Parts for your 1987 Suzuki Jimny-Suspension bushes

1987 Suzuki Jimny suspension bushes

Suspension bushes are absolutely fitted to the 1987 Suzuki Jimny. Technical sources including the Suzuki SJ410/SJ413/Samurai Factory Service Manual (1986–1988, Suspension section), the Suzuki Electronic Parts Catalogue (Group 4: Suspension), and the Haynes Suzuki SJ410, SJ413 & Samurai manual (1981–1998) all specify leaf-spring eye and shackle bushes, plus stabiliser bar and shock absorber bushes for this model range.

On the 1987 Jimny’s leaf-sprung, solid-axle setup, suspension bushes are the quiet achievers. They sit at the spring eyes and shackles, the sway bar mounts and links (where fitted), and in the shock absorber eyes. Their job is to isolate noise and vibration, keep the axles located properly, and let the suspension articulate off-road without sending every bump through the cabin. When these bushes wear or perish, the Jimny can feel vague on the road, wander with crosswinds, clunk over potholes, chew the edges of tyres, and shimmy through the steering wheel.

As part of servicing of a 1987 Suzuki Jimny suspension-bushes, it’s smart to inspect them every 10,000–15,000 km or six months—more often if it’s doing beach runs or corrugations. Look for cracked or swollen rubber, ovalled inner sleeves, excessive movement with a pry bar, and rusty or seized shackle bolts. Squeaks over speed humps often point to dry or tired bushes, especially at the sway bar.

Replacement is straightforward with the right tools but benefits from a press and proper drivers. Always snug up spring eye and shackle bolts at normal ride height, not with the axles hanging, so the bushes aren’t preloaded. If the vehicle has a lift, keep an eye on shackle angle and caster—fresh bushes can restore geometry and reduce wander.

Choosing materials comes down to use. OEM-style rubber gives the Jimny that factory ride and great articulation, ideal for touring and daily use. Quality polyurethane can sharpen steering and last longer in harsh conditions, but it may pass a bit more vibration and must be installed with the correct waterproof grease to prevent squeaks and bind. Whichever way it goes, replace in axle sets (both sides) to keep handling consistent, and recheck fasteners after the first few drives. Don’t forget the shock absorber bushes—fresh rubbers there can quieten knocks and make the old bus feel tighter on back roads.

• Key signs to replace: clunks, steering shimmy, uneven tyre wear, wandering, split or deformed bushes.
• Typical targets: spring eye/shackle bushes, sway bar D-bushes and links, shock absorber eye rubbers.

Popular questions about 1987 Suzuki Jimny suspension bushes

How often should the 1987 Jimny’s suspension bushes be replaced?

There’s no fixed kilometre limit because use varies. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions, inspect every service and expect rubber bushes to last anywhere from 60,000 km to well beyond 120,000 km on-road. Frequent off-roading, salt, and oil contamination shorten their life. Replace on condition—cracks, play, noise, or alignment issues are the triggers.

Rubber or polyurethane bushes—what’s better for an ’87 Jimny?

For a classic leaf-sprung Jimny, rubber keeps the ride compliant and articulation smooth—great for touring and mixed use. Polyurethane can be tougher and sharpen steering response, handy for lifted rigs or heavy loads. If going poly, use the correct grease and expect a touch more NVH. Many owners run rubber in the springs and poly in sway bar mounts for a good balance.

Can a home mechanic replace Jimny suspension bushes?

Yes, with stands, a decent jack, and preferably a press. Spring eye bushes can be tight, heat or “burn-out” shortcuts risk damage. Mark shackle positions, support the axle, and torque fasteners at ride height. If caster or alignment feels off after, get a proper alignment check.