Suspension bushes

[s2art]

Just put my car (2002 Tuscan S)in for its 18000 mile service. The dealer(near Wigan) has rung back to say the bushes are all knackered. 18000 miles seems not very far for bushes to wear out, anyone got any experience with polyurethane bushes? Any advice?

Stu

[joospeed]

Are they actually u/s or just cracked where they haven't been running in their correct position?

often bushes are tightened with the car on a ramp and wheels hanging free, as the car is lowered to the ground the rubber twists and looks persished on the edge giving the effect of being u/s. In actual fact it looks worse than it is, and the bush is usually ok.

you can usually slacken the bush, put the car to normal running position and retighten.

Can't remember the last time i changed a bush on a tuscan / cerbera ..

[s2art]

joospeed said:

Are they actually u/s or just cracked where they haven't been running in their correct position? often bushes are tightened with the car on a ramp and wheels hanging free, as the car is lowered to the ground the rubber twists and looks persished on the edge giving the effect of being u/s. In actual fact it looks worse than it is, and the bush is usually ok. you can usually slacken the bush, put the car to normal running position and retighten. Can't remember the last time i changed a bush on a tuscan / cerbera ..

Dunno, just going on report from Dealer. They state:-

N/S/F Lower shocker bush split and touching wishbone.
N/S/R Shocker Bush (Top) and upper front wishbone bushes. (I assume they are just worn).
O/S/R Shocker bush(top) and upper front wishbone. (ditto).
Must admit am tempted to get a second opinion. Dealer also states that that rear anti-roll bar drop links siezed. WTF? On 18000 miles used daily?
BTW Joolz when fitting Nitrons do the bushes get replaced. If you have time please e-mail me on your long stroke options for Tuscan S.

Stu