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Tractorman

Member Since: 08 Jul 2016
Location: Inverclyde
Posts: 44

2011 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 HT Indus Silver

Many thanks for the further advice. It is strange that my Defender failed its MOT at 4 years old in 2015 and at 24k miles - worn rear shock absorber bushes. On the basis that these was original factory fitted shocks it didn't say much about Land Rover quality - maybe I was unlucky.

18th Jun 2024 11:12am

Vitesse

Member Since: 21 Mar 2014
Location: Sussex
Posts: 409

2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Santorini Black

I have had my Puma from new in 2015. It’s done 95k and have replaced the lower rear shock bushes 3 times. The shocks are still very good 2015 90 XS Santorini Black

28th Jun 2024 12:59pm

TexasRover

Member Since: 24 Nov 2022
Location: Paris
Posts: 1359

2002 Defender 110 Td5 DCPU Chawton White

Bushings are cheap and easy to replace. Unfortunately rubber quality is unpredictable so you might need to replace quicker than you had wanted.

Shock (to be correct dampers) either fail outright (oil loss etc) or become just less effective over time. Still acceptable but loosing damping ability.

Since they are so easily to replace, if you want to refresh your ride, just get a standard set OEM and it could really tighten up your car.

28th Jun 2024 1:51pm

Tractorman

Member Since: 08 Jul 2016
Location: Inverclyde
Posts: 44

Thanks guys for further info - much appreciated

29th Jun 2024 10:01am

Chicken Drumstick

Member Since: 17 Aug 2020
Location: Near MK
Posts: 921

Tractorman wrote:
Many thanks for the further advice. It is strange that my Defender failed its MOT at 4 years old in 2015 and at 24k miles - worn rear shock absorber bushes. On the basis that these was original factory fitted shocks it didn't say much about Land Rover quality - maybe I was unlucky.

Do you know which bush specifically? If it is just the bottom of the shock to the axle. Then failing a car for that is pretty harsh. I’d suggest a new MoT station next time too. Chances are the rubber was only slightly cracked. If there was movement you’d have been hearing a clonk when driving. And even then simply doing the nut up a bit more would probably solve it.

The front upper bush they wouldn’t be able to see and I’d be amazed the upper rear bush had failed. Although again you’d probably hear and feel it if it had.

29th Jun 2024 10:34am

Disneysland

Member Since: 25 Apr 2024
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 9

2009 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 HT Stornoway Grey

I am just replacing the rear shocks & bushes on my 90 puma with Genuine, but can’t find the correct order & orientation of the bottom bushes and washer(s). JLR parts say that there is no washer between the bushes and shock, just one washer between bushes and nut.

I have searched, this forum and others, and I’m now more confused than ever. There are no clear pictures that I can find, and Haynes is a total waste of time.

Thx

24th Sep 2025 4:47pm

Mr.Jimbo

Member Since: 20 Jun 2024
Location: Rugby UK
Posts: 35

You should have cups on the axle so that removes 2 of a potential 4 washers from the arrangement (earlier cars), I think (and the way I installed my bilsteins recently) is from top down:

Damper - Washer - Bush - Axle Cup 1 - Axle cup 2 - Bush - Washer - Nut

Edit: it's also important to have the washer convex face pointing towards the bush, so as not to limit flex under articulation.

2003 TD5 110 CSW
Instagram: e12_hue

25th Sep 2025 9:34am

Disneysland

Member Since: 25 Apr 2024
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 9

Click image to enlarge
Thank you for the reply Jim. It’s not however what JLR say, or my nearest parts specialist. Here’s what JLR say, and the specialist! It’s hard to know which way the bushes go for certain but I think wide end into the axle cups.

25th Sep 2025 8:34pm

Mo Murphy

Member Since: 01 Jun 2008
Location: Letchworth Garden City, Herts
Posts: 2416

1984 Defender 90 BMW M57 3.0 Diesel HT Auto Pennine Grey

I agree with mr.Jimbo.
Mo The Land Rover 90 - Many are called, few are chosen.

50 Shades of Pennine Grey

25th Sep 2025 9:20pm

Disneysland

Member Since: 25 Apr 2024
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 9

Click image to enlarge
Thank you for the replies. A local dealer has a very low mileage heritage 90 in stock, so I had a look at theirs. It appears that Land Rover parts are wrong! There is a top washer. Here’s the pics of the heritage one, and mine on its dolly. I haven’t tightened up the bolts yet.

Click image to enlarge

26th Sep 2025 4:31pm

Screbble

Member Since: 26 Apr 2015
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 2347

2004 Defender 90 Td5 XS CSW Zambezi Silver

Yours looks spanking Disneysland.
You just need to chisel off those spot-welded cups and you’ll be right

26th Sep 2025 5:31pm

jst

Member Since: 14 Jan 2008
Location: Taunton
Posts: 8474

2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Stornoway Grey

I am more impressed by a radiator in the wksp Cheers

James
110 2010 XS Utility
130 2011 M57 bespoke Camper
90 2010 Hardtop
90 M57 1988 Hardtop

26th Sep 2025 10:26pm

Retroanaconda

Member Since: 04 Jan 2012
Location: Scotland
Posts: 2785

Parts catalogues have always been indicative at best, they are not assembly diagrams.

Chiseling off the cups is not necessary if using standard shocks and bushes as appears to be the case here.

28th Sep 2025 1:54pm

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