Suspension Bearings, Bushings & Seals
About Suspension Bearings, Bushings & Seals
Every pivot in the suspension turns on a bearing or bushing, and seals keep dirt and water out of them. When they wear, you get play at the wheel, clunks over bumps, and uneven tire wear. Owners shop here to renew those parts as a repair kit, rather than replacing arms or a whole suspension.
Kits are sold by location. The samples include A-arm bearing and bushing kits for upper and lower arms, rear independent suspension kits for machines such as the Polaris RZR, Can-Am Defender and Yamaha YXZ1000R, shock bearing and shock bushing kits, a swingarm linkage bearing kit, a knuckle kit and a lower steering stem kit. Match the kit to the pivot, the machine and the years. Bushing only kits supply the bushings alone, so read what each listing includes. Renew every bearing and bushing on the arm together, grease the new parts as your manual directs, and support the machine safely.
Brands in this category include EPI, All Balls, Moose Offroad, Pivot Works and Energy Susp.. Pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page. If an arm is bent or cracked, see A-Arms & Swingarms. Wheel-end parts are in Wheel Bearings, Hubs & Seals. The group is in Steering & Suspension.
FAQs on suspension bearings and bushings
What is the difference between a suspension bearing and a bushing?
A bearing lets a part pivot on rolling elements, such as needles or balls, and a bushing is a sleeve the part turns in. Which one a pivot uses depends on the machine and the position. Replace like with like by matching the listing to your machine and pivot.
What does a bushing only kit mean?
A bushing only kit supplies the bushings and nothing else, so it does not include bearings, sleeves or other hardware that some full kits contain. Read the contents in the listing and check your manual to see whether the pivot needs more parts.
How do I choose the right kit for a pivot?
Identify the pivot first, such as upper or lower A-arm, shock mount, swingarm linkage or knuckle, and whether it is front or rear. Then match the make, model and years. Kits are made for specific machines, so use the Ride Finder to narrow the list.
Why do suspension seals matter?
Seals keep mud, water and grit out of the bearing or bushing and hold the grease in. A bearing with a torn seal wears quickly. When you replace bearings, fit the seals the kit includes and apply grease as your service manual says.
Should I replace all the bearings on an arm at once?
Yes, it is best to renew all the bearings and bushings on an arm together. They have worked the same hours, and a kit is sold for that purpose. If one side of the machine is worn, check the other side before you finish.
