Rear Suspension Trailing Arm Bush Splitting and MOT Failure
ModerateSuspension & ChassisThe Ford Galaxy Mk2 shares its rear suspension design with the Mondeo Mk4 and S-MAX Mk1, featuring large cylindrical rubber-metal voided bushes pressed into the rear trailing arms. Due to the Galaxy high unladen mass and heavy passenger loading, these bushes suffer continuous torsional fatigue and shear forces over UK potholes and traffic-calming cushions. Over time, the rubber debonds from the central steel sleeve and splits completely. This results in unstable high-speed rear-end wander, loud clunking over bumps, accelerated inner tyre shoulder wear, and an automatic MOT rejection.
Noticeable thumping or knocking noise from the rear floor when traversing bumps, Rear end feels loose or wanders unnervingly when changing lanes on the motorway, Accelerated and uneven wear on the inside edges of the rear tyres, MOT failure for rear suspension trailing arm bush severely deteriorated
- Pry the rear trailing arm front bush with a lever while elevated to inspect for rubber separation or tearing
- Listen carefully during the road test for dull thuds from beneath the rear passenger compartment
- Examine rear tyres for feathering or baldness along the inside tread shoulders
- Check vehicle invoice history to see if polybushes or replacement bushes have been installed