Are polyurethane bushings better than rubber?

Asked by: Elena Merino

Ride Quality: Because rubber is softer than polyurethane, it’s much better at warding off road noise and vibrations. This means that rubber bushings make for a much smoother ride. This is one of the main reasons—aside from cost–that OEMs use rubber ones on the assembly line.

Do polyurethane bushings improve handling?

Poly bushings hold the suspension components tighter which is better for handling and alignment but the downside is more vibration making its way from the road to the driver.

What material is best for bushings?

Bronze Bushings



Bronze remains a popular choice for bushings because it’s available in so many alloys and compositions, expanding its reach into even more applications. A bronze bushing is harder and less likely to break or deform than those made of other materials.

What lasts longer rubber or polyurethane?

Polyurethane typically lasts longer than rubber, especially in applications where it’s constantly stretched or otherwise exposed to stress. Both rubber and polyurethane are elastic and flexible.

Do polyurethane bushings need grease?

Polyurethane bushing manufacturers advise to never use a petroleum based grease for poly bushing lubrication. Polyurethane should only be lubricated with one specific type of grease to insure long bushing life, and squeak-free performance, Silicone based synthetic water-proof grease.

Do polyurethane bushings squeak?

Urethane bushings (well, all but a very few) are not flexible enough to do this, so they rotate on their inner sleeve. This is bad. They will squeak, they will gall and egg-out and can cold-flow.

Are polyurethane bushings worth?

And they both move pretty easy you can see there are big voids in the rubber. That allow for that movement polyurethane bushings are pretty hard. So things only move a little. And you can go one step

Are polyurethane body mounts vs rubber?

Polyurethane is firmer than rubber. It will transfer more noise and vibration to the cab of the vehicle. However, it provides a better feel of the road. It also makes the steering and suspension more responsive.

Do poly sway bar bushings make a difference?

In a suspension, this means a couple of things. First, a lot more road noise and vibration will be transmitted to the cabin and steering wheel. Rubber bushings tend to dampen that harshness out, poly bushings don’t. Second, the steering will be somewhat more responsive, as there is less compliance in the suspension.

What is the best plastic for bushings?

Polyurethane bushings are often an excellent choice. They handle abrasion, impact, and can be molded (perhaps with some machining to finish them). Polyurethane can handle up to 2,500 psi.

Is lithium grease safe for polyurethane?

Lithium based grease adheres to metal very well, has a high heat tolerance, and is water resistant making it another possibility for use with polyurethane bushings. These lubricating agents are basically oil mixed with lithium soap, usually with several additives.

How do you stop polyurethane bushings from squeaking?

I installed poly bushings in 2003 and used the supplied sticky silicon lube. No squeaks whatsoever. I would try getting some silicon spray and spray everyday for a week then spray once a week and then maybe once a month for maintaining. Hopefully that will work for you.

What do polyurethane bushings do?

Poly bushings are noticeably harder than the stock OE rubber on your vehicle. This makes them a much better option for holding alignment of suspension parts like your control arms, leaf springs, or even isolating your differential. This translates to less body roll and more traction when turning.

Can you mix rubber and polyurethane bushings?

Registered. No problem mixing as you state. I even went one step further – I have rubber on the FRONT side of my strut rod bushings and urethane on the backside. Tightens things up when turning/backing, but the rubber is there to absorb the impacts at speed…….

Are Energy Suspension bushings any good?

Polyurethane bushings are what Energy Suspension is best known for and it’s with good reason. This is their forte. This is their craft. Their polyurethane bushings are far more durable than rubber, will last the lifetime of the car, and owners can choose from the subtle black or aggressive red components.