Parts for your 2013 Ford Transit-Suspension bushes

2013 Ford Transit suspension bushes — purpose, care and when to replace

Technical sources confirm the 2013 Ford Transit absolutely uses suspension bushes. The Ford workshop manual for the 2006–2013 Transit (Mk7/V347–V348) details front lower control arm bushes and anti-roll bar (stabiliser bar) bushes in the front end, and leaf-spring eye and shackle bushes in the rear. Haynes service guides and OEM/Microcat parts catalogues also list these bushes as serviceable items, making them directly relevant to any 2013 Transit’s suspension.

On a 2013 Transit, bushes are the tough rubber (or polyurethane) isolators that sit between moving suspension parts and the chassis. Up front, the MacPherson strut setup relies on lower control arm bushes and anti-roll bar D-bushes to keep steering tight and ride quality decent. Down the back, the leaf-spring eye and shackle bushes locate the axle and tame vibration when the van’s loaded. Their job is to cushion harshness, control geometry under brakes and cornering, and stop metal-to-metal wear.

Over time, heat, road grime, heavy loads and big kilometres can crack, soften or ovalise the bushes. That’s when the Transit may start clunking over bumps, wander on the motorway, feel vague on-centre, or wear front tyres unevenly. Braking stability can also suffer, especially with a load on board.

• Tell-tales to watch: knock or squeak over speed humps, steering shimmy, uneven tyre wear, rear-end steer under throttle or braking, and visible splits in the bush rubber.

As part of routine servicing, a quick bush inspection pays off—look for perished rubber, torn sleeves and off-centre inner tubes. Many fleets check them every 20,000–30,000 km, sooner for vehicles doing lots of towing, corrugations, or carrying constant payload.

1. Replace in pairs on the same axle for balanced handling.
2. Torque bush bolts at normal ride height to avoid pre-loading and early failure.
3. Get a wheel alignment after front bush work—the geometry will have shifted.
4. Poly bushes last longer and sharpen steering, but can add a touch more NVH, quality OEM rubber keeps it nice and quiet.
5. Press-fit bushes need proper tools, some leaf-spring bushes are bonded and best left to a suspension shop.
6. Always follow the Ford workshop manual for procedures and torque specs, and replace any single-use (stretch) fasteners.

Looked after, a Transit’s bushes keep the van tracking straight, riding comfortably, and protecting expensive arms and springs from wear—exactly what’s needed for a hard-working 2013 Ford Transit.

How long do suspension bushes last on a 2013 Transit?

In typical Aussie and Kiwi conditions, front control arm and anti-roll bar bushes often last 80,000–150,000 km, while rear leaf-spring bushes can go longer if the van isn’t constantly at max payload. Heavy loads, rough roads and oil contamination shorten life, so fleet use may see earlier replacement. Regular inspections are the key.

Should they choose rubber or polyurethane bushes?

Quality OEM-style rubber keeps ride comfort and noise levels closest to factory. Polyurethane is tougher and can sharpen steering feel and longevity, handy for high-km work vans, but may add a smidge more vibration. For mixed urban/highway use, many owners stick with rubber up front and consider poly for anti-roll bar or rear leaf-spring locations.

Do they need a wheel alignment after bush replacement?

Yes—any front-end bush work can alter caster, camber and toe. A proper alignment after fitting ensures even tyre wear and straight-line stability. It’s also smart to recheck fastener torque at ride height once the vehicle has settled.