The Miata had the occasional squeak and creak over bumps, but it seemed like suddenly it was non-stop embarrassment. I told myself, “maybe people in the know will just think I have poly bushings…”

After care careful investigation of the rubber parts front and rear on the car, I identified what was likely the culprit. Worn bushings on the stock Bilstein shocks.

New vs. Old. The rubber on the old shock bushings was totally gone and you can clearly see the metal on metal contact.

At this point I didn’t want to replace the shocks because I didn’t know what I wanted to get and needed to do some research and identify my goals.

Replacement bushing are available from Bilstein and can be sourced from Summit Racing for $4.49 / each (at time written).

Part Number: BSN-E4GV1Z044A02

Miata.net Thread with Instructions
(PDF Version)

I made the same Home Depot contraption as pictured

(Credit: infamousjim on miata.net)

Now a year later, still no suspension noise!