Parts for your 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer-Suspension bushes

1997 Mitsubishi Lancer suspension bushes

Suspension bushes absolutely are used on the 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer. Technical sources such as the Mitsubishi Lancer CE-series workshop manual (covering 1996–2003) document rubber bushings in the front lower control arms and rear suspension mounts, and aftermarket engineering catalogues (e.g., Nolathane and SuperPro) list full bush kits specifically for the 1997 Lancer. So if a 1997 Lancer’s ride or handling feels off, its bushes are prime suspects.

On this Lancer, bushes are the rubber or polyurethane mounts that isolate the control arms, trailing arms and sway bars from the body. Their job is to soak up vibration and noise, keep alignment steady under brakes and cornering, and allow the suspension to articulate without metal-on-metal contact. When they wear, geometry drifts, tyres scrub, and the car can feel floaty or clunky.

• Common signs they’re tired: clunks over bumps, vague or wandering steering, uneven tyre wear, shimmy under braking, and visible cracking or perishing of the rubber.
• Inspection tips: check every 10,000–20,000 km or at each service, look for splits, oil contamination, torn voids, and excessive arm movement with a pry bar. Oil leaks from the engine or power steering accelerate bush degradation.

Replacement and maintenance on a 1997 Lancer is straightforward with the right approach. Choice-wise, genuine-style rubber keeps it comfy and quiet for daily drives, polyurethane tightens steering response and lasts longer, though it can add a touch of NVH. Many owners in AU/NZ go rubber up front for ride quality and poly in sway-bar links for sharper turn-in.

• Replace bushes in axle pairs to keep handling even, and book a wheel alignment straight after—front control-arm bushes affect caster, camber and toe.
• Press-fit bushes need proper tooling, mark orientation before removal and torque all pivot bolts at normal ride height to avoid preloading.
• In Aussie heat and NZ conditions, UV, road grime and coastal air can hasten ageing—garage parking and washing off grime helps bush life.
• If chasing knocks, don’t forget sway-bar D-bushes and links, they’re cheap and commonly noisy on older Lancers.

Kept fresh, the Lancer’s bushes restore that planted, predictable feel and protect tyres and shocks. It’s one of the best-value suspension jobs for bringing a 1997 Lancer back to its best.

How long do suspension bushes last on a 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer?

On a well-kept 1997 Lancer, factory rubber bushes typically last 80,000–150,000 km, depending on driving style and conditions. Lots of stop–start city work, potholes, heat, and oil leaks can shorten that window. A quick check at each service is the safest way to catch wear early.

Should you choose rubber or polyurethane bushes for a daily-driven Lancer?

For daily use, quality rubber offers the best comfort and low noise, while polyurethane sharpens steering and can outlast rubber. Many owners mix and match—rubber in control arms for comfort, poly in sway-bar mounts for response. Both options are road-legal when installed correctly and in good condition.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing bushes?

Yes—any change to control-arm or trailing-arm bushes can shift caster, camber and toe. A post-install alignment protects tyres, improves steering feel and ensures the Lancer tracks straight, which is also helpful for a WOF or roadworthy check.