Suspension bushes - are they just rubbish on all VAG models?

[Sheepshanks]

OK, I know we have pot-holed roads etc, but there are far worse roads elsewhere - seems llke every VAG model we have needs new suspension bushes at 3yrs/30K miles. Surely this isn't reasonable?

Latest is our SEAT Ateca - the control arm bushes (both sides) are tearing at the top (it's the type where the pin through the bush is vertical). I don't think they'd have even seen it if it wasn't on a wheel free lift so the suspension was hanging. Dealer recommended replacement and the buggers put it on the MOT as an advisory. Of course they dismissed out of hand that this is unreasonable and should be done under warranty.

Edited by Sheepshanks on Friday 17th September 15:00

[Antony Moxey]

To answer your title question: no. Since the mid 90s to present day our family has had every model SEAT produce with the exception of the Taracco and Ateca with ages ranging from brand new to 10 years plus and mileages ranging from pence to 25k+ per annum over 25+ cars. Not once have we ever had suspension bush issues. We've either been extremely lucky or it's just you.

[Sheepshanks]

Years ago we had an Ibiza in the family that failed MOT at 4yrs/30K due to a split console bush - SEAT did cover the cost of that though, even though it was a year out of warranty. I think that it actually failed MOT and at the dealer was significant.

Wife's Tiguan had them changed at 18K miles / 3yrs - bit of sucking through teeth by dealer about 'wear & tear" but he put it through as warranty.

These cars just do rolling main road commutes - there's no speed bump etc infested roads where we are, they're parked on drives with droppd kerbs etc. I honestly can't imagine any cars have an easier life.

[shtu]

Those bushes have a very large range of movement, minor cracking visible when the suspension is at full droop is near enough normal.

They'll probably be fine for years yet.

[Sheepshanks]

shtu said:

Those bushes have a very large range of movement, minor cracking visible when the suspension is at full droop is near enough normal.

They'll probably be fine for years yet.

I did think that - obviously they're deteriorating from the moment the car is first driven. As they soften the wheel alignment will go out and the tyres wear on the inside edges.

I'm somewhat miffed that garage "recommended" they be replaced, although I can put up with the fact that dealers are usually a bit keen'. Having recommended replacement I don't think it's reasonable for the garage to back-track and say they're fine for now.

I'm most dismayed that they put it on the MOT - it was tested after the service and by a different person, yet the technician doing the service confidently said they be an advisory on the MOT.