What happens if the rear axle rubber bushing of the Cruze is damaged?
3 Answers
Damage to the rear axle rubber bushing will prevent it from functioning as a shock absorber, leading to vibrations and abnormal noises in the chassis. Severe vibrations can affect the stability of the vehicle while driving and reduce driving comfort. The rear axle rubber bushing acts as a flexible buffer between the axle and sleeve. If damaged, it may cause collisions between the axle and sleeve, potentially resulting in misalignment between the rear wheels and wheel arches, leading to abnormal tire wear. Steps for replacing the rear axle rubber bushing: 1. First, lift the vehicle. 2. Then, remove the two rear axle screws and oil pipe. 3. Next, use a specialized tool for the Jetta rear axle rubber bushing to pull out the old bushing. 4. Finally, apply lubricant to the new bushing, making it easier to install.
My Cruze has been running for almost five years, and last time I found the rear axle bushings were worn out, causing quite a few issues while driving. There was a clunking noise from the rear when stepping on the gas, the whole car shook when turning, and it wobbled alarmingly on the highway. The tires wore unevenly, and when I replaced them, the mechanic said the wheels were almost misaligned. If not repaired promptly, other chassis components would suffer, such as the suspension arms and bearings failing prematurely, leading to costly and time-consuming repairs. Even scarier were the safety hazards—wheel slippage in rainy conditions could easily cause accidents. I immediately went to the 4S shop to replace the bushings, and now it drives smoothly. My advice: don’t delay—get it checked early for safety.
As a friend who often helps others with car repairs, a common reason for the rear axle bushings on a Cruze to fail is due to aging and excessive vibration. Once the bushings are damaged, the suspension becomes loose, causing creaking noises while driving and steering wheel vibrations. In severe cases, the wheel alignment can be thrown off, leading to uneven tire wear that can quickly render the tires unusable. If left unrepaired, other components like bearings and control arms may also get damaged, resulting in more expensive repairs. I recommend checking by shaking the wheel by hand—if there's significant play, the bushing is likely bad. Replacing the bushings isn't difficult and costs around a hundred bucks, restoring the car's stability afterward. To prevent bushing cracks, avoid rough roads whenever possible.
