush polyurethane bushes isn’t simply about making your suspension firmer.

It’s about fitting a material that’s engineered to perform consistently for years to come.

Unlike conventional rubber, polyurethane is highly resistant to:

• Oil contamination
• Road grime
• Chemicals
• UV exposure
• Weathering
• Age-related cracking

This means your suspension maintains its performance for significantly longer instead of gradually deteriorating as rubber naturally ages.

Every Polybush bush is designed as a direct replacement for the original component, making installation straightforward while delivering consistent, predictable performance.

The Polybush Difference

Not all polyurethane bushes are created equal.

Every Polybush product is manufactured in the UK using our own specially developed polyurethane formulations. Each compound has been engineered to provide the correct balance of comfort, durability and handling for the application it’s designed for.

Unlike many polyurethane bushes on the market, Polybush bushes are also dry-fit, meaning no grease is required during installation. That eliminates one of the most common causes of squeaking while making fitting cleaner and easier.

When you choose Polybush, you benefit from:

• Longer service life than standard rubber bushes
• Improved steering response and vehicle stability
• Ride comfort carefully maintained where appropriate
• Excellent resistance to oil, fuel, chemicals, UV and weather
• Dry-fit installation with no grease required
• Precision manufacturing in the UK
• ISO 9001 quality assurance
• A direct replacement for the original suspension bush

Which Polybush Hardness Should You Choose?

If your vehicle offers multiple material options, choosing the right one depends entirely on how you use it.

Comfort (Blue – 65A) is ideal for owners wanting to preserve the original ride quality of classics, Land Rovers and touring vehicles while benefiting from the longevity of polyurethane.

Dynamic (Orange – 75A) provides an excellent balance between comfort and sharper handling, making it perfect for enthusiastic road driving and lightly modified vehicles.

Performance (Red – 85A) is designed for drivers seeking maximum precision, whether that’s on track, on fast road drives or when towing heavy loads.

If your chosen bush doesn’t offer a choice of hardness, there’s no need to second-guess it.

We’ve already selected the polyurethane compound that best suits that particular suspension location based on years of engineering, testing and real-world experience.

Our aim has never been to offer the greatest number of options. It’s to provide the right material for every application.

Upgrade to Polybush

Whether you’re restoring a cherished classic, maintaining a hardworking Land Rover, refreshing the suspension on your daily driver or improving the handling of a modern performance car, Polybush offers a suspension bush that’s engineered for the job.

Every bush is manufactured in the UK, built to last and developed to improve the way your vehicle drives without compromising what makes it enjoyable in the first place.

Because the best suspension bush isn’t always the hardest one. It’s the one that’s been engineered and manufactured specifically for your vehicle by people who care.

Buy Your Suspension Bushes Now.

If you own a modern Skoda Octavia, Superb, Karoq, Kodiaq, Scala or Yeti and you’ve started noticing knocks, vague steering, uneven tyre wear or an MOT advisory for suspension bushes, you’re not alone. One of the most common wear points across the VW Group range is the front wishbone rear bush — the large bush that controls fore-aft movement of the lower arm.

The challenge for owners is that suspension bush problems rarely announce themselves clearly. A worn bush can feel like a drop link, top mount, wheel bearing or even a tyre issue. This guide pulls together the real-world symptoms, common failures and upgrade options across the Skoda range so you can diagnose problems properly and choose the right replacement.

Which Skoda models are affected?

The 44EX Front Wishbone Rear Bush fits a wide range of Skoda models, including:

• Skoda Octavia Mk3 (5E) – 2012–2019 – Multi-Link & Rear Axle Models.

• Skoda Octavia Mk4 – 2019–on – Multi-Link & Rear Axle Models.

• Skoda Superb Mk2 (3T) – 2010–2015

• Skoda Superb Mk3 (3V) – 2015–2023

• Skoda Karoq (NU7/ND7) – 2017–on – Multi-Link & Rear Axle Models.

• Skoda Kodiaq (NS7/NV7) – 2016–on

• Skoda Scala (NW1) – 2019–on

• Skoda Yeti (5L) – 2010–2017

These cars share either the MQB platform architecture used across VW, Audi and SEAT models, which is why the same bush appears in so many applications.

What does the front wishbone rear bush do?

The rear bush on the front wishbone controls how the lower arm moves under braking, acceleration and cornering. It absorbs vibration and allows controlled movement while keeping the wheel aligned.

When the bush starts to split or soften, the wheel can move excessively. That leads to:

• Knocking or clunking over bumps

• Vague or wandering steering

• Instability under braking

• Uneven tyre wear

• Steering wheel vibration

• MOT advisories for excessive movement or deterioration

Common symptoms of worn Skoda suspension bushes

These are the searches owners make before they realise a bush (Generally: the OEM part number – 1K0-407-183-P, 1K0-407-183-M, 5C0-407-183-A, 5Q0-407-183-D, 5Q0-407-183-E, 5Q0-407-183-j)  is the culprit.

1. Knocking or clunking over bumps

Usually heard at low speed on rough roads, over speed humps or potholes. A worn rear wishbone bush allows the arm to shift backwards and forwards, creating a dull thud rather than a sharp metallic knock. Common searches: “Skoda knocking noise front suspension”, “Octavia clunking over bumps”, “Superb front suspension knock”

2. Loose or vague steering

If the car feels like it needs constant correction on the motorway, or the steering no longer feels precise, the rear wishbone bushes are a prime suspect. Common searches: “Wandering steering on my Skoda”, “Octavia vague steering”, “Karoq unstable at speed”

3. Uneven tyre wear

Excessive movement in the wishbone can dynamically alter the toe and caster while driving. You may see inner-edge tyre wear even after alignment. Common searches: “Skoda uneven tyre wear”, “Octavia inner tyre wear”, “wishbone bush alignment issue”

4. MOT advisory or failure

MOT testers often note:

• “Suspension arm bush deteriorated”
• “Excessive movement in suspension arm bush”
• “Bush split or perished”

At this point, replacement is the sensible option — and often cheaper than chasing repeated alignments or tyre wear problems.

Why do these bushes fail on MQB cars?

The original rubber bushes do a good job of isolating vibration, but they’re exposed to:

• Heat cycles

• Road salt and water

• Oil contamination

• Heavy braking loads

• Poor road surfaces and potholes

• Vehicle weight increases on SUVs like the Kodiaq and Karoq

Over time, the rubber softens, cracks and separates / rips from the inner sleeve. On higher-mileage cars, this is entirely normal wear rather than a design fault.

Why SUVs Are Tough on Suspension – and How Polybush Can Help

Rubber vs polyurethane bushes: what’s the difference?

Is Polybush okay for daily-driven vehicles?

For a daily-driven Skoda, a quality polyurethane bush like the Polybush 44EX is one of the best “fit and forget” upgrades you can make. You get tighter steering and better stability without turning the car into a harsh track car.

Polybush staff member and writer of this blog Ellis has been driving Superbs since 2011 – Having driven his hundreds of thousands of miles all over Europe, even from our North Wales HQ to South East Bulgaria. He knows how changing the smallest thing can make the biggest difference.

“I was fed up with replacing my suspension bushes, i’m very much a do it once, do it right kinda guy; so when I started working for Polybush that was exactly what I did, replaced my front wishbone bushes with Polybush, it was the best thing I did for my Mk3”

Installation notes from the workshop

A few practical points that help owners and mechanics alike:

1. Replace bushes in pairs

   Always do both sides together – The design and material of the bushing is differnt to the original bushing. Replacing both bushes will provide correct and consistent handling.

2. Check the front bush too

   The front wishbone rear bush is the common failure, but inspecting the front wishbone bush, ball joint, and drop links while the arm is off allows you to see an issue before it progresses

3. Wheel alignment is essential afterwards

   Even if the alignment was fine before, removal of suspension arms and the installation of new bushes change the suspension geometry. A proper four-wheel alignment ensures the suspension is set up for the long term.

4. Polybush bushes are dry-fit

   Unlike some polyurethane bushes, Polybush products do not require greasing. That means no messy installation and no squeaking later on.

Is this a DIY job?

For a competent DIYer with:

• Axle stands

• Torque wrench

• Ball joint splitter

• Bush press and other suitable tools

…it’s achievable. However, many owners choose to have a garage do the work because pressing bushes in and out can be awkward without the right equipment.

Recommended replacement: Polybush 44EX

The Polybush 44EX Front Wishbone Rear Bush is designed as a direct replacement for the OE rubber bush used across the Skoda, VW, Audi and SEAT MQB range.

Key points:

• Direct replacement for OE part numbers including 1K0 407 183 P and 5Q0 407 183 D/E/J

• Improved steering response and stability

• Maintains OE-level ride comfort

• Resistant to oil, UV and weathering

• UK-made polyurethane construction

• Dry-fit design — no grease required

View the 44EX bush here:

Front Wishbone Rear Bush – Audi | Seat | Skoda | VW

FAQs

How long do Skoda wishbone bushes last?

Typically 40,000–80,000 miles depending on road conditions, driving style and vehicle weight.

Can worn bushes cause steering vibration?

Yes. Excess movement in the wishbone (bushing) can transmit vibration through the steering, especially under braking or on uneven roads.

Will polyurethane bushes make my Skoda uncomfortable?

A quality polyurethane bush like the Polybush 44EX is designed to retain near-OE comfort. You may notice slightly sharper steering response, but not a harsh ride.

Do I need an alignment after replacing bushes?

Yes. An alignment is strongly recommended after any suspension bush replacement.

What’s the difference between a wishbone bush and a control arm bush?

They’re the same thing in this context. “Wishbone”, “control arm” and “suspension arm” are different names for the same component.

Final thoughts

Suspension bush wear is one of those problems that creeps up gradually. Owners adapt to the looser steering and occasional knock until the car suddenly feels transformed after replacement.

For the Skoda range — especially Octavia, Superb, Karoq, Kodiaq, Scala and Yeti models — the front wishbone rear bush is a known wear point. Replacing it with a durable polyurethane option is a sensible long-term fix that improves stability, steering feel and confidence without compromising comfort.

If your Skoda is knocking, wandering or carrying an MOT advisory for suspension bushes, it’s worth inspecting the rear wishbone bushes before chasing more expensive faults.

Related guides

• VW Golf – Audi A3 – Skoda Octavia or Seat Leon Knocking?

• Why SUV’s Are Tough On Suspension Bushes

• Upgrading Your Audi, VW, Seat or Skoda With Polybush

• Don’t Fit Rubber – Fit Polybush

• Transform Your Golf with Polybush

Buy now

Front Wishbone Rear Bush – Audi | Seat | Skoda | VW

Some vehicles have a story behind them. Others have several.

This Land Rover Defender 130 started life as a Royal shooting vehicle before eventually finding a new purpose as a capable overland build. Today, it belongs to our long-standing distributor, LR Centre, who approached us with an idea: document the installation of a complete Polybush suspension overhaul while showcasing one of the most interesting Defenders in their collection.

Working alongside Fraser from LR Centre’s marketing team, we put together a project that would not only improve the vehicle’s suspension performance but also provide a useful fitting guide for Land Rover enthusiasts looking to upgrade their own Defender.

A Defender 130 With History

The Defender 130 has always occupied a unique position within the Land Rover range. Offering increased load capacity and wheelbase length over the Defender 90 and 110, the 130 has become a favourite among expedition builders, commercial operators and enthusiasts looking for a practical long-distance touring vehicle.

This particular example has an even more unusual history.

Originally commissioned as a Royal shooting vehicle, it was built to support countryside estate duties before eventually transitioning into civilian ownership. Over time, it has been transformed into a well-equipped overland vehicle, ready for adventure while retaining the character and heritage that make older Defenders so appealing.

Like many classic Land Rovers, however, years of use inevitably take their toll on suspension components.

Why Replace Defender Suspension Bushes?

Suspension bushes are one of the most overlooked wear items on any Land Rover.

As original rubber bushes age, they begin to soften, crack and deteriorate. This can lead to vague steering, increased suspension movement, poor axle control and unwanted noise or vibration.

For a vehicle designed to travel long distances both on and off-road, maintaining proper suspension geometry and axle location is essential.

That’s where Polybush comes in.

The Complete Polybush Installation

For this project, we supplied a comprehensive range of suspension components covering virtually every major bush location on the vehicle.
The installation included:

Kit 1

• Front Radius Arm to Axle Bushes (1A)
• Rear Radius Arm to Axle Bushes (1C)
• Panhard Rod Bushes (1D)
• Rear Radius Arm to Chassis Bushes (1G)
• Front Radius Arm to Chassis Bushes (1H)

Swapped / Additional Components

• Bonded Rear Radius Arm to Chassis Bushes (1AV)
  https://polybush.co.uk/product/1av/
• Bonded Panhard Rod Bushes (1BA)
  https://polybush.co.uk/product/1ba/
• Exhaust Mount (1DK)
  https://polybush.co.uk/product/1dk-dynamic/

Of particular interest were the uprated bonded bushes fitted to both the panhard rod and rear radius arm locations, helping to maintain precise axle control while retaining the compliance required for comfortable road use – We developed these for the Military many years ago and thought, what a perfect vehicle to use them on, being that it’s top-heavy.

Why Choose Polybush for a Defender 130?

Land Rover owners often face a choice between standard replacement rubber bushes and polyurethane alternatives.
At Polybush, our products are engineered specifically to offer the benefits of polyurethane without the drawbacks often associated with traditional rubber bushes.

Longer Service Life

Unlike rubber, Polybush polyurethane bushes are highly resistant to oil contamination, road grime, UV exposure and age-related degradation.

Improved Steering Response

Reducing unwanted flex allows suspension components to work more effectively, helping maintain accurate steering and stable handling.

Comfort Remains a Priority

Our unique polyurethane formulation is designed to improve control without introducing excessive harshness into the ride.

No Grease Required

Unlike many polyurethane bushes on the market, Polybush products are designed to be fitted dry. There is no requirement for greasing and no risk of grease attracting dirt or causing future maintenance headaches.

Manufactured in the UK

Every Polybush component is manufactured in Britain using our proprietary polyurethane formulations and produced under ISO 9001-accredited quality systems.

Working with LR Centre

One of the most enjoyable aspects of this project was collaborating with the team at LR Centre.

As one of our trusted distributors and genuine Land Rover enthusiasts, they understand exactly what owners expect from their vehicles. Their Defender 130 provided the perfect platform to demonstrate both the installation process and the benefits of a complete suspension refresh.

Special thanks must also go to Fraser, whose enthusiasm for the project helped bring everything together. From planning the content through to documenting the vehicle’s history and overseeing production, his involvement ensured we could tell the story behind the Defender as well as the technical side of the upgrade.

The Result

Following the installation, the Defender retained everything that makes a classic Land Rover enjoyable while benefiting from improved suspension control, sharper steering feel and the confidence that comes from replacing decades-old suspension components.

For owners restoring a Defender, preparing an overland build or simply maintaining a cherished Land Rover, replacing worn suspension bushes remains one of the most effective upgrades available.

This project serves as a reminder that sometimes the best vehicles are those with a story to tell — and this ex-Royal Defender 130 certainly has plenty of stories left in it.
Watch the full installation video to see the complete Polybush upgrade and learn more about this remarkable Land Rover Defender 130 overlander.

If you’re searching for:

• Front suspension knocking noise
• VW Golf wishbone bush failure
• Audi A3 rear control arm bush symptoms
• Skoda Octavia knocking when braking
• Seat Leon vague steering
• 1K0407183P bush replacement
• 5Q0407183D wishbone bush
• Front lower arm rear bush failure

Then you’re looking at one of the most common suspension problems found across modern Volkswagen Group vehicles.

The front wishbone rear bush is a known wear item on many Audi, Volkswagen, Seat and Skoda models. As the original rubber bush ages and deteriorates, it can cause a surprising number of handling and suspension issues that many owners mistakenly diagnose as worn shock absorbers, track rod ends or wheel alignment problems.

The good news? It’s often a relatively straightforward repair that can completely transform the way the vehicle drives.

What Are the Symptoms of a Failed Front Wishbone Rear Bush?

Most drivers notice the problem gradually.

The car doesn’t suddenly break down. Instead, it starts to feel less precise and less stable than it did when it was new.

Common symptoms include:

Knocking From the Front Suspension

A dull knock or clunk when:

• Driving over potholes
• Crossing speed bumps
• Pulling onto a driveway
• Braking at low speed

Because the rear bush controls the movement of the wishbone, excessive play often creates noises that seem to come from multiple areas of the suspension.

Vague or Wandering Steering

Does your car feel like it needs constant correction on the motorway?

A worn rear wishbone bush allows the wheel alignment to change slightly under load, making the steering feel less direct and predictable.

Many owners describe it as:

• Floating steering
• Loose front end
• Wandering on uneven roads
• Reduced cornering confidence

  

Vehicle Pulling Under Braking

One of the clearest signs of rear wishbone bush wear is instability when braking.

As the bush softens or tears, the wheel can move rearwards under braking loads.

This can create:

• Steering wheel movement during braking
• Vehicle drift
• Reduced directional stability
• Uneven braking feel

Uneven Tyre Wear

When suspension geometry is no longer held accurately, tyres often begin wearing unevenly.

Replacing tyres without fixing the worn bush usually means the problem returns.

Why Does the Front Wishbone Rear Bush Fail?

The simple answer is that rubber wears out.

The original bush is designed to isolate vibration and provide comfort, but over time it is subjected to:

• Constant braking forces
• Cornering loads
• Road impacts
• Heat cycles
• Oil contamination
• Road salt and dirt

Eventually, the rubber begins to crack, soften or separate from its outer housing.

Once this happens, the wishbone can move more than it should.

That movement is what creates the knocking, instability and vague steering that many drivers experience.

The OEM Bushes Most Commonly Replaced

Owners often search for the following OEM part numbers when diagnosing suspension problems:

• 1K0 407 183 P
• 1K0 407 183 M
• 5C0 407 183 A
• 5Q0 407 183 D
• 5Q0 407 183 E
• 5Q0 407 183 J

These bushes are fitted across a huge range of Volkswagen Group vehicles and are one of the most frequently replaced suspension components as mileage increases.

Why Simply Replacing Rubber Isn’t Always the Best Solution

Many owners replace worn bushes with standard rubber replacements only to face the same failure again several years later.

The reality is that rubber remains vulnerable to:

• Age-related cracking
• Oil contamination
• UV exposure
• Repeated loading
• Environmental deterioration

For drivers intending to keep their vehicle long-term, a more durable material makes sense.

The Long-Term Solution: Polybush 44EX

Polybush 44EX has been developed as a direct replacement for the original front wishbone rear bush used across many Audi, Volkswagen, Seat and Skoda models.

Manufactured in the UK using Polybush’s proven polyurethane formulation, it is designed to provide long service life whilst maintaining everyday ride comfort.

Front Wishbone Rear Bush – Audi | Seat | Skoda | VW

Benefits of Polybush 44EX

– Direct replacement for OEM bushes

– Longer lasting than traditional rubber

– Improved steering response

– Reduced suspension deflection under braking

– Resistant to oil, chemicals and road contamination

– No grease required

– No squeaking

– Manufactured in the UK

– ISO 9001 quality assured

Unlike conventional rubber bushes, polyurethane does not suffer from the same rapid age-related deterioration, making it an ideal upgrade for daily drivers, performance vehicles and high-mileage cars alike.

Vehicles Covered by Polybush 44EX

This bush fits a wide range of popular Volkswagen Group models, including:

Audi

• Audi A3 8V
• Audi A3 8Y
• Audi Q2
• Audi Q3
• Audi Q3 Sportback

Volkswagen

• VW Golf Mk7
• VW Golf Mk8
• VW Passat B8
• VW Tiguan
• VW Tiguan Allspace
• VW Arteon
• VW Touran
• VW T-Roc
• VW Caddy 3.5
• VW Caddy 4

Seat

• Seat Leon Mk3
• Seat Leon Mk4
• Seat Ateca
• Seat Tarraco

Skoda

• Skoda Octavia Mk3
• Skoda Octavia Mk4
• Skoda Superb Mk2
• Skoda Superb Mk3
• Skoda Karoq
• Skoda Kodiaq
• Skoda Scala
• Skoda Yeti

Is Your Front Wishbone Rear Bush Starting to Fail?

If your vehicle has developed a front suspension knock, vague steering, instability under braking or uneven tyre wear, the front wishbone rear bush should be one of the first components inspected.

It’s one of the most common suspension failure points across the VW Golf, Audi A3, Skoda Octavia, Seat Leon, Tiguan and related models.

Replacing worn bushes with Polybush 44EX not only restores handling and stability but also helps prevent the same problem from returning in the future.

Polybush 44EX Front Wishbone Rear Bush

OEM References:
1K0407183P, 1K0407183M, 5C0407183A, 5Q0407183D, 5Q0407183E, 5Q0407183J

Kit Contents:
2 x Polyurethane Bushes

In Stock | Fast Dispatch | Manufactured in the UK

Upgrade one of the most common suspension failure points with a long-lasting Polybush solution.

If you’ve driven a Nissan Primastar, Renault Trafic, or Vauxhall Vivaro X83 for any length of time, you’ll know they’re solid, dependable vans… but they do start to feel tired at the rear axle once the original rubber bushes wear out. (we also make the front Subframe Bushes – Here)

It’s one of those jobs that creeps up gradually. A bit of rear-end movement here, a vague feeling on the motorway there, maybe even a knock over sharp bumps. Most owners don’t immediately suspect the rear axle bushes – but they’re often the culprit.

That’s exactly what the Polybush 47H rear axle bush kit is designed to address.

Why the rear axle bushes matter

The rear axle bushes sit between the axle beam and the vehicle chassis. Their job is simple in theory: control movement while isolating vibration.

Over time, the factory rubber bushes degrade due to:

• Road salt and grime
• Constant load stress (especially on vans)
• Oil contamination
• Age-related cracking and softening

Once that happens, the axle can shift more than it should. That leads to:

• Rear-end instability
• Wandering at speed
• Clunks or knocks under load changes
• Uneven or vague handling

On a fully loaded commercial van or camper conversion, the symptoms can feel even more pronounced.

Why upgrade to Polybush 47H?

The Polybush 47H bush set replaces the original rubber bushes with a precision-engineered polyurethane alternative designed specifically for this X83 platform.

Unlike standard rubber, polyurethane is far more resistant to deformation under load, which means the axle stays better controlled without introducing harshness.

Rear Axle Bush – Nissan | Opel | Renault | Vauxhall

Key benefits include:

• Reduced unwanted axle movement
• Sharper, more predictable handling
• Long-term durability compared to rubber
• Resistance to oil, road grime and weathering
• Maintains a compliant, road-friendly ride quality
• Dry-fit design – no grease, no squeaks, no mess

It’s a proper “fit and forget” upgrade, which is exactly what most van owners are after.

Fitment coverage

This set (Part Number 47H) fits:

• Nissan Primastar X83 (2002–2014)
• Opel Vivaro A Mk1 X83 (2001–2014)
• Vauxhall Vivaro A Mk1 X83 (2001–2014)
• Renault Trafic Mk2 X83/JL (2001–2014)

OEM cross references include:
91165701, 93856473, 4412907, 4417121, 8200431675, 8200039132, 55466-00QAA

What the fitting video shows

In the accompanying fitting video, we walk through the installation of the Polybush 47H rear axle bushes on the X83 platform.

The focus is on:

• Removing the worn factory rubber bushes
• Preparing the axle mounting points
• Installing the polyurethane replacement bushes
• Ensuring correct seating and alignment
• Highlighting how the new bushes change axle control

Even if you’re not doing the job yourself, the video is useful for understanding what’s involved and what a proper installation should look like.

Who this upgrade is ideal for

This isn’t a “performance mod” – it’s a practical upgrade for real-world vehicles.

It’s especially relevant for:

• High-mileage vans
• Fleet vehicles
• Camper conversions
• Towing and heavy-load use
• Drivers experiencing rear-end instability

If your van feels like it’s not quite as tight as it used to be, this is one of the first areas worth inspecting.

Final thoughts

Rear axle bushes are often overlooked, but they play a massive role in how stable and controlled a van feels on the road.

The Polybush 47H offers a long-term solution that restores control without sacrificing comfort – making it a smart upgrade for anyone running the X83 platform seriously, whether for work or travel.

If you want to improve handling, reduce rear-end movement, and avoid replacing worn rubber again in a few years, this is one of the most effective upgrades you can make.

Need Subframe Bushes?

Stop Front End Knocking On Vivaro & Trafic – Subframe Bush Failure

If you’re looking up how to fit rear axle bushes on a Ford Fiesta Mk7, the good news is — it’s a lot easier than most people expect.

With the right parts, this isn’t a drawn-out job:

• Old bushes come out easily (often with a single sharp hit)
• New bushes go in by hand
• A mechanic can comfortably do the job in under 30 minutes

Fiesta Mk7 Rear Axle Bush Fitting Video

Removing the Original Bushes

This is usually where people expect trouble — but on these cars, it’s often straightforward.

In many cases:

• The rubber has already deteriorated
• The bond to the outer sleeve is weak

One solid hit with a hammer and the bush comes free

No complicated tooling, no fighting seized components — just get the beam supported and knock them out cleanly.

Installing the New Bushes

This is where the job becomes simple.

Rear Axle (Beam) Bush – Ford | Mazda – Fiesta Mk7

Polybush 40BR Rear Axle Bush Set

• One-piece polyurethane design
• Push-fit installation
• No press required
• No grease required

You simply:

• Push the bushes into place by hand
• Tap home with a hammer
• Insert the stainless sleeve

That’s it. No pressing, no lubrication, no hassle.

Why Most People Fit Polybush 40BR

If you’re already doing the job, it makes sense to fit something that lasts.

Polybush 40BR has become the mechanics’ go-to choice because:

• Faster to fit than standard rubber bushes
• Longer lasting – won’t crack, split or degrade like rubber
• Improves rear-end stability without affecting comfort
• Dry-fit design – no grease, no squeaks

It’s a simple upgrade that saves you from doing the same job again; That’s what you want. A fit & forget solution.

Vehicle Fitment

Fits:

• Ford Fiesta Mk7 (2008–2019, including ST)
• Ford B-Max (2012–2017)
• Ford EcoSport (2014–2023)
• Mazda 2 (2007–2015)

Final Word

Replacing rear axle bushes on a Fiesta Mk7 doesn’t need to be a long, difficult job.

• Removal is quick
• Installation is straightforward
• And with Polybush 40BR, it’s a fit-and-forget solution

If you want to see exactly how it’s done, the video above walks through the process step by step.