Parts for your 2012 Honda Stream-Suspension bushes

2012 Honda Stream suspension bushes — what they do and how to look after them

Suspension bushes are absolutely fitted to the 2012 Honda Stream. Technical sources such as the Honda Stream (RN6–RN9) Workshop Manual and Honda’s Electronic Parts Catalogue show multiple bushes across the front and rear suspension — including lower control arm bushes, rear arm/trailing arm bushes, subframe mounts and anti-roll bar (stabiliser) bar bushes. They’re core wear items that keep the Stream riding quietly and tracking straight.

On this model, bushes act like small, tough cushions between metal parts. They isolate vibration, allow controlled movement for ride comfort, and hold alignment so the tyres wear evenly. When they’re fresh, owners notice crisp steering, stable braking and fewer rattles over Aussie and Kiwi chipseal. When they age, the rubber hardens, cracks or separates, and handling gets a bit loose and noisy.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to have a technician inspect all bushes every 20,000 km or annually — more often if the car tows, carries full loads, or lives on rough roads. Look for cracked rubber, off‑centre inner sleeves, excessive arm movement under a pry bar, and perished stabiliser bar D-bushes. Oil contamination (from a weeping shock or engine leak) accelerates rubber degradation, so fix leaks promptly. When replacement is due, genuine or high‑quality aftermarket bushes are fine, avoid unknown brands as poor rubber compounds don’t last. After pressing new bushes, torque the fasteners at normal ride height and finish with a wheel alignment.

• Typical signs of worn bushes on a Stream:
  • Clunks or creaks over speed humps and driveway entries
  • Vague steering, tramlining, or instability under braking
  • Uneven or rapid inner/outer shoulder tyre wear
  • Rear-end steer sensation in crosswinds or on rough surfaces

• Service tips owners appreciate:
  • Rotate tyres and check alignment regularly to reduce bush load
  • Replace bushes in axle pairs for consistent handling
  • Consider polyurethane only if chasing sharper response, expect more noise/harshness than OE rubber

Costs vary with which bushes are due. Stabiliser bushes are quick and inexpensive, front lower arm or rear trailing arm bushes need a press and more labour. Most owners notice a clear improvement in ride and steering once fresh bushes go in.

Popular questions about 2012 Honda Stream suspension bushes

How long do the bushes last?
On a well‑maintained Stream, OE‑style rubber bushes can see 80,000–150,000 km. City kerbs, rough rural roads, and oil contamination can shorten that. Regular inspections catch early wear before it chews out tyres.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing bushes?
Yes. Any time control arm or trailing arm bushes are disturbed, a proper alignment is recommended. Fresh bushes restore geometry, so setting camber/toe keeps the Stream tracking straight and protects your tyres.

Are polyurethane bushes worth it on a daily‑driven Stream?
Poly bushes sharpen steering and reduce compliance, which some drivers love. For a daily, many owners prefer quality rubber for better noise and ride on coarse‑chip roads common in AU/NZ. It depends on priorities.