If you own a Ford Fiesta Mk7 (CB1, CCN) — whether Non-ST (2008–2017) or ST (2013–2017) — chances are you’ve either experienced, or are about to experience, rear axle bush failure. The same problem also affects the Mazda 2 (DE, DH) 2007–2015, Ford B-Max (JK) 2012-on, and Ford EcoSport (CBW) 2014-on.

It’s one of those common faults that sneaks up on you. One minute the car feels fine, the next it’s vague through corners, unsettled on the brakes, and just not as tight as it used to be.

The OEM Rear Axle Bush Problem

The original rear beam bushes — commonly found under OEM part numbers:

1535296, 1751679, 1805815, 1805866, 1871475, 8V51-5K653-AA, AY11-5K653-AA, D65128460

…have gained a bit of a reputation, and not a good one.

The issue isn’t abuse or mileage alone — it’s the design and materials. The plastic outer shell cracks, the rubber debonds from the centre tube, and the voided rubber simply can’t cope with real-world loads for long. Once that happens, the rear axle is free to move far more than it should.

And that’s where the fun starts.

Symptoms of Failing Rear Axle Bushes

If your Fiesta Mk7 or Mazda 2 is suffering from worn rear axle bushes, you’ll usually notice:

• A loose or unsettled feeling when cornering

• Excessive vibration or road noise

• Poor rear-end stability under braking

• Reduced driver confidence and feedback

Left unchecked, worn rear beam bushes don’t just affect handling — they accelerate wear in tyres, suspension components, and braking performance, turning a relatively simple job into an expensive chain reaction.

Why Polybush 40BR Is the Long-Term Fix

This is exactly why we developed the Polybush 40BR rear axle bush.

Rather than replicating the weaknesses of the factory rubber bush, the 40BR is manufactured from high-quality polyurethane, engineered to resist deflection, fatigue, and debonding.

Key Benefits of Polybush 40BR

✔ Sharper, More Predictable Handling
By removing the large voids found in the OEM bush, the rear axle is properly located. The result is noticeably better cornering precision and rear-end stability — especially noticeable on Fiesta Mk7 ST models.

✔ Comfort Is Retained
This isn’t about turning your daily driver into a bone-shaker. The 40BR is tuned to control movement without introducing harshness, so ride comfort remains spot-on for road use.

✔ Improved Tyre Life & Braking Stability
Less axle movement means more consistent tyre contact and better braking confidence. It’s one of those upgrades that quietly improves everything the car does.

Easy Installation – No Axle Removal Required

One of the big wins with the Polybush 40BR is installation.

Unlike some solutions, the rear axle does not need to be removed from the vehicle. We have heard the average time it takes to install is around 30 mins! That makes it a far more appealing job for:

• Independent garages

• Performance specialists

• Competent DIYers

Less labour, fewer seized bolts, and a quicker turnaround — all without compromising on results.

Why Polyurethane Beats Rubber Every Time

If you’re replacing rear axle bushes on a Fiesta Mk7, fitting rubber again is usually just delaying the inevitable. Polyurethane doesn’t suffer from the same ageing, cracking, or debonding issues, which means:

• Longer service life

• More consistent performance

• Less money spent redoing the same job

As we say for good reason: “Fit it once, fit Polybush.”

Related Suspension Upgrades for Fiesta Mk7 & Mazda 2

While the 40BR rear axle bush solves the most common rear-end issue, it’s often worth considering related components while you’re there:

• Front Wishbone Bushes

  • 40BM (Front)

  • 40BN (Rear)
    Ideal for restoring steering accuracy and braking stability.

• Front Anti-Roll Bar Bush – 40BS
  Helps maintain proper suspension geometry and reduces unwanted body roll.

• Rear Spring Upper Anti-Squeak Pad – 40CH
  A simple but effective addition when working on the rear axle, reducing noise and improving refinement.

All parts are engineered to the same exacting standards and are available directly from us.

If you own a Mk7 Fiesta – whether it’s the everyday 1.25 Zetec or a lively Ford Fiesta ST (Mk7) – there’s one suspension component that almost always crops up as a weak point: the rear axle (beam) bushes.

We supply a complete Front Wishbone & Rear Axle Bush Kit (KIT 192) for these cars, but let’s be honest – the bush that fails, knocks, creaks and causes rear-end movement time and time again is the rear beam bush. That’s why the Polybush 40BR Rear Axle Bush has become such a popular fix.

If you’re searching for:

• Rear axle bushes Ford Fiesta

• Mk7 Fiesta rear axle bushes

• Ford Fiesta rear axle bush replacement

• Rear bushes on Ford Fiesta making noise

• Rear axle bushes replacement cost Ford Fiesta

…you’re in exactly the right place.

Why Do Rear Axle Bushes Fail on the Mk7 Fiesta?

The Mk7 Fiesta uses a torsion beam rear axle. It’s a simple, strong design – great for daily driving – but it relies heavily on two large rubber bushes that mount the beam to the body.

From the factory, these bushes are soft rubber. Over time they:

• Crack and split

• De-bond from their outer sleeve

• Soften and allow excessive movement

• Start knocking when pulling away or going over bumps

Common symptoms include:

• A dull thud from the rear when changing gear

• Instability during braking

• Rear-end “wiggle” on uneven roads

• Uneven tyre wear

• Vague rear suspension feel

Many owners describe it as “Fiesta movement” at the back of the car – that slight delay before the rear follows the front.

If you’ve searched for Ford Fiesta rear suspension bushes or Fiesta rear axle bushes making noise, chances are these are the culprits, and your bushes have already failed!

The Polybush 40BR Rear Axle Bush – A Proper Fix

Our Polybush 40BR replaces the original Ford rear beam bush.
OEM Cross Reference: 1535296, 1751679, 1805815, 1805866, 1871475, 8V51-5K653-AA, AY11-5K653-AA, D65128460

Even these aftermarket bushings:
Delphi No: TD1629W
Febi No: 34748.

Unlike the factory rubber bush, the 40BR is manufactured from our specially formulated, UK-made polyurethane.
And that changes everything.

Why Polyurethane Outperforms Rubber

Let’s clear something up: this isn’t about turning your Fiesta into a track car. This is about making it better at being a daily driver.

Here’s why polyurethane makes sense on the rear axle:

1. It Doesn’t Degrade Like Rubber

Rubber is vulnerable to:

• Oil contamination

• Road salt

• Heat cycling

• Age hardening

Polyurethane is resistant to all of the above. It won’t crack, perish or soften in the same way. That means:

• No premature failure

• No repeated rear axle bush replacement

• No coming back to the same job in 18 months (or sometimes as little as MOT to MOT)

If you’re looking up rear axle bushes Ford Fiesta cost, it’s worth considering the long-term picture. Fit them once. Do it properly. Our bushes are great for people who want to book their car in, get the work done and never need to look at it again. Rubber might have a low up-front cost, but replacing it every year doesn’t make financial sense.

2. Retains Comfort – Without the Sloppiness

There’s a misconception that polyurethane equals a harsh ride. That’s true of some race-spec bushes. It’s not true of ours.

The 40BR is engineered to:

• Control unwanted rear beam movement

• Maintain correct axle geometry

• Absorb road vibration

The results?

You retain everyday ride comfort, but lose the rear-end wobble and knock. The car feels tighter and more planted, especially under braking and on roundabouts.

On a Ford Fiesta Mk7 rear axle, that balance is exactly what you want.

3. Sharper Handling Without Trying to Be “Sporty”

Even if you don’t drive a Fiesta ST, you’ll notice the difference.

• More predictable rear end

• Improved stability on uneven roads

• Better response to steering inputs

For Fiesta ST rear axle owners, it’s even more noticeable – but for standard models, it simply makes the car feel fresher and less worn.

It’s refinement, not aggression – A product you’d be happy putting on your mum’s car.

Why We Sell Them as a Pair?

Polyurethane behaves differently from rubber; you must replace these bushes in pairs.

Mixing one old rubber bush with one polyurethane bush will create uneven compliance across the rear axle. That can affect braking stability and handling balance.
Additionally, if one bush has failed, realistically, the other side will fail soon too. So taking the car off the road once, having one labour bill and one inconvenience is better.

As such, we supply them as matched sets. It’s the correct way to do the job… Again, do it once, do it right!

Installation – Straightforward and Affordable

Good news: this isn’t a nightmare job.

On the Mk7 Fiesta:

• The rear beam stays on the car

• The old plastic-shelled bushes are hammered out

• The new Polybush units are pushed in by hand

A competent DIYer with simple hand tools can tackle it at home. Alternatively, most garages charge a fairly modest amount because the job is straightforward and not time-consuming.

Compared with some bush changes, this is refreshingly simple.

If you’ve been pricing up Ford Fiesta rear axle bush replacement cost, you’ll likely find labour is reasonable – and with polyurethane, you won’t be repeating it.

Common Search Questions – Answered

“Is this the same as Ford Fiesta rear subframe bushes?”

On the Mk7 Fiesta, the torsion beam effectively acts as the rear subframe. When people search for rear subframe bushes Ford Fiesta or Ford Fiesta rear subframe bushes, they’re usually referring to these rear beam bushes.

“Is this relevant to other Fiesta models?”

Whilst we make bushes for other fiesta’s, the main focus here is the Mk7:

• Mk7 Fiesta (2008–2017)

• Mk7 Fiesta ST (2013–2017)

Owners of earlier models (like 2007 Ford Fiesta rear axle or Mk6 Fiesta rear axle bushes) will require different part numbers, all of which we have HERE

“What about Fiesta Mk8 bushes?”

The Mk8 uses a different rear suspension layout, so the bushes differ.
However, we do offer suspension bushes for these models, you can find them HERE

When Should You Replace Rear Axle Bushes?

If your Ford Fiesta rear suspension feels:

• Noisy at the back

• Loose under braking

• Unsettled mid-corner

• Clonking when pulling away

It’s worth inspecting the rear axle bushes Fiesta owners often overlook.

On many Mk7s, they’re worn by 60–80k miles. On cars used for short trips or city driving, sometimes sooner.

Why We Recommend the Polybush 40BR

We fit them to our own daily-driving Ford Fiesta’s! We wouldn’t fit rubber again!
Not because rubber is terrible – but because it’s a consumable part in this location. The rear beam places a constant rotational load through those bushes. Polyurethane handles that load better, maintains its shape, and keeps the axle located correctly.

With Polybush, you get:

• Longer service life

• Improved stability

• Maintained ride comfort

• Better value over time

And you stop chasing rear-end noises.

The Bottom Line

Our Polybush 40BR Rear Axle Bush is a simple upgrade that solves a very common problem on the Mk7 Fiesta and Fiesta ST. Fit them as a pair, refresh the rear of the car properly, and you’ll be reminded how composed and solid a Fiesta should feel.

Sometimes the best upgrades aren’t about performance – they’re about restoring the car to how it should have felt all along.

Find your Ford – HERE

We were thrilled to welcome Fraser and the team from LR Centre—one of our local Land Rover distributors—to Polybush recently, giving them an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at how our legendary polyurethane suspension bushes are made from start to finish. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on in a British workshop that invented both the Polybush product and the Polybush brand, read on!

From Mould to Finished Bush: A Speedy Tour

1. Mould Making in the Machining Department
   Fraser got to see our in-house machinists crafting the precision steel moulds that give each bush its shape. Accuracy here is vital: a fraction of a millimetre can make the difference between a perfect fit and premature wear.

2. Casting: Bringing Polyurethane to Life
   Next, our casting team pours and cures high-grade polyurethane into those moulds. This is where we introduce our secret formulations to control hardness, rebound and durability.

3. Trimming and Quality Control
   Finally, the trimming department cleans up each bush to remove any flash or excess material, ensuring smooth installation. We won’t bore you with every snip and buff, but rest assured every bush passes rigorous checks before it leaves our UK factory.

Polyurethane vs Rubber: Myth-Busting

Whenever you shop for suspension bushes, you’ll encounter two camps: rubber or polyurethane. Here’s why we consistently recommend polyurethane:

• Longevity: Unlike rubber, which can perish, crack or swell with age and heat, polyurethane retains its properties for years, even under extreme off-road or performance use.

• Precision Feel: Rubber can feel vague or mushy. Polyurethane delivers a more predictable response, so you know exactly how your Land Rover (or any car) will behave.

• Customisation: Think polyurethane is always rock-hard? Think again.

Hardness Is Not One-Size-Fits-All

One of the biggest myths is that all poly bushes are “concrete hard.” At Polybush, we offer a spectrum of grades for Classic & Land Rover:

“Feel” is all about understanding what you want from your vehicle—whether that’s razor-sharp steering or a supple ride over country lanes. Our job is to match the right bush to your driving style.

Defining Your Land Rover Persona

There are many types of Land Rover owner, so it’s crucial to:

1. Choose the Right Material
   Do you crave the compliance of rubber for classic cruising, or the precision of polyurethane for modern performance?

2. Know Your Usage

   • Weekend Explorer: Comfort grade for trails and tarmac.

   • Daily Driver: Dynamic grade for a drive that’s not only comfortable, but direct and controlled at speed.

   • Remapped / Towing: Performance grade built to withstand heavy use, for those craving speed or towing.

Defining your “Driver Persona” guarantees you pick the ideal bush—and that’s a promise few competitors make.

Why Polybush Stands Out

• 100 % UK Made: From raw steel to finished product, every step happens under one roof in Britain.

• Pioneers of Polybush: We didn’t just adopt polyurethane; we invented the product and the brand nearly 40 years ago.

• Unrivalled Quality: Our commitment to quality control and in-house design means you get a bush that outperforms every time.

Whether you’re fitting a Defender, Discovery or Dream-Car, Polybush remains the go-to choice in the Land Rover market.

Beyond Land Rovers

Polybush isn’t exclusive to classic and modern Land Rovers. Our bushes fit a vast array of vehicles:

• Ford Fiesta, Mondeo

• Volkswagen Golf

• Mazda Mazda

• …and many more

If it’s got suspension, we’ve almost certainly got a polyurethane bush to improve its ride and handling. Non-Standard or even custom-made?
Head to our “Can’t Find What You’re Looking For” page.

Watch the Factory Tour

Curious to see Fraser’s visit in action? Check out the video here:
👉 Take the factory tour with LR Centre

Explore Our Land Rover Range

Ready to upgrade your suspension? Browse our full Land Rover bush selection here:
👉 Polybush Land Rover Page

Thanks for reading. Whether you’re restoring a Series II or tuning a Defender 90, we’re here to help you find the perfect bush for your adventure.

Hi there, fellow MX-5 enthusiast, Ellis here – Proud owner of a Turbo Mk1 and lifelong MX-5 fanatic.
If you’re anything like me, you love the raw driving feel of the Mazda MX-5 (Especially the earlier models) The perfect balance of nimbleness, top-down thrills, and grin-inducing cornering keeps us coming back for more.

But let’s be honest—after a few years (or decades in my Mk1’s case), certain parts start to let the side down; The humble door bushing can be improved significantly, with extremely low effort & cost.

Let me explain why swapping out the rubber bushings for Polybush’s 27AS polyurethane door bushings is one of the easiest—and most satisfying—upgrades you can make to your MX-5.

What Do Door The Bushings Actually Do?

You know that satisfying thunk when you close a solid car door? That’s partly thanks to door bushings. Those little guys make sure your doors align properly, helping to keep everything rigid and rattle-free. On an MX-5—where chassis stiffness plays a big role in handling—well-aligned doors aren’t just about avoiding squeaks; they’re about keeping that legendary road feel intact.

Why Your OEM Rubber Bushings Let You Down

The factory rubber bushings? They’re fine—when new. But Mazda designed them for comfort and cost-effectiveness, not long-term performance. So what that means is:
Ageing Woes: Rubber doesn’t age gracefully. Sun, rain, heat—you name it—rubber gets hard, cracks, and eventually just gives up. (This is the same for tyres, suspension bushes etc.)
Door Misalignment: As the rubber ages and deforms, your doors start shifting more than they should. There’ll be annoying little rattles, vibrations, and that frustrating “loose door” feel.
Potential Knock-On Damage: Misalignment can wear out door latches and hinges. Ignore it for too long, and you could be facing repairs that’ll hit your wallet harder than you’d like.

Why Polybush 27AS Polyurethane Bushings Are The Way Forward

Here’s where Polybush comes in—and let me tell you, after fitting these (and other parts) to my Mk1, the difference was night and day! I think you’ll love them because:
Durability That Lasts: Polyurethane laughs in the face of heat, moisture, and UV. These bushings will outlive your car’s engine and we all know they go FOREVER!
Rock-Solid Rigidity: Polybush bushings aren’t just stiffer, they’re made to fit the door cup properly, which means less door movement and a more solid feel when you shut the door.
Bonus: it helps preserve that all-important chassis stiffness, and increases audio quality.
Bye-Bye, Rattles: With proper door alignment restored, say farewell to those cabin noises that make you crank up the radio.
Fit-and-Forget: These are designed to last the lifetime of your MX-5, saving you money, increasing performance and making it a nicer car to drive.

Why Go for Polybush’s 27AS?

The 27AS bushings are fit for all MX-5 generations—Mk1 through Mk4. No faffing about with modifications; they’re a direct swap for the OEM parts. Installation’s straightforward too—if you can handle a screwdriver and an Allen key, you’ll be done in less than 5 minutes. And once they’re in? A satisfying clunk appears, your doors feel secure, the whole car feels just that bit tighter and the audio quality improves.

Where Can You Buy A Set?

Easy—head over to MX5 Parts. They’re our trusted MX5 distributor, they stock everything an MX-5 nut like me (and probably you) could ever need.

Final Thoughts from Ellis

Look, I get it—door bushings aren’t the flashiest upgrade. They’re not shiny wheels or a new exhaust, or in my case, a hybrid turbo! But trust me, the difference in how your car feels is massive for such a small mod. With the Polybush 27AS bushings, my Mk1 feels more solid than it has in years. No rattles, no vibrations—just me, the road, and that pure MX-5 joy.

So why let something as simple as worn bushings detract from your driving experience? Make the swap, and fall in love with your MX-5 all over again.

See you on the twisties!
— Ellis

Want To See The Other Mazda Parts We Have – CLICK HERE