How long do Subaru bushings last?

Subaru bushings typically last about 60,000–100,000 miles for rubber varieties, with polyurethane versions lasting longer; overall life varies by component type, driving conditions, and maintenance.

In Subaru models, bushings cushion suspension and steering linkages—control arms, sway bars, and subframes—that wear with time and use. This report breaks down expected lifespans, signs of wear, and strategies to maximize their service life across common Subaru configurations.

Lifespan by component

Reference ranges for rubber and polyurethane bushings across Subaru control arms, sway bars, and subframe/trailing arms.

Control arm bushings

These connect the wheel hub to the car frame and bear significant side loads. Material choice affects lifespan.

• Rubber control arm bushings: roughly 60,000–100,000 miles under typical driving.


• Polyurethane control arm bushings: commonly 100,000–200,000 miles, with longer life in some drivers but potentially more road noise or stiffness.

Note: Road hazards, potholes, and salt can shorten rubber bushing life; polyurethane can tolerate rough roads but may wear mounting components if installed incorrectly.

Sway bar (stabilizer) bushings

These bushings limit body roll and can wear with steering inputs and road conditions.

• Rubber sway bar bushings: about 50,000–100,000 miles depending on climate and road conditions.


• Polyurethane sway bar bushings: often 100,000–200,000 miles, offering longer service in many cases.

Commonly, sway bar links and end links wear out faster due to joints; isolated sway bar bushings may survive longer than other suspension parts, but inspect for cracks and movement.

Subframe and trailing arm bushings

These larger bushings support the lower control arms and suspensions, subject to torque and road impact.

• Rubber subframe/trailing arm bushings: roughly 100,000–150,000 miles in normal use.


• Polyurethane versions: frequently 150,000 miles and longer, depending on installation and maintenance.

Because subframe bushings bear heavier loads, signs of wear may appear as chassis flex, misalignment, or clunks if they fail.

What affects how long they last

Several conditions determine how quickly bushings wear out in Subarus.

• Driving environment: rough roads, potholes, and winter road salt accelerate wear.


• Climate: frequent freeze‑thaw cycles and moisture can degrade rubber faster.


• Material: polyurethane lasts longer but can transfer more vibration.


• Maintenance and installation: proper torque, alignment, and high-quality parts matter; incorrect installation accelerates wear.


• Load and usage: aggressive driving, heavy towing, or off-road use stresses bushings more.

In practice, expect to schedule inspections at major service intervals (e.g., every 60,000–100,000 miles) and to replace worn bushings before they cause other suspension damage.

Signs that bushings may need replacement

Look for audible and handling clues that indicate bushing wear is progressing.

• Clunking or banging noises when going over bumps or dips.


• Excessive wheel play or wandering steering feel, particularly after hitting potholes.


• Unusual or uneven tire wear due to misalignment from worn bushings.


• Visible cracking, tearing, or deformation of rubber components.


• Increased body roll or looseness during cornering.

If you notice these symptoms, have a suspension specialist diagnose and test-balance the bushings, as replacing only the worn parts can restore stability.

How to extend bushing life

Maintenance steps can help maximize the service life of Subaru bushings.

• Keep up with alignment checks, especially after suspension work or impact events.


• Minimize aggressive driving that subjects bushings to sudden loads and impacts.


• Use quality OEM or equivalent parts and proper mounting hardware during replacement.


• Avoid excessive undercoating or contamination that can degrade rubber seals.


• For polyurethane options, ensure correct installation and consider professionals to manage stiffness and noise trade-offs.

Regular inspection remains key; proactive replacement saves maintenance costs and preserves handling and safety.

Summary

Subaru bushings typically last 60,000–100,000 miles for rubber formulations, with polyurethane variants often reaching 100,000–200,000 miles or more under favorable conditions. Lifespan varies by component type, material, climate, road quality, and maintenance. Listen for symptoms, schedule periodic inspections, and replace worn parts promptly to preserve handling, comfort, and safety.

How often do bushings need to be replaced?

Bushings do not have a fixed replacement schedule, and their lifespan varies greatly depending on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle use, but they often need replacing between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. The primary indicators for replacement are symptoms like unusual noises, vibration, loose steering, and uneven tire wear. Regular inspection is crucial to catch early signs of wear before they cause further damage or compromise safety. 
Signs your bushings need replacement

• Noises: Clunking, creaking, or rattling sounds, especially when going over bumps or during braking and acceleration. 
• Vibration: Excessive vibration from the steering wheel or felt through the car's body. 
• Poor handling: A "loose" or imprecise steering feel, or difficulty keeping the vehicle straight. 
• Uneven tire wear: Uneven wear on your tires can be a symptom of misaligned suspension due to worn bushings. 
• Visual damage: Visible cracks, tears, or deformation in the bushings. 

Factors that affect bushing lifespan

• Driving conditions: Driving on rough or unpaved roads can accelerate wear. 
• Climate: Extreme temperatures and road salt can cause bushings to crack and deteriorate faster. 
• Vehicle usage: Regularly carrying heavy loads or frequent off-roading will cause bushings to wear more quickly. 
• Age: Over time, rubber can simply become brittle and wear out, even with low mileage. 

This video explains why worn-out bushings can lead to premature tire wear: 57sCar Performance ProsYouTube · May 7, 2025

Is it safe to drive with worn bushings?

No, you should not drive with bad bushings, as it can be dangerous and lead to a loss of vehicle control. While minor wear might allow you to drive short distances with caution, severe or failed bushings are unsafe and can cause further damage to your suspension and steering components. Symptoms like difficulty steering, clunking noises, or your car pulling to one side indicate you need an immediate repair.
 
This video explains the importance of control arm bushings and what happens when they are in bad condition: 50sCharlie's Foreign Car ServiceYouTube · Jul 17, 2019
Why it is not safe to drive with bad bushings

• Loss of control: Worn bushings can negatively affect steering alignment, making it difficult to steer or causing your car to pull to one side. 
• Increased damage: A bad bushing can cause other suspension components to wear out faster or even fail completely. 
• Compromised stability: Bushings are designed to cushion and control movement. When they fail, they can cause rattling, clunking noises, and a shaky or unstable feeling while driving. 
• Risk of a major failure: A failing bushing can lead to more serious issues. In severe cases, a complete failure of a suspension component could lead to an accident, as explained on Mechanics.SE. 

You can watch this video to learn about the symptoms of bad bushings and the potential damage they can cause: 59sMechanical SpecialYouTube · Dec 29, 2024
When to get them replaced

• Immediate replacement is best: The safest option is to replace bad bushings as soon as you notice any signs of failure. 
• Avoid driving if possible: If you can avoid driving the vehicle altogether, that is the best course of action. If you must drive, do so with extreme caution and only for short distances. 
• Do not ignore the problem: Ignoring the issue could lead to more expensive repairs or a dangerous situation. 

This video demonstrates how to identify the symptoms of a bad control arm: 59sEasyAutoFixYouTube · Oct 5, 2024

What is the life expectancy of bushings?

Bushings can last anywhere from 50,000 to over 100,000 miles for vehicle suspension, while polyurethane bushings theoretically could last the life of the vehicle, though rubber ones may last about 15 years in ideal conditions. Lifespan depends heavily on the material, driving conditions, and proper installation. Signs of wear include clunking or creaking noises, rougher rides, and steering issues. 
Vehicle suspension bushings

• Rubber bushings: Generally last from 50,000 to 100,000 miles, or up to 15 years in optimal conditions. 
• Polyurethane bushings: Can last longer, potentially the lifetime of the vehicle, but are more expensive and can offer a harsher ride. 
• Factors affecting lifespan: Harsh road conditions, towing, and even improper installation can shorten their life. 
• Installation tip: Bushings should be tightened only when the vehicle is at its normal ride height to prevent premature wear. 

You can watch this video to learn about the signs of worn-out control arm bushings: 59sCar Performance ProsYouTube · May 7, 2025
Skateboard bushings

• Lifespan: The lifespan depends on how often the board is used and the skater's weight and style.
• Replacement signs: Bushings should be replaced if they are split, crushed, or excessively compressed, which can lead to looseness and "wheel bite". 

Signs of worn-out bushings

• Noise: Clunking or creaking sounds from the wheel wells, especially when turning or going over bumps. 
• Handling: A "jumpy" or imprecise ride, loose steering, or the vehicle pulling to one side. 
• Vibration: Excess vibration inside the cabin. 
• Uneven tire wear: Uneven tire wear is a sign of misalignment, which can be caused by worn bushings. 

How long do Subaru ball joints last?

70,000 to 150,000 miles
Ball joints typically last 70,000 to 150,000 miles depending on their usage and road conditions.