Blog → Why don't car manufacturers switch to polyurethane bushings?

When the first incandescent lamps were invented, they turned out to be "unprofitable" - they could work for years without burning out. For example, one of the first light bulbs is still lit in the town of Livermore, California. Yes, for over 100 years! Therefore, she got into the Guinness Book of Records.

But do manufacturers need such "eternal" goods? It is clear that when the market is saturated with their products, sales will fall, and production will have to be stopped. It is obvious that durable goods are not beneficial to the modern commercial system.

For the same reason, some technologies have not taken root in the auto world. Many people would like to use their favorite car for years, to which they are accustomed and put a lot of effort into it. But if all cars turn out to be unkillable, then the auto industry will.

This is one of the main reasons why rubber is used in the suspension, and manufacturers do not switch to polyurethane bushings. Rubber resources are enough for the warranty period of the car, but then it requires regular replacement. At the same time, the condition of the rubber also affects the failure time of other nodes. Therefore, rubber is not used in the suspension of racing cars, but polyurethane or other "long-lasting" polymers are used.

There are other reasons why not just apply polyurethane:

• in mass auto production, the need for polyurethane spare parts will be very difficult to satisfy, since the production time for bushings and silent blocks made of polyurethane is several tens of times longer than consumables made of rubber;
• working with polyurethane requires more complex professional skills than with rubber, so few people want to complicate their lives;
• the cost of raw materials for the manufacture of spare parts from rubber is lower than for polyurethane. This, coupled with time consuming and increased demands on workers, will affect the economic performance of car production.

Nevertheless, polyurethane has long been successfully used for tuning by demanding motorists. Due to the strength and durability of this elastomer, polyurethane bushings reduce the need for frequent replacement of consumables and give a predictable car that can withstand even bad roads.

Choosing a new silent block: rubber or polyurethane?

What do you gain by switching from rubber to polyurethane? Durable and high-quality silent blocks, unless, of course, you have chosen a reliable manufacturer. In addition, you get a number of benefits:

• stable and safe operation of the suspension in conditions, to put it mildly, of non-ideal roads;
• saving time and money, because there is no need to change rubber parts every 10-20 thousand kilometers;
• reduction of wear of tires and metal structures due to the absence of backlash and stable operation of polyurethane in a wide temperature range;
• reducing the amount of garbage that will go to landfill, because used parts rarely get recycled;
• contribution to the economy of their country.

Compared to large auto corporations, manufacturers of polyurethane parts are small companies, even if they have gained a good reputation and have been on the market for more than one year. But they are not afraid of competition. By supporting a local small manufacturer instead of buying a Chinese part, you break the global consumption system and develop your region.

Call or email us to learn more about the benefits of polyurethane suspension from Poly Pro and the warranty period.