A pivot bearing used in a vehicle trailing arm suspension includes a
housing, a resilient bush compressed and bonded in the housing, and a
rigid axial sleeve in the bush. The bush has voids, above and below the
sleeve when the pivot bearing is fitted for use and stiffening elements
which extend between the voids at opposite sides of the sleeve. When the
pivot bearing is in use in a vehicle trailing arm suspension, the voids
increase flexibility of the bush under generally vertical loading on the
pivot bearing. The stiffening elements enhance the stiffness of the bush
in generally horizontal direction for improved vehicle dynamics and
reduced vibration. Preferably, the stiffening elements are of plate or
leaf form, are bonded to the bush, and extend arcuately about the sleeve.
The voids extend partially through the axial thickness of the bush from
opposite ends of the bush and generally accurately about the sleeve. The
bush also has enlarged opposite circumferential end portions. The end
portions extend circumferentially beyond diametrically opposite parts of
the external circumference of the sleeve and are in-turned towards the
sleeve. Edges of the stiffening elements extend into the opposite end
portions of the voids.