Your vehicle’s suspension and braking systems are a complex network of components working in harmony, and bushings play a surprisingly critical role. These small, often-overlooked parts are the silent guardians of your ride quality, handling precision, and overall safety. When they wear out, you can experience everything from unsettling clunks and vibrations to vague steering and uneven tire wear, compromising both performance and longevity.
Choosing the right replacement is paramount, and ACDelco stands as a trusted name in the automotive world. Their range of Gold and Professional series bushings, along with genuine GM components, are engineered to meet or exceed rigorous original equipment standards. This roundup focuses on ten of the best ACDelco bushings designed to restore your vehicle’s composure, protect your investment, and deliver the secure, smooth drive you expect.
Our Top Picks for ACDelco Bushings
- ACDelco Gold 18K2417 Front Disc Brake Caliper Bushing Kit
- ACDelco Gold 45G1673 Front Suspension Stabilizer Bar Bushing Kit
- ACDelco Gold 45G1672 Front Suspension Stabilizer Bar Bushing Kit
- ACDelco Gold 18K1169 Front Disc Brake Caliper Rubber Bushing Kit
- ACDelco Professional 45G1701 Front Stabilizer Bar Bushing
- GM Genuine Parts 25918049 Front Suspension Stabilizer Bar Link
- ACDelco Gold 45G11049 Rear Upper Control Arm Bushing
- ACDelco Gold 45G0919 Rear Suspension Stabilizer Bar Bushing Kit
- GM Genuine Parts 42621339 Front Lower Control Arm Bushing
- ACDelco Professional Front Lower Control Arm Bushing
ACDelco Gold 18K2417 Front Disc Brake Caliper Rubber Bushing Kit with Seals
Smooth, consistent braking is a cornerstone of vehicle safety and performance. The ACDelco Gold 18K2417 bushing kit is engineered to help maintain the precise movement of your front brake calipers. This kit includes the necessary rubber bushings and seals, which are vital for reducing friction and ensuring the caliper can float and center itself properly on the rotor.
By minimizing binding and uneven wear, these components contribute directly to longer brake pad and rotor life. The compact design ensures a straightforward installation process, making it a practical choice for a crucial brake system service. Using this Gold series kit helps restore factory-level braking response and reliability.
ACDelco Gold 45G1673 Front Suspension Stabilizer Bar Bushing Kit
If you hear a clunking noise from the front end when going over bumps or feel excessive body roll in corners, your stabilizer bar bushings are likely the source. The ACDelco Gold 45G1673 kit is designed to eliminate that noise and restore vehicle stability. Its construction focuses on durability, with features that provide excellent resistance to abrasion, wear, and extreme temperatures.
The bushing material is also formulated to withstand exposure to road oils and fluids, preventing premature degradation. A corrosion-resistant coating on related hardware adds another layer of protection, ensuring the entire assembly remains secure and functions as intended for a long service life. This results in a quieter ride and sharper handling.
ACDelco Gold 45G1672 Front Suspension Stabilizer Bar Bushing Kit
Similar to its counterpart, the ACDelco Gold 45G1672 stabilizer bar bushing kit addresses the core issues of front-end noise and handling precision. These bushings are the pivot point for the stabilizer bar, a key component that reduces body lean during turns. The high-quality rubber compound is built to handle the constant twisting and flexing motions without failing.
This kit is engineered for resilience, offering strong tolerance against temperature swings and abrasive road conditions. By providing a firm, yet compliant, connection, it ensures the stabilizer bar can perform its job effectively. Installing this kit can significantly tighten up your vehicle’s front suspension, leading to a more confident and controlled driving experience.
ACDelco Gold 18K1169 Front Disc Brake Caliper Rubber Bushing Kit with Seals
As a critical part of the braking system, the ACDelco Gold 18K1169 kit is manufactured to uphold the safety and performance standards required by original equipment manufacturers. This focus on quality ensures optimal protection and service life for your brakes. The kit comes complete with all the necessary hardware, simplifying the installation process for a professional-grade repair.
These bushings and seals are vital for allowing the caliper to slide smoothly, which promotes even pad wear and consistent brake pressure application. A thorough manufacturing process guarantees that these parts meet exact specifications for fit, form, and function. Choosing this kit is a direct investment in maintaining your vehicle’s braking integrity.
ACDelco Professional 45G1701 Front Suspension Stabilizer Bar Bushing
Part of the Professional series, this front stabilizer bar bushing from ACDelco offers a robust solution for a common wear item. Its design prioritizes longevity and consistent performance under stress. The bushing material is formulated to resist abrasion and wear from constant movement, while also maintaining its integrity when faced with extreme heat, cold, and exposure to automotive fluids.
The inclusion of a corrosion-resistant coating helps protect the component from the elements, a crucial factor for long-term durability. This bushing helps keep the stabilizer bar properly positioned and functional, which is essential for minimizing body roll and maintaining tire contact with the road. It’s a reliable choice for restoring suspension tightness.
GM Genuine Parts 25918049 Front Suspension Stabilizer Bar Link
This GM Genuine Parts stabilizer bar link is the direct replacement for your vehicle’s original equipment. It serves the critical function of connecting the stabilizer bar to the control arm or strut, activating the bar’s ability to control body roll during cornering. By providing the specified roll stiffness, it plays a direct role in your vehicle’s handling characteristics.
Using a GM Genuine Part ensures that the replacement component matches the original equipment in every way, including ride quality, handling precision, and stopping distance. These parts are designed, engineered, and tested to the same rigorous standards as the components installed on the assembly line, guaranteeing a perfect fit and performance.
ACDelco Gold 45G11049 Rear Upper Suspension Control Arm Bushing
Control arm bushings are fundamental to proper wheel alignment and suspension stability. The ACDelco Gold 45G11049 rear upper control arm bushing is designed to provide firm support, helping to maintain correct alignment settings and contribute to the overall durability of the rear suspension. A worn bushing here can lead to vague steering and uneven tire wear.
This bushing is built to withstand extreme temperatures and resist abrasion and oils. In applications where it is applicable, a greaseable design allows for periodic maintenance, enabling new lubricant to flush out contaminants. This feature can significantly reduce internal corrosion and wear, extending the service life of both the bushing and the control arm.
ACDelco Gold 45G0919 Rear Suspension Stabilizer Bar Bushing Kit
Vehicle stability isn’t only managed by the front suspension; the rear plays an equally important role. The ACDelco Gold 45G0919 kit is designed for the rear stabilizer bar, helping to control body roll and maintain balance from the back of the vehicle. Its construction features the same high standards as the front-end kits, with excellent abrasion and wear resistance.
The bushing material is formulated to tolerate extreme temperatures and resist damage from oils and road fluids. A corrosion-resistant coating on any included hardware ensures a long-lasting installation. Replacing worn rear bushings with this kit can enhance overall vehicle composure, especially during lane changes and on winding roads.
GM Genuine Parts 42621339 Front Driver Side Lower Control Arm Rear Bushing
For vehicle owners seeking the assurance of an original equipment manufacturer part, this GM Genuine bushing is the ideal solution. It is engineered specifically for your GM vehicle, ensuring a perfect fit and performance that matches the factory specifications. Many GM Genuine Parts were formerly sold as ACDelco GM Original Equipment, highlighting their direct lineage.
These parts are backed by General Motors and are the result of extensive design and validation by GM engineers. Using this bushing for your front lower control arm guarantees that the component has been tested to work in harmony with the rest of your Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac vehicle’s suspension system, preserving its intended ride and handling.
ACDelco Professional Front Lower Control Arm Bushing
The control arm is a cornerstone of your front suspension, and its bushings are critical for a smooth ride and accurate steering. The ACDelco Professional Front Lower Control Arm Bushing is designed to absorb impacts from the road while providing a stable pivot point for the control arm. This helps isolate road noise and vibrations from the vehicle’s chassis.
As part of the Professional series, this bushing is built to deliver reliable performance and durability. A worn lower control arm bushing can cause steering wander, uneven tire wear, and a loose feeling in the front end. Replacing it with this quality component helps restore solidity to the steering and improves overall driving confidence.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best ACDelco Bushings for Your Vehicle
When I start hearing clunks from the suspension or feel the steering get a bit vague, I know it’s time to check the bushings. These little chunks of rubber and polyurethane are the silent heroes of your car’s ride and handling. Choosing the right ones isn’t just about stopping a noise; it’s about restoring that solid, new-car feel. For me, ACDelco is a go-to brand because they offer a range of options designed to meet original equipment specifications. But even within their catalog, you need to know what you’re looking for.
First, you have to identify the correct type. ACDelco makes several lines, and the choice matters. Their Professional line is what I typically use for daily drivers. It’s the direct replacement for what your car likely had from the factory, balancing comfort, noise isolation, and durability. If you’re not looking to change the character of your car, this is your safe bet. Then there’s the Advantage line, which is a more budget-friendly option. I consider these for older vehicles where I just need to pass inspection or get a few more reliable years out of it without a top-tier investment.
For my truck or any vehicle I use for towing or carrying heavy loads, I look at the ACDelco Gold Series control arm bushings. These are often more robust, sometimes with different durometer (hardness) rubber to better handle the extra stress. The last thing I want when hooked to a trailer is a mushy, worn-out bushing causing sway.
Material is the next big decision. Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) style bushings are almost always rubber. They’re great because they absorb road vibrations and keep the cabin quiet. The trade-off is that they wear out over time and can be susceptible to fluids and ozone. Polyurethane bushings, which ACDelco offers for some performance applications, are much more durable and resistant to oil and degradation. They really sharpen up the steering response. The downside? They often transmit more noise and vibration into the chassis. It’s a trade-off between comfort and performance that I have to consider based on how I use my vehicle.
Finally, I never skip the installation prep. A bushing is only as good as its installation. I make sure to use a proper press and the right lubricants. For polyurethane bushings, I always use the specific grease supplied with the kit to prevent squeaks. Trying to hammer a bushing in with brute force is a recipe for a premature failure and a comeback job I don’t want. Taking the time to do it right with the 10 best ACDelco bushings for vehicle longevity and performance ensures that the repair lasts and the vehicle feels tight and secure for tens of thousands of miles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs that my car’s bushings need to be replaced?
From my experience, the signs are pretty clear once you know what to feel for. The most common one is a clunking or knocking sound, especially when going over bumps or making slow, sharp turns. You might also notice that the steering feels vague or has more play than it used to. The car might not feel as planted during hard braking or could wander a bit on the highway. In severe cases, you’ll see uneven tire wear because the alignment specs can’t be held correctly with a worn-out bushing. If your car just feels looser and less precise than it used to, it’s a good bet a bushing inspection is in order.
Can I replace bushings myself, or should I go to a professional?
This is a job I’d put in the intermediate to advanced DIY category. Replacing the actual bushing often requires specialized tools like a hydraulic press, arbor press, or a specific bushing removal kit. It involves a lot of force and needs to be done precisely to avoid damaging the new bushing or the control arm. For a beginner, I’d recommend having a professional handle it. However, if you’re comfortable with suspension work and have access to the right tools (or are replacing an entire control arm with the bushing pre-installed), it’s a very satisfying job that saves a lot on labor costs. Just be prepared for some stubborn, rusted-in parts.
What is the difference between rubber and polyurethane bushings?
The core difference comes down to the material’s properties. Rubber bushings, which are OEM standard, are designed to flex and absorb energy. They’re fantastic for isolating road noise and vibrations, giving you a smooth and quiet ride. The downside is that rubber can break down over time due to heat, ozone, and exposure to fluids. Polyurethane bushings are much harder and more resistant to deformation and environmental damage. They make the suspension feel tighter and improve steering response, which is why they’re popular in performance applications. The trade-off is that they can make the ride harsher and sometimes squeak if not lubricated properly.
When selecting from the 10 best ACDelco bushings for vehicle longevity and performance, your choice between rubber and polyurethane should be guided by your priorities: factory-like comfort and quietness, or enhanced handling and durability with a potential sacrifice in ride quality.
How long do ACDelco bushings typically last?
There’s no single answer, as it depends heavily on your driving conditions, the specific bushing’s location, and which ACDelco line you choose. Generally, a quality rubber bushing from their Professional line should last anywhere from 80,000 to 100,000 miles under normal driving conditions. If you frequently drive on rough roads, live in an area that uses road salt, or use your vehicle for heavy towing, that lifespan can be significantly shorter. Polyurethane bushings generally last much longer, often for the life of the vehicle, because they’re more resistant to the elements and physical wear.
Do I need to get an alignment after replacing control arm bushings?
Yes, absolutely. This is a step I never skip. The control arm bushings are a key pivot point for your front suspension. When you replace them, you are almost certainly altering the alignment angles, specifically the caster and camber. Even a slight change can lead to poor handling and rapid, uneven tire wear. After installing new control arm bushings, driving straight to an alignment shop is one of the most important things you can do to protect your investment in both the new parts and your tires.