Your Selected Vehicle
Parts for your 2013 Volkswagen Amarok-Suspension bushes
Explore 4WD & Adventure
2013 Volkswagen Amarok suspension-bushes: what they do and when to replace them
Suspension-bushes are absolutely relevant on the 2013 Volkswagen Amarok. Factory documentation such as the Volkswagen workshop manual (ElsaWin) and the ETKA parts catalogue list front control arm bushes, stabiliser (sway) bar bushes and link bushes, shock absorber bushes and rear leaf-spring eye/shackle bushes for this model. Aftermarket catalogues from well-known suppliers in Australia and New Zealand also list complete bush kits for 2010–2016 Amarok, confirming fitment across front double-wishbone and rear leaf-spring setups.
On a 2013 Amarok, suspension-bushes isolate vibration, keep geometry in check and let the arms and springs move smoothly without metal-on-metal contact. Up front, the control arm and sway bar bushes help the ute track straight and feel planted in corners. Down the back, leaf-spring eye and shackle bushes control axle location and contribute to ride comfort when loaded or towing. When these bushes age, crack or deform, drivers notice clunks over corrugations, vague steering, a “tramlining” feel, or uneven tyre wear.
As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the Amarok’s suspension-bushes every 20,000–30,000 km, or sooner if it spends time on gravel, worksites or towing. Look for perished rubber, off-centre sleeves, torn lips, oil contamination and excessive movement under a pry-bar. By the 8–12 year mark or around 150,000–200,000 km, many original bushes are due, particularly rear leaf-spring and front lower control arm bushes.
- Replace bushes in axle sets (both sides) to keep handling balanced.
- Torque pivot bolts at normal ride height to avoid pre-loading new bushes.
- Book a wheel alignment after front control arm or sway bar bush work.
- Choosing materials: OEM-style rubber keeps the Amarok quiet and comfy, quality polyurethane tightens steering feel and resists oils and heat, handy for heavy touring, towing or fit-outs.
If there’s a thunk from the rear over speed bumps, cracked leaf-spring eye bushes or worn shackle bushes are usual suspects. Front-end shudder under braking or steering kickback can hint at tired lower arm bushes. Leaving worn bushes too long accelerates tyre wear and can flog out ball joints and shocks, so timely replacement saves dollars. A competent workshop can press bushes and check associated parts like sway bar links and shock rubbers in the same visit, keeping the Amarok ready for Aussie and Kiwi roads and tracks.
Popular questions
What symptoms show the Amarok’s suspension-bushes need replacing?
Common signs include clunks over potholes, steering wander, vibration through the wheel, and uneven tyre wear. Visual checks may show cracked or split rubber, or bushes sitting off-centre in their housings.
If the rear feels loose when towing or the front darts on corrugations, that’s a nudge to inspect the relevant bushes soon.
Rubber or polyurethane bushes for a 2013 Amarok?
Rubber is quiet and compliant, ideal for daily driving and mixed-use. Polyurethane sharpens steering and resists oils and heat, good for heavy loads, touring and frequent gravel. Many owners run rubber in the rear for comfort and poly in selective front positions for feel.
Do rear leaf-spring bushes need to be replaced in pairs?
Yes. Replace left and right sides together, and often both the front eye and shackle bushes at the same time. This keeps axle location even and prevents side-to-side steer or brake pull. Re-torque U-bolts and get the alignment checked after the job.
