2012-2018 Ford Focus Air Lift Performance LCA Replacement Bushings

from $59.99

A more durable, serviceable replacement for the factory-style rubber bushings used in Air Lift Performance rear lower control arms for the Ford Focus.

The original Air Lift bushings use a bonded rubber design with an inner sleeve that is intended to pivot against two metal inserts. Over time, corrosion, dirt, road grime, or excessive clamping force can cause that sleeve to seize against the inserts. When that happens, suspension movement is no longer taken up by the sleeve as intended. Instead, the rubber bushing is forced to absorb the torsional movement, which can lead to cracking, tearing, and premature failure.

These replacement bushings are designed to eliminate that weak point.

Rather than bonding the bushing material directly to the inner sleeve, the TPU or polyurethane bushing rides on the sleeve with a thin layer of grease between them. This creates an additional low-friction pivot surface, allowing the suspension to articulate without constantly twisting the bushing material itself if the original sleeve interface becomes stiff or partially seized.

The result is a simpler, more serviceable design that is much less dependent on the original metal sleeve and insert surfaces remaining perfectly free-moving.

Material:

A more durable, serviceable replacement for the factory-style rubber bushings used in Air Lift Performance rear lower control arms for the Ford Focus.

The original Air Lift bushings use a bonded rubber design with an inner sleeve that is intended to pivot against two metal inserts. Over time, corrosion, dirt, road grime, or excessive clamping force can cause that sleeve to seize against the inserts. When that happens, suspension movement is no longer taken up by the sleeve as intended. Instead, the rubber bushing is forced to absorb the torsional movement, which can lead to cracking, tearing, and premature failure.

These replacement bushings are designed to eliminate that weak point.

Rather than bonding the bushing material directly to the inner sleeve, the TPU or polyurethane bushing rides on the sleeve with a thin layer of grease between them. This creates an additional low-friction pivot surface, allowing the suspension to articulate without constantly twisting the bushing material itself if the original sleeve interface becomes stiff or partially seized.

The result is a simpler, more serviceable design that is much less dependent on the original metal sleeve and insert surfaces remaining perfectly free-moving.

Why use these instead of replacement Air Lift bushings?

Addresses the common torsional failure mode of the original bonded rubber design
Adds a secondary pivot surface between the bushing and inner sleeve
TPU or polyurethane construction instead of bonded rubber
Does not require pressing the original bushing assembly out of the control arm
Reuses the existing inner sleeve and metal hardware
Easily serviceable and replaceable in the future
Significantly lower cost than OEM-style replacement bushings
Designed and test-fitted specifically for the applicable Air Lift Performance Focus LCAs

Replacement Air Lift bushing sets have historically been priced near the $300 range, can be hard to find, and typically have a short lifespan, while these are intended to provide a much more affordable repair option without replacing the complete control arm or reinstalling the same bonded-rubber design.

Available in two versions:

TPU (95A)
A more cost-effective, durable, slightly more compliant option intended primarily for street-driven cars. It provides a good balance of flexibility, vibration isolation, and resistance to the cracking and tearing commonly seen with the original rubber bushings. 3D printed in TPU 95A, and tested thoroughly for reliability.

Polyurethane
A firmer, more durable option for performance-focused applications where reduced bushing deflection and a more direct suspension response are preferred. Molded polyurethane for extra reliability and strength.

Installation

Unlike conventional replacement Air Lift bushings, these do not require pressing the original bushing assembly out of the control arm.

Installation involves removing the deteriorated rubber from the existing bushing shell, cleaning the original metal sleeve and surrounding surfaces, applying the appropriate grease, and installing the replacement bushing components.

Depending on the condition of the original rubber, removal can typically be accomplished by cutting, drilling, burning, or otherwise separating the old rubber from the metal components. The inner/outer sleeves and inserts should then be cleaned thoroughly with a wire brush or wire wheel before installation.

This allows the original control arm hardware and metal bushing components to be reused while replacing the part of the assembly most prone to failure.

Fitment

Designed for Ford Focus applications using the applicable Air Lift Performance rear lower control arms. Verify your control arm and bushing design before ordering.

Warranty

TPU bushings include a 1-year limited warranty, while polyurethane bushings include a 2-year limited warranty against defects in materials or workmanship.

Damage caused by improper installation, lack of lubrication, or neglected maintenance is not covered.

For best service life, the bushings should be inspected periodically and cleaned/re-greased as needed. If squeaking or creaking develops, inspect and re-grease the bushings before continued use.

These are aftermarket replacement components and are not manufactured, sponsored, or endorsed by Air Lift Performance. Includes a full set of TPU/poly bushings ONLY - the metal sleeves/inserts are not included, and must be reused.