Polyurethane Bushings

Advantages of Polyurethane Bushings

Since the introduction of polyurethane bushings in the middle of the 1990s, they have become the standard bushing for a wide array of applications in the aftermarket. The use of polyurethane bushings is mainly due to their superior performance and strength compared to rubber bushings and longer service life.

Polyurethane is a polymer that is made by combining diisocyanates and polyols. There are several different types of polyurethane each of which are made in a different way. The molecular structure of polyurethane is what makes it more resilient and durable than rubber.

• Durometer Rating – Polyurethane may be formulated for soft or hard bushings depending on the application. This aspect of polyurethane makes it ideal for improving ride and performance. Soft urethane like 60A durometer would absorb shock and hard urethane like 90A would be stiffer for heavy loads like transmission mounts.

• Resilience – Constant use and exposure to the elements can damage and eat away at a bushing. Unlike other bushing materials, polyurethane is resistant to the effects of ultraviolet rays, salt, oils, and remains functional for many years.

• Adaptable – The various types of polyurethane bushings and their hardness have multiple uses each of which is designed to meet the requirements and demands of a specific application.

• Reliable – Since their introduction in the 1990s, polyurethane bushings have been tested multiple times in a wide range of climatic conditions. It has been found that polyurethane bushings hold up in stressful environments and continue to function without any harmful effects.

• Absorption – The main function of a bushing is to absorb vibrations, prevent wear from friction, and provide silent operation of equipment. This particular aspect of bushings is the central characteristic of polyurethane bushings.

• High Load Capacity – Polyurethane has an unusually high load bearing capacity with exceptional deflection and recovery abilities. The elastic portion of the bushing stores and returns energy. When polyurethane bushings are placed in load bearing conditions, they are capable of supporting loads with greater efficiency than other materials with similar hardness.

• Cost –With polyurethane bushings, customers get exceptional performance and longer service than rubber. While the cost of polyurethane/urethane (same thing) bushings are higher than rubber, the longer service life and improved performance justify the higher cost.

Polyurethane Bushings in Vehicles

The use of polyurethane bushings is constantly growing as new applications are introduced and as industries that use bushings discover them. The implementation of polyurethane bushings is highly dependent on the mechanism where they are needed. Automobile manufacturers depend on polyurethane bushings for the smooth operation of their cars and long service life.

Suspension bushings are used to reduce friction between the metal components of a car’s suspension system. They are shock absorbing material that ensures a smooth ride. The hardness of polyurethane suspension bushings makes them ideal for withstanding the demands of the suspension system. The automotive industry depends on polyurethane bushings for their high load capacity and compression abilities.

Polyurethane bushings float after being installed and do not develop flat spots, which allows for more rotation that provides flexibility for auto suspensions to align with control arms or leaf springs. In most cases, polyurethane bushings require a single lubrication at installation to eliminate the possibility of squeaking and extend the life of the bushing.

Rubber vs. Polyurethane for Urethane Bushings

Manufacturers have examined the properties of rubber and those of polyurethane to determine which material is the more durable and long lasting. Polyurethane is known for having greater durability than rubber and the strength and toughness to withstand constant use. The texture and structure of rubber is known for its ability to absorb vibrations and shocks in is generally very pliable.

In automobiles, rubber bushings are able to dampen and absorb road noise, vibrations, and jolts encountered when driving over rough, uneven surfaces. They provide a quieter smoother ride and are installed during automobile assembly.

The processing of polyurethane is a complex and involved process that produces both, hard and soft material that is longer lasting than rubber. The polyurethane provides a better driving experience and offers drivers better control of a vehicle. The added rigidity of polyurethane bushings reduces the sway of a vehicle, which happens frequently with rubber bushings.

The main benefit of rubber bushings is their ability to reduce noise and vibrations at lower cost. This aspect of their properties is the reason that manufacturers rely on them during assembly. The drawback to this benefit is the extra play rubber bushings allow in a suspension system. Since polyurethane bushings do not flex or shift as much as rubber, they do not have excess suspension movement giving drivers better control.

A major difficulty with rubber is its susceptibility to degradation, which requires that it be replaced. Auto mechanics recommend replacing worn and degraded rubber bushings with polyurethane bushings since polyurethane bushings are able to perform better and have a much longer service life.

Polyurethane Bushings at American Urethane

American Urethane is a world renown supplier of urethane products with a dedication to excellence and rapid on time delivery. Our staff of highly trained engineers and experts works closely with our customers to supply the perfect product for an application. We have worked closely with the auto industry in perfecting the use of polyurethane bushings as a practical replacement for rubber bushings. Contact us today so that we can fulfill your polyurethane bushing needs.