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Parts for your 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer-Suspension bushes
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1999 Mitsubishi Lancer Suspension Bushes — What They Do and When to Replace
Suspension bushes absolutely are used on the 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer. Technical sources including the Mitsubishi Lancer CK/CE (1996–2003) workshop manual, the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue, and aftermarket catalogues (e.g., SuperPro/Whiteline bush listings for CK/CE Lancer) all specify rubber bushings in the front lower control arms, front stabiliser (sway) bar mounts and links, and in the rear trailing/multi-link arms. So yes—bushes are relevant, fitted from factory, and critical to how the Lancer rides and steers.
On this Lancer, bushes isolate noise and vibration while locating the suspension arms so the wheels track straight. They’re the cushy, wear-prone joints that let arms pivot without metal-on-metal contact. When fresh, they keep steering feel tight, tyre wear even, and braking stable. When worn or cracked, you’ll often cop clunks over bumps, vague steering, shudder under braking, or inside-edge tyre wear.
As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect all front and rear bushes every 10,000–15,000 km or annually—especially if the car sees rough roads. Look for perished rubber, splitting, oil swelling (engine or power-steering leaks can attack rubber), and excessive movement when prying the arm. Don’t forget sway bar D-bushes and link bushes, they’re cheap and commonly cause knocks.
Replacement tips for the home mechanic: soak bolts in penetrant a day ahead, and support arms properly. Pressing bushes usually needs a shop press or correctly sized drifts. Always torque pivot bolts at normal ride height—tightening with the suspension hanging can preload the bush and shorten its life. After any bush replacement, book a four-wheel alignment to reset camber/caster/toe.
Choosing materials? Quality rubber keeps the factory comfort and NVH down. Polyurethane can sharpen steering and response, handy for spirited driving, but may add a bit more road feel. Either way, stick with reputable brands and replace in pairs per axle for consistency.
- Typical wear points: front lower control arm rear bush, sway bar D-bushes, rear trailing/multi-link arm bushes.
- Tell-tales: clunking over bumps, wandering on the motorway, uneven tyre wear, shimmy under braking.
- After replacement: perform alignment, recheck fasteners after 500–1,000 km.
Popular questions about 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer suspension bushes
How do I know if my Lancer’s bushes are worn?
Common signs are clunks over speed bumps, steering that won’t self-centre nicely, tramlining, and uneven tyre wear (often inner edges). A pry bar test during a service will show excessive arm movement or split rubber. If braking makes the front end squirm, the front lower control arm rear bushes are prime suspects.
Should I go rubber or polyurethane for replacements?
For daily driving and long trips around Aus/NZ, quality rubber is comfy and quiet. Polyurethane sharpens response and can last longer, but may transmit a touch more vibration. Many owners run rubber in the big control arm bushes and poly only in sway bar mounts for a neat handling boost without extra harshness.
Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing bushes?
Yes. Any bush job can shift arm positions and alter toe, camber, and caster. Get a full four-wheel alignment straight after the work to protect tyres and keep the Lancer tracking straight.