Parts for your 2003 Ford Falcon-Suspension bushes

2003 Ford Falcon suspension bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Suspension bushes are absolutely used on the 2003 Ford Falcon (BA series). Technical sources such as the Ford BA Falcon workshop manual (suspension section), the Ford parts catalogue, and respected aftermarket catalogues from Nolathane and SuperPro list multiple bushes across the front and rear. These include the front lower control arm bushes (with a large hydraulic rear bush), anti-roll bar (sway bar) D-bushes and links, rear control arm and trailing arm bushes, and the well-known rear differential mounting bush on IRS-equipped sedans. So yes—suspension-bushes are very much part of the 2003 Falcon’s design.

On this Falcon, bushes sit between metal suspension components to isolate noise and vibration, keep wheel alignment steady, and allow controlled movement as the car rides over bumps. When they’re fresh, the steering feels tidy, braking stays straight, and tyres wear evenly. As they age, they harden, crack or tear, and that’s when clunks, shudders and vague steering creep in—especially noticeable on rough Kiwi and Aussie roads.

• Common bush locations on BA Falcon: front lower control arm front and rear bushes (rear is a fluid-filled hydra bush), front and rear sway bar bushes, rear control/trailing arm bushes, and the rear diff centre bush on IRS sedans.

• Tell-tale signs: thump on take-off or gear changes (rear diff bush), steering wander and brake shudder (front LCA rear bush), squeaks or knocks over bumps (sway bar bushes), and uneven tyre wear.

As part of routine servicing, a good shop will visually check for split rubber, perishing, oil seepage from the hydraulic front bush, and any excessive movement with a pry-bar. Every 20,000 km—or sooner if it tows, carries loads, or drives on coarse chip—makes sense. If one front lower control arm bush has failed, many techs replace the arm assembly (bushes and ball joint) on both sides to save labour and restore balance.

Replacement tips that matter on a BA: always torque control arm bolts at normal ride height, not with the wheels hanging, to avoid preloading the bush. Plan on a wheel alignment afterward—caster, camber and toe can shift as new bushes bed in. Choosing bushes? OEM-style rubber keeps it quiet and comfy for daily duties, quality polyurethane sharpens response and can outlast rubber, but may add a bit of road feel and NVH. For the infamous rear diff bush, upgraded designs are available to reduce future thumps, especially on higher-kilometre sedans. Ute or sedan, fresh suspension-bushes put the Falcon back on its game.

Popular questions about 2003 Ford Falcon suspension-bushes

What are the most common bush failures on a 2003 Falcon?

The big ones are the rear differential centre bush (on IRS sedans) and the front lower control arm rear hydraulic bush. Sway bar D-bushes and link bushes also wear and can squeak or knock. When these start to go, owners notice clunks on take-off, brake shudder, or a loose, wandering feel through the wheel.

Rubber vs polyurethane bushes — what’s better for a daily-driven BA Falcon?

Rubber (OEM-style) gives the quietest, most compliant ride and is ideal for everyday commuting. Polyurethane sharpens steering and can last longer, but you’ll typically feel a bit more road texture and noise. Many owners go rubber for comfort up front and consider a tougher material for the rear diff bush to tame the common thump.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing bushes?

Yes. Fresh bushes change how the arms sit, which alters caster, camber and toe. A proper alignment after bush replacement protects tyre wear and brings the steering back to centre. It’s also smart to recheck after a few hundred kilometres as new parts settle.