Features of polyurethane suspension for cars
Content
The need for replacement is indicated by a creaking sound while driving. When buying low-quality Chinese parts, the problem often appears after 2-3 months of operation.
Polyurethane car suspension is a cost-effective alternative to rubber parts. It facilitates the handling of the machine in bad weather, when driving off-road and is durable.
What is polyurethane suspension
There are no suspensions made entirely of polyurethane (a synthetic elastomer with a programmable property). The stabilizer bushing and silent block are made from this material. The latter is a link for other parts of the chassis, softens shock and vibration while driving on bumpy roads.
Polyurethane products are best suited for driving on poor quality surfaces, off-road, aggressive overtaking and constant sharp turns. Such structures are mainly placed in the following cases:
- the improvement of sports cars, whose drivers turn sharply and overtake each other on the track;
- increasing the controllability of a car for fans of aggressive driving;
- restoration of depreciation on machines of old models, which has deteriorated due to long operation.
Polyurethane is colorless, but yellow, black, orange, red, blue parts are sold. Manufacturers specifically mix paint to indicate hardness.
Conditions for a long service life
Polyurethane parts will work for at least 50-100 thousand km under normal conditions and 25-50 thousand km when driving off-road and aggressive driving style, if several conditions are met:
- car suspension completely refurbished;
- silent blocks are installed correctly;
- stabilizer mounts treated with waterproof grease;
- operation is carried out at a temperature not lower than -40 °C.
Prior muffler suspension
And most importantly - the parts must be new and from a trusted manufacturer.
Advantages and disadvantages
Polyurethane parts have the following advantages:
- Differ in high wear resistance. High-quality polyurethane products last longer than those made from soft rubber.
- Make the suspension more elastic. The car is easier to drive in adverse road and weather (ice, snow, strong wind) conditions.
- They tolerate the effects of chemicals, which are abundantly sprinkled on roads in winter. Rubber deteriorates faster when anti-icing mixtures stick.
- Improve the handling of the car. Due to the presence of polyurethane structures in the suspension, it becomes easier for the driver to control the car. It manages to enter corners well at high speed and it is easier to overtake others.
- They wear out more slowly than soft rubber products.
- Suitable for use in harsh weather conditions. Polyurethane, unlike rubber, does not crack in the cold and does not dry out in the hot summer.
But the cons are no less than the pros:
- Car manufacturers do not install polyurethane parts, so you will not be able to buy an original product. There is a big risk of running into a low-quality fake.
- The suspension becomes very elastic, so the driver will feel every bump while driving on rough roads.
- Polyurethane parts may burst in extreme cold (below -40°C). Poor-quality products cannot withstand -20 ° C.
- They cost more than the original rubber structures (but are not inferior in performance).
- Polyurethane negatively affects metal stabilizers, so they will have to be changed more often.
Also, polyurethane does not adhere well to metal and can peel off from it. Most often, it is because of this reason that new silent blocks have to be installed.
The need for replacement is indicated by a creaking sound while driving. When buying low-quality Chinese parts, the problem often appears after 2-3 months of operation.
The installation of polyurethane bushings and silent blocks is justified if the increase in vehicle handling comes to the fore, and not the comfort of the driver and passengers.
How to choose a part
When choosing polyurethane parts for car suspension, follow these rules:
- Buy designs from well-established manufacturers. They are of high quality, although they are more expensive than Chinese options.
- Do not contact sellers who offer used parts.
- Select a part in the store so that you can inspect it for cracks, scratches, and other damage.
- Don't buy from advertised sites.
- The silent block must be sold in a strong package with a label indicating the name of the part, the address and telephone number of the manufacturer, e-mail or other contact details for communication, compliance with GOST standards.
- Buy only those silent blocks for which the manufacturer gives a guarantee (usually 1-2 years, regardless of mileage).
Be sure to look at the certificate of conformity. If the seller refuses to give the document for review, then you have a fake.
How to install polyurethane suspensions
It will not be possible to independently install parts made of polyurethane. To do this, you need a room with a flyover, a pit or a lift and special equipment to disassemble the suspension. Entrust the work to the masters from the car service.
