Panhard Rod Bushes with Fitting Position Front Axle, Rear Axle for HSV MALOO VG, VP

A panhard rod is the bar that runs across a coil sprung solid axle 4WD and stops the axle moving sideways. It bolts to the axle at one end and the chassis at the other, and a bush at each end carries every sideways force the axle sees. Those bushes are small, but they decide how quickly the steering responds, how settled the vehicle feels on rough roads and how well the axle stays centred under the body. On a heavy, lifted 4WD that tows, tours and spends time on corrugations, panhard rod bushes do a lot of work, and they show it when they wear. Use the vehicle search to find panhard rod bushes to suit your VG, VP MALOO.

What Does a VG, VP MALOO Panhard Rod Do?

A coil sprung solid axle is located fore and aft by its radius arms or trailing arms. Those arms do little to stop it sliding sideways under the vehicle. The panhard rod solves that. Running across the vehicle at a shallow angle, it ties the axle to the chassis so the two can move up and down relative to each other but not side to side.

Most coil sprung 4WDs have a panhard rod at the front, and many have one at the rear as well. The front rod matters most for steering, because any sideways movement of the front axle is felt straight through the wheel.

What Is a VG, VP MALOO Panhard Rod Bush?

A panhard rod bush is the pivot at each end of the rod. It is usually a rubber or polyurethane sleeve pressed into the rod's eye, with a steel inner sleeve that the mounting bolt passes through.

The bush has a demanding job. It must let the rod rotate freely as the axle rises and falls, because the rod swings through an arc. At the same time, it must resist the heavy sideways loads that push along the rod's length in every corner and over every rut. Any give in that direction lets the axle shift.

Chassis End and Axle End

Most panhard rods have a bush at the chassis end and a bush at the axle end. They can be different sizes and designs, and they often wear at different rates. Kits may cover one end or both, so confirm which end needs replacing.

Front and Rear

Front and rear panhard rods on the same vehicle usually use different bushes. A kit for the front will generally not fit the rear.

What Types of VG, VP MALOO Panhard Rod Bushes Are There?

Rubber

Factory panhard bushes are typically rubber. Rubber absorbs vibration and keeps noise down, but it deflects under side load, and that deflection grows as the rubber ages. Over time, it cracks, softens and squashes out of the eye.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane panhard bushes are generally firmer and resist deflection better. On a front panhard rod, that tends to give sharper steering response and less axle movement in corners. They usually resist oil and wear better as well. The trade-off can be a little more vibration through the chassis.

Bushes for VG, VP MALOO Adjustable Rods

Adjustable panhard rods often use their own bush or joint design. Service bush kits are made for some aftermarket rods, and they are generally specific to that rod

How Do You Know VG, VP MALOO Panhard Rod Bushes Are Worn?

The steering usually tells you first. A worn front panhard bush creates a small delay between turning the wheel and the vehicle responding, because the axle shifts across before the steering takes effect. The vehicle can feel vague, wander on the highway or need constant correction.

Clunks are common too, often when turning sharply, changing direction quickly or crossing ruts at an angle. Some owners feel the steering wheel twitch as the axle moves over bumps.

At the rear, worn panhard bushes can make the back of the vehicle feel loose or as though it is steering itself, particularly on uneven roads or when towing.

A simple check is to have someone rock the steering wheel back and forth with the engine running while you watch both ends of the panhard rod. If the rod moves in its eye before the axle follows, the bush is worn. On inspection, look for cracked or split rubber, bushes squashed out of the eye, or an inner sleeve sitting off centre.

Tie rod ends, the steering box and radius arm bushes can cause similar symptoms, so a full front end inspection is worth doing first.

VG, VP MALOO Lifted, Loaded and Towing Considerations

Lifted VG, VP MALOO

A panhard rod swings through an arc. When the chassis is raised, the rod's angle changes and the arc pulls the axle across to one side. Even a modest lift can shift the axle off centre under the body, and larger lifts can move it enough to notice.

New bushes alone will not fix that. They restore the pivots, but the rod is still the same length. On a lifted vehicle where the axle sits off centre, an adjustable panhard rod or a relocation bracket is generally needed to bring it back.

A steeper rod angle also changes how the axle behaves as the suspension moves, pushing it sideways more over bumps. That can add to bush wear, which is why bushes on lifted vehicles are worth checking more often.

Tightening VG, VP MALOO Panhard Rod Bushes at Ride Height

Panhard bushes tightened with the axle hanging sit permanently twisted once the vehicle is back on its wheels. That twist adds wear and can tear rubber bushes quickly. On a lifted vehicle in particular, the bolts should be tightened with the vehicle at its new ride height.

Loaded VG, VP MALOO

A bull bar, winch and touring load put more weight over the front axle, and that weight pushes harder sideways through the panhard rod in every corner. Loaded 4WDs generally wear their front panhard bushes faster.

Towing With Your VG, VP MALOO

A trailer or caravan adds side forces at the rear in crosswinds, on uneven roads and when changing lanes. Worn rear panhard bushes can let the axle move under those forces and make the vehicle feel less settled.

What Comes With VG, VP MALOO Panhard Rod Bushes?

Kits vary by vehicle and rod. Some cover one end of the rod, others both ends, and some cover front and rear rods. Sleeves, washers and lubricant may or may not be included. Check the product details for which rod, which end and what is included.

Should You Replace the VG, VP MALOO Bushes or the Rod?

New bushes are usually the fix when the rod is straight, free of cracks and its bush eyes are still round. That covers most cases of worn panhard bushes on a vehicle at or near standard height.

The rod needs replacing when it is bent from an impact, cracked, heavily corroded, or when the eyes have worn oval. On a lifted vehicle where the axle is no longer centred, an adjustable rod is often the better option, since new bushes in a fixed rod will not move the axle back.

What Affects the Cost of Replacing VG, VP MALOO Panhard Bushes?

The bushes are usually a modest part of the cost. Labour depends on whether one or both ends are being done, whether front and rear rods are included, and how seized the bolts are. On older or corroded vehicles, removing the bolts and pressing out old bushes can take longer. A wheel alignment adds to the total after front axle work.

Fitting VG, VP MALOO Panhard Rod Bushes

Replacing panhard bushes means removing the rod and pressing bushes in and out, so it is a job for a qualified technician. The vehicle is supported on rated stands with the axle supported, the rod is unbolted and removed, and the old bushes are pressed out. The eyes are cleaned and checked before the new bushes go in.

The rod is refitted and the bolts are tightened at ride height, with the vehicle's weight on the suspension, and torqued to specification. After front panhard work, a wheel alignment is required, and a road test confirms the steering response and that the axle tracks straight.

Find the Right VG, VP MALOO Panhard Rod Bushes with Formula 4x4

Use the vehicle search, then confirm whether you need front or rear bushes, and which end of the rod. Check the product details for what is included.

A worn panhard rod bush lets the axle shift side to side, and replacements sit in the Formula 4x4 suspension bushes range.

If you are unsure what your VG, VP MALOO needs, contact the Formula 4x4 team.