Parts for your 1999 Ford Falcon-Suspension bushes

1999 Ford Falcon suspension bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Suspension bushes are absolutely fitted to the 1999 Ford Falcon (AU Series). Factory documentation for the AU Falcon and Fairlane platforms, including the Ford Workshop Manual (1998–2002) and well-known service guides such as the Gregory’s/Haynes manuals, specify rubber bushes at the front upper and lower control arms, sway bar mounts and links, and across the rear suspension — trailing arm and Panhard rod bushes on live-axle cars, or multiple control arm and toe link bushes on IRS-equipped variants. Aftermarket catalogues from brands like SuperPro and Nolathane list dedicated AU Falcon bush kits, further confirming these are a standard, serviceable component on this model.

On the AU Falcon, bushes isolate noise and vibration while allowing controlled movement of suspension arms. They keep alignment steady under brakes and through corners, cut down on harshness over bumps, and protect metal joints from shock loads. When they wear, the tell-tales aren’t subtle: clunks over speed humps, vague steering, uneven tyre wear, shudder under braking and a tramlining feel on coarse-chip roads.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect bushes every 10,000–15,000 km with the vehicle safely lifted. Look for cracking, splitting, oil-soaked rubber (from engine or power steering leaks), and excessive play with a pry bar. On hard-working Falcons — taxis, utes, or those seeing rough roads — the front lower control arm rear (hydraulic) bush and sway bar D-bushes are common wear points. Live-axle rears often show trailing arm and Panhard bushes going soft, IRS cars may develop play in inner control arm and toe link bushes.

• Replace bushes in axle sets (left and right together) to keep handling balanced.
• Tighten bush bolts at normal ride height to avoid preloading and early failure.
• Book a wheel alignment after any control arm or trailing arm bush work.
• Consider quality OEM-style rubber for comfort, or polyurethane for sharper response — noting poly can add a touch more NVH.
• For polyurethane, use the supplied grease and recheck torque after 500 km.

If a knock develops or the car wanders, don’t put it off — new bushes can transform how an AU drives. A technician familiar with Falcons will usually spot the usual suspects quickly and advise whether to refresh a few key positions or go for a full kit to reset the platform.

How long do suspension bushes last on a 1999 Falcon?

With normal driving, many bushes last 80,000–150,000 km. Heat, oil contamination and rough roads shorten that. Taxis, utes and cars running heavy loads or bigger wheels often need attention earlier. Regular inspections during services catch deterioration before it affects tyres and braking.

Which bushes most commonly fail on the AU-series Falcon?

Technicians often see the front lower control arm rear (hydraulic) bush split or leak, followed by sway bar D-bushes and end links. On live-axle rears, trailing arm and Panhard bushes soften with age. IRS variants can develop play in inner control arm and toe link bushes that shows up as rear steer or uneven tyre wear.

Will polyurethane bushes make the ride too harsh?

Poly bushes sharpen steering and reduce squirm, which many Falcon owners like. You may notice a little more road feel and some extra NVH on coarse surfaces. For a daily driver prioritising comfort, high-quality rubber is still a great choice, for a sportier feel, poly is a fair upgrade when installed and lubricated correctly.