[blackcarlsson]

At 185k on its original suspension, I'm wondering if new bushes would make the ride harsher or allow for a bit more suppleness.

Has anyone fitted new bushes to a car with a similar mileage?

 

[cdcarlsson]

I had Abbott butterfly bushes put on my last car at 120k miles, they did wonders for the precision of the steering. My wife commented on the feel, even though I hadn't told her they had been done.
Other bushes were replaced around the same time, eg: the link rod from the anti roll bar to the lower wishbone, with little noticeable difference in either feel or harshness. Then again there wasn't really anything wrong with the originals, but I wanted to see what would happen...
HTH
Nick. (Minus a car until I pick up the Aero tonight)

 

[gassy]

Because I had new rear AR bar bushes all round at the same time (240k miles) as I had the springs and dampers replaced it's had to be sure as to what made the most difference. But a massive difference was made, and I'd say do it, you won't regret it.

 

[1989agoodvintage]

I had TSL hard compound rubber bushes on the front about 11K miles ago. It did make steering response much sharper, the difference isn't so appreciable once the tyres start "going-off" though.

On a similar note .. how often will the springs and shocks need renewing?