Every new truck or bus seems to drive smooth on the road, making it the most comfortable drive ever. Rubber suspension bushings keep that smoothness feel while driving on the road and to keep that feel your vehicle will need to service more often. However, despite the routine servicing, your vehicle will still be prone to wear and tear. Before long, you will be feeling every tremble while driving over uneven road. In most cases, a worn out bushing is the culprit. You will then have to decide which type do you need to change, polyurethane or rubber.
What Exactly Is a Bushing?
Bushings are small suspension components that reduce friction between the metal parts of your vehicle. They’re part of the shock-absorbing system, usually made of polyurethane or rubber, which are crucial to ensure your vechicle a smooth ride.
While your truck or bus might shake for various reasons, the prime suspect is usually bushng. Bushing consist of just two parts: an outer sleeve and a spongy interior. Like any suspension component, they don’t last forever. You might get two, three or even four years out of them, but sooner or later they start to lose their resiliency.
When Should I Replace My Suspension Bushings?
There are no set time frame to replace a polyurethane or rubber suspension bushing. This is mainly due to how often the vehicle is being use and the road condition. Your mechanics are going to recommend you replacing them when you notice the following symptoms
- Excessive road noise
- Vibration in the vehicle
- Loose steering when driving
- Pronounced lack of control of your bus or truck
- Creaking sound is heard coming from around the fender
- Frame rattle when driving over uneven road or rough terrain
Rubber Suspension Bushings
Polyurethane is more pliable than rubber and it also gives better compression to the tire’s sidewall and reduces rolling resistance. Most vehicles include traction control. If you’re okay with how your truck or bus performed before it began shaking, it might be time to invest in rubber.
Here’s where rubber bushings stand on nine key traits:
- Ride Quality: As you know that rubber is softer than polyurethane, this makes an ideal choice to install for a smoother ride.
- Hardness: Rubber is more pilable than polyurethane and hence it is soft. This make it the driver choice on the market.
- Lifespan: While rubber is soft and offer a smoother ride, it has short lifespan. They are prone to UV, heat from the sun and oil. This unpredictable environment changes causes rubber o stretch and warp.
- Squeaking: Rubber suspension bushings is chemically-bonded with their shells. This means there are no extra movement or space that will create squeaking sound.
- Maintenance: Rubber suspensions bushings are 100% maintenance free.
- Installation: Rubber bushings often requires complete removal of the control arms or spring and requires a hydraulic press to do it.
- Performance: If you want comfort over performance, choose rubber suspension bushings.
Polyurethane Suspension Bushings
Polyuurethane bushings did not become wildely available until in the 1930s. Polyurethane suspension bushings don’t deteriorate, so they often outlast the truck or bus lifespan. If you are looking for a suspension bushings to outlast your vehicle, consider polyurethane suspension bushing.
Let’s see how polyurethane stacks up against rubber bushings:
- Ride Quality: Because of its hardness, it often lead to a bumpy ride. This means that the driver and passengers can feel a lot more noise and vibration. This increase if the vehicle is travelling along uneven terrian.
- Hardness: Polyurethane suspension bushings are harder than rubber but are still softer than what race car drivers use.
- Lifespan: They are harder and tend to cope better with the ever changing environment. As compare to rubber, they are more resistant to oils, heat, UV, rust and chemicals.
- Squeaking: Contrary to popular belief, polyurethane suspension bushings don’t necessarily have to squeak. While rubber bushings are chemically bonded to their housings, poly ones are assembled mechanically.
- Installation: Unlike the installation of rubber bushing, hydraulic press is not required to install a polyurethane suspension bushings.
- Maintenance: Polyurethane suspension bushings only need to be greased every 3 to 5 years.
- Performance: Since polyurethane don’t flex as much, this makes turning and cornering easier.
How much does it cost to replace rubber bushings?
The cost for a new rubber suspension bushings ranges between $30 and$150, while the average labor costs are between $100 and $300. This means you’re looking at a total of between $130 and $450 for one bushing replacement. As the price flucuates, you are encourage to do your own price research.
How long does it take to change bushings?
Apart from booking or reservation time, it take approximately 2 hours to change the old one and press the new rubber suspension bushings.
Where to buy rubber suspension bushings?
You can buy from offline or online. If you are looking at small quantity, you can buy from automotive online parts store. If you are fleet owner or need to purchase in bulk, you are welcome to contact our sales team.