Austin Healey Suspension Bushes Guide

Austin Healey Suspension Bushes: Why Polybush Makes a Difference

Posted: Tuesday, 7 April 2026 @ 00:00

BJ8 radius arm with a pair of red performance Polybush bushes, centre pins and bolts

Why Polybush Suspension Bushes Make a Noticeable Difference

If your Austin Healey or Sprite feels unsettled, vague, or not quite as composed as it should, worn suspension bushes are often the cause. Over time, original rubber bushes deteriorate, allowing unwanted movement that affects steering, braking and overall stability.

Replacing tired rubber bushes with modern polyurethane alternatives restores control where it matters most, without fundamentally altering the character of the car.

Browse All Polybush kits

Austin Healey Anti-Roll Bar Polybush Kit 5/8in – Performance (BN4–BJ8) — Performance grade 5/8-inch anti-roll bar Polybush kit

Austin Healey BJ8 Radius Arm Polybush Kit – Touring — Touring grade BJ8 radius arm Polybush kit

What Changes When You Replace Worn Suspension Bushes

Rubber bushes worked well when new, but most classics today are running on components that are decades beyond their intended service life. As rubber degrades, it softens, cracks and allows movement where there should be control.

Polybush kits replace that tired compliance with carefully specified polyurethane, designed to maintain suspension geometry while still allowing the correct level of movement for road use.

Rubber vs Polybush: What’s the Difference?

Rubber: compliant when new, but deteriorates with age, oil exposure and repeated load cycles
Polybush: more stable material that resists deformation and maintains its shape over time
Result: more consistent handling, improved feedback and reduced unwanted suspension movement

What You Gain in Real Terms

Clearer steering feedback
Reduced unwanted movement means the front end responds when you expect it to.
More stable braking
Suspension stays located properly as load transfers, rather than shifting around.
Consistent suspension geometry
Alignment settings hold instead of slowly wandering back out.
Longer service life
Polyurethane resists compression, oil contamination and age far better than rubber.
Choice of Touring or Performance specification
Matched to how you actually use the car, not how someone else drives theirs.

Available kits cover tie bars, wishbones, anti-roll bars, radius arms, panhard rods and rear suspension across Big Healeys, Sprites and equivalent MG Midgets.

Shop Polybush kits

Worn and cracked rubber suspension bushes removed from an Austin Healey

Start with the Biggest Difference First

You do not need to replace every bush on the car in one go. Many owners begin with the areas that deliver the most noticeable improvement, then complete the rest in stages.

Front tie bar or radius arm bushes: steadier braking and improved straight-line stability
Anti-roll bar bushes (if fitted): more predictable cornering balance
Front wishbone bushes: sharper steering response and improved turn-in
Rear spring and location bushes: reduced rear-end movement and improved composure

If you are unsure where to begin, this guide explains the symptoms and priorities clearly:
Do Your Suspension Bushes Need Replacing?

Sprite & MG Midget Lower Wishbone Polybush Kit

Rear Spring Mounting Pad Polybush Kit - Performance spec

Polybush Kits Available Across All Models

Polybush kits are available across the full range for Austin Healey, Sprite and MG Midget models.

If your suspension bushes are showing signs of wear, replacing them is one of the most effective ways to restore stability, steering feel and overall confidence on the road.

A straightforward way to improve handling and control without major suspension work.

Browse Polybush Kits

Big Healey Polybush Kits | Sprite & MG Midget Polybush Kits

Full range available for immediate dispatch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Polybush bushes suitable for cars used infrequently?

Yes. Polyurethane is far less affected by age and inactivity than rubber, making it well suited to seasonal classics.

Can I fit Polybush kits in stages?

Yes. Many owners start with the front tie bars or anti-roll bar bushes and work through the rest over time.

What is the difference between Touring and Performance spec?

Touring focuses on comfort and control. Performance reduces compliance further for sharper response. The right choice depends on how the car is driven.

Will Polybush bushes make my car ride too harsh?

Touring specification bushes are designed to retain compliance suitable for road use. Many owners find the car feels more settled rather than firmer.

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