Parts for your 2010 Ford Transit-Suspension bushes

2010 Ford Transit suspension bushes: what they do and when to replace them

Suspension bushes are absolutely used on the 2010 Ford Transit. Ford’s own workshop information (Ford TIS/ETIS, section 204-01 for V347/V348 Transit, model years 2006–2013), the Haynes Ford Transit Diesel 2006–2013 manual, and common parts catalogues used by workshops and dealers (e.g., Ford EPC/Microcat and aftermarket listings from SuperPro/Powerflex) all show multiple bushes fitted: front lower control arm bushes, front anti-roll bar (sway bar) D-bushes and link bushes, and rear leaf-spring eye and shackle bushes, with rear anti-roll bar bushes on some variants.

On a working van like a 2010 Transit, bushes are the quiet achievers. Pressed into arms, bars and spring eyes, they isolate vibration, keep alignment steady under brakes and cornering, and stop metal-on-metal harshness. Good bushes help the Transit track straight on the motorway, steer predictably around town, and keep tyre wear even. As they age, rubber can crack, soften from oil contamination, or oval out, which shows up as clunks over bumps, vague steering, wandering, or shudder on braking.

Typical bush locations on this model include:

• Front lower control arm inner bushes (front and rear positions)
• Front anti-roll bar D-bushes and link bushes
• Rear leaf-spring front and rear eye bushes, and shackle bushes
• Rear anti-roll bar bushes (if equipped)

As part of regular servicing, it pays to inspect the Transit’s bushes every 15,000–20,000 km, or at each service interval. Look for splits, perishing, offset sleeves, or excessive movement when levered with a pry bar. Any oil-soaked bushes (from a weeping shock or engine leak) should be treated as suspect.

When replacement is due, doing bushes in axle pairs keeps handling balanced. Always torque bush bolts at normal ride height to avoid pre-loading the rubber. A wheel alignment is recommended after front control arm or anti-roll bar work. On the rear, check leaf-spring U-bolts, shackles and shock mounts at the same time. Many owners stick with OE-style rubber for factory ride and NVH, while quality polyurethane options can sharpen steering and resist oil and load better—handy for heavily laden vans—but may transmit a touch more road feel.

Expect working Transits to need some bushes between 60,000 and 120,000 km depending on loads, roads and driving style. Staying ahead of wear keeps it quiet, tight and kind to tyres—and helps with a WOF or roadworthy check on either side of the Tasman.

Popular questions about 2010 Ford Transit suspension bushes

What are the most common signs my Transit’s bushes are worn?

Owners often notice clunks over speed humps, a knock when braking or taking off, steering that won’t centre cleanly, or a floaty/vague feel at motorway speeds. Uneven or rapid tyre wear, especially on the front edges, is another giveaway. A visual check may show cracked rubber, displaced sleeves or shiny rub marks where things have been moving.

Should I choose rubber or polyurethane bushes?

Rubber keeps the factory ride, noise and compliance—ideal for mixed urban use and ride comfort. Polyurethane resists oil and deformation better and firms up steering feel, which can be great for heavy loads or frequent towing. The trade-off is a bit more road feel and, on poor surfaces, slightly more vibration. Quality brand and correct durometer matter more than the colour of the bush.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing bushes?

Yes—if any front control arm or anti-roll bar bushes are replaced, book an alignment. Fresh bushes change the position of the arms and can alter caster/camber and toe. An alignment locks in straight-ahead stability and protects your tyres. Rear leaf-spring bush work generally doesn’t change front alignment, but it’s smart to check thrust angle on vehicles with rear anti-roll bars or after major rear-end work.