Polyurethane vs Rubber Bushes

Get the best suspension bushings for your car, call 1800 385 278.

Which bushing material is best for your car? Should you use a rubber bushing or a Poly bushing? Polyurethane bushings when put against rubber bushings, are the better alternative. Not just for repair but also for aftermarket upgrades. A good poly bushing is made through a great polyurethane blend, expert engineering and a high quality manufacturing process. This is why SuperPro bushings are known globally as the best, because they do all these things and more.

An info graphic showing the basic differences between rubber and poly bushings.

As a base, polyurethane (material only) does not generate a bushing that is superior to rubber. The factors that make a poly bushing superior is its material, design and manufacturing process. Just by utilising poly as a bushing material substitute, will not mean it automatically performs well in driving conditions. This misconception is partly the reason why polyurethane bushings aren’t perceived as a great solution when compared to rubber.

SuperPro bushings are superior to rubber bushings because of their unique poly blend, unique engineering and hands on manufacturing process. Not only is the material make up of SuperPro’s bushings integral to the superiority of the product, each bushing is engineered to suit a specific vehicle application. Creating a poly bushing that is designed to outperform all suspension bushings and is covered by a lifetime warranty.

Shop For SuperPro Bushings

Pros and Cons of Poly and Rubber Bushings

Clearing up Misconceptions

Below we will try and clear up as many misconceptions about the poly vs rubber bushing argument.

1. Many people believe any Polyurethane can be used to create a good Poly bush

This is definitely not true, there are many subsets of polyurethane
No polyurethane bushing is made equally
An even better manufacturer, like SuperPro will create a specific poly blend for each bushing based on application

2. Poly Bushings are bad for Off Road Conditions

This is true for some poly bushing brands and DIY bushings but NOT for SuperPro Bushings
SuperPro bushings are designed specifically for off road and on road applications
SuperPro bushings are backed by a lifetime warranty

3. Rubber is better than Poly for off road

This is not true, rubber bushings fail much faster in off road conditions
Rubber bushings have not been designed to flex, articulate or survive in normal or extreme off road conditions
Rubber bushings begin to break down once in contact with water and oil
Rubber bushings lack the ability to properly articulate when compared to poly
Rubber bushings break down faster when introduced to the increased flex required for off roading
Poly bushings articulate and flex much better and are resistant to oil and water
Rubber bushings are not designed to flex in normal or extreme off road conditions
SuperPro poly bushings are designed to not increase noise vibration harshness

4. Poly bushings are much harder and give a harsher ride compared to rubber bushings

This can be true, however;
SuperPro bushings do not give a harsher ride
Poly bushings can come in many different duros (hardness levels)
If designed correctly the the bushing duro will match the vehicle application and will improve the vehicle

5. Poly bushings produce harsh vibrations (NVH)

Some poly bushings do, SuperPro poly bushings do NOT
Because of the proprietary design features and unique blend of poly used by SuperPro no NVH is caused
Follow installation instructions and use the correct bushing and you will have no issues

6. Poly Bushings require regular greasing

Poly bushings only require greasing when installing the bush
Regular greasing of a SuperPro bushing is not required
The unique polyurethane blend SuperPro uses ensures long service life without the need to grease

7. Poly bushes limit articulation

SuperPro bushings actually offer increased flex and articulation
Each SuperPro bushing is designed for a specific application offering improved movement over rubber bushings
Rubber bushings flex but not as well as polyurethane bushings
Rubber bushings actually tear under increased stresses, especially in off road conditions where components are constantly flexing

8. All Polyurethane bushings are the same

No polyurethane bush is made the same
A poly bushing is made unique by the material used, engineering and manufacturing process
To class all polyurethane bushings the same the same is like saying all cars are the same

9. Poly Bushings are hard to install

Some poly bushings have been designed to be easy to install but ignore the application of the vehicle, this creates poor performance
Whereas SuperPro bushings have been designed specifically by application ensuring correct performance
SuperPro bushings include proprietary features offering easy installation