Polyurethane Bushings 101

To begin, we must understand what polyurethane is! Polyurethane is a plastic material that can be formed for soft or stiff applications. Due to its molecular makeup, polyurethane is much more durable than rubber. Quality-made polyurethane bushings and mounts will be less prone to failure due to aging, weathering, and temperature changes.

For the driving enthusiast, polyurethane bushings can noticeably improve handling and steering characteristics by eliminating unnecessary play found in rubber bushings. This means more consistency in alignment for longer tire life and improved safety.

Poly bushing kits

You can get polyurethane replacements for a multitude of parts on your car. Here are some examples:

Control arms

Worn control arm bushings can cause a your car to wander from inconsistencies in the road due to the worn mounting bushings. Worn control arm bushings can increase tire wear from an uneven alignment and in some instances cause dangerous driving conditions due to a lack of steering response. Polyurethane bushings stiffens this up, leading to a more planted feel and more consistent steering.

Motor mounts

When your motor mounts are worn, it can lead to a harsh ride and banging from your engine bay. A worn torque mount can cause similar issues, as well as a lack of throttle response due to the motor moving before putting the power down. With polyurethane bushings, slight play that is normally found in rubber is minimized and you'll have a much more solid feel to your driving experience.

Subframe bushings

The overall purpose of the bushings in the subframe is to hold the steering, lower half of the suspension and powertrain assembly. Factory subframe bushings tend to get weak over time from continual use and old age. Failing subframe bushings lead to a loose chassis, and a wandering front end over bumps. Upgrading your subframe bushings results in a stiffer chassis and less overall flex transforming the entire subframe into a chassis brace. 

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