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American Motors Rebel Strut Rod Bushing Kits

American Motors Rebel Strut rod bushing kits

Starting at low prices, AutoBuffy stocks multiple strut rod bushing kits from top OE-quality brands for the American Motors Rebel. Strut rod bushings cushion the forward pivot point of the strut rod where it meets the chassis bracket, absorbing fore-and-aft suspension loads. When they crack or collapse, steering wanders, the front end clunks, and tire wear accelerates — all while alignment geometry drifts out of spec.

Signs your American Motors Rebel needs new strut rod bushings

  • Clunking or knocking from the front suspension when braking or accelerating from a stop
  • Steering wanders or feels vague on straight roads, requiring constant small corrections
  • Uneven or cupped tire wear on the front axle, especially along the inner or outer edge
  • Front end shimmy or vibration felt through the steering wheel over rough pavement
  • Visible cracking, splitting, or collapse of the rubber bushing when inspected under the vehicle
  • Caster angle out of specification at alignment — front wheels toe in or out under braking

Which strut rod bushing kit should you buy for your American Motors Rebel?

The main decision is material — standard rubber, polyurethane, or a complete kit that includes the strut rod itself. Rubber OE-style replacements restore factory ride quality, while polyurethane firms up handling and lasts longer in performance or high-mileage applications. Make sure the kit includes both the inner and outer bushings and any retaining hardware your American Motors Rebel requires.

OE Rubber Replacement
Best for
Daily drivers, comfort-priority vehicles, restoring factory feel
What you get
Matched durometer rubber bushings that replicate factory compliance and noise isolation
Polyurethane Upgrade
Best for
Performance driving, high-mileage vehicles, improved steering response
What you get
Firmer poly bushings with tighter tolerances; resists oil, ozone, and heat better than rubber
Complete Kit (bushings + hardware)
Best for
High-mileage American Motors Rebel or corroded fasteners, full restore
What you get
Both bushings, retaining washers, nut, and sometimes grease — nothing extra to source
Strut Rod & Bushing Assembly
Best for
Bent or damaged strut rod alongside worn bushings
What you get
New strut rod with pre-installed bushings; eliminates separate rod inspection step

Replacing strut rod bushing kits on a American Motors Rebel

Moderate⏱ 1–2 hours per sideFloor jack and jack standsBreaker bar and socket setTorque wrenchPry bar or bushing pressWire brush and penetrating oil

Raise and safely support the American Motors Rebel, remove the wheel, and locate the strut rod where it passes through the chassis bracket at the front of the lower control arm area. Soak the retaining nut with penetrating oil before removal, as corrosion is common at this point. Slide out the old bushings and retaining washers, install the new kit in the correct orientation, and torque the retaining nut to the manufacturer's specification with the suspension at ride height — then follow up with a front wheel alignment.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace strut rod bushing kits on a American Motors Rebel?
Parts start at low prices for a strut rod bushing kit for the American Motors Rebel. A shop will typically add one to two hours of labor per side. Doing the job yourself keeps total cost near the parts price alone, and the repair is well within reach for a mechanically confident DIYer with basic hand tools.
How long do strut rod bushings last on a American Motors Rebel?
On most vehicles, strut rod bushings last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles, though road conditions, climate, and bushing material all affect that range significantly. Polyurethane bushings generally outlast rubber in harsh or high-heat environments. Inspect them any time you notice front-end clunking or when a wheel alignment shows caster drift.
Can worn strut rod bushings cause alignment problems on a American Motors Rebel?
Yes — collapsed or torn strut rod bushings allow the strut rod to shift fore and aft under load, directly changing caster angle. Even a fresh alignment will drift back out of spec quickly if the bushings are not replaced first. Always replace worn bushings before performing a wheel alignment on your American Motors Rebel.
Is it safe to drive a American Motors Rebel with bad strut rod bushings?
Short distances are possible, but it is not advisable. Failed strut rod bushings degrade steering precision, extend braking distances, and accelerate front tire wear. Under hard braking, the strut rod can shift enough to cause unpredictable front-end behavior. Replace them promptly to restore safe handling on your American Motors Rebel.
Do I need to replace strut rod bushings in pairs on a American Motors Rebel?
Yes — replacing both sides together is strongly recommended. Bushings on the same axle wear at similar rates due to equal load exposure. Replacing only one side creates unequal compliance between left and right, which produces a pulling sensation under braking and makes alignment difficult to set accurately on the American Motors Rebel.
Will polyurethane strut rod bushings make my American Motors Rebel ride harsher?
Polyurethane is firmer than rubber, so some increase in road noise and ride firmness is expected — particularly on rough pavement. For most drivers the difference is minor and the improved steering feel is worth the trade-off. If ride comfort is a priority over handling, stick with an OE-specification rubber bushing kit for your American Motors Rebel.

More parts for your American Motors Rebel

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