↓ Advertise on Defender2 ↓

Home > Technical > Defender 90 rear shock absorbers
Post Reply  Down to end
Page 2 of 2 <12
Print this entire topic · 
Tractorman



Member Since: 08 Jul 2016
Location: Inverclyde
Posts: 41
Scotland 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.
Post #1037759 18th Jun 2024 11:12am
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Vitesse



Member Since: 21 Mar 2014
Location: Sussex
Posts: 406
United Kingdom 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
Post #1038625 28th Jun 2024 12:59pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
TexasRover



Member Since: 24 Nov 2022
Location: Paris
Posts: 1337
France 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.
Post #1038628 28th Jun 2024 1:51pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Tractorman



Member Since: 08 Jul 2016
Location: Inverclyde
Posts: 41
Scotland 2011 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 HT Indus Silver
Thanks guys for further info - much appreciated
Post #1038695 29th Jun 2024 10:01am
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Chicken Drumstick



Member Since: 17 Aug 2020
Location: Near MK
Posts: 921
United Kingdom 
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.
Post #1038698 29th Jun 2024 10:34am
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Disneysland



Member Since: 25 Apr 2024
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 8
United Kingdom 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
Post #1076078 24th Sep 2025 4:47pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Mr.Jimbo



Member Since: 20 Jun 2024
Location: Rugby UK
Posts: 31
United Kingdom 2003 Defender 110 Td5 CSW Java Black
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
Post #1076145 25th Sep 2025 9:34am
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Disneysland



Member Since: 25 Apr 2024
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 8
United Kingdom 2009 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 HT Stornoway Grey

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.
Post #1076188 25th Sep 2025 8:34pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Mo Murphy



Member Since: 01 Jun 2008
Location: Letchworth Garden City, Herts
Posts: 2397
United Kingdom 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
Post #1076194 25th Sep 2025 9:20pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Post Reply
Post Reply  Back to top
Page 2 of 2 <12
All times are GMT + 1 Hour

Jump to  
<  Previous Topic | Next Topic >
Posting Rules
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum



Site Copyright © 2006-2025 Futuranet Ltd & Martin Lewis
DEFENDER2.NET RSS Feed - All Forums