Thread: Nolathane Vs std bushes

Originally Posted by Tombie

Not when the chemistry is correct...

Crumblethanes...

Originally Posted by bee utey

Crumblethanes...

Again it all comes down to the chemistry...

Like saying all tyres are just made of rubber!

I've been reluctant to use poly bushes, ever since I lent a mate an old Commodore which split the radiator, luckily a police accident investigator (IIRC) stopped to help, and noticed the split top turret bushing/s and recommended getting them replaced with rubber, as he seemed of the opinion that poly was usually too hard.

Again... chemistry and design.

Which Durometer scale and hardness are we blending for? A or D scale? What value?

Who wants to hazard a guess as to how many variations there are alone in one vehicle of just “rubber”?

The biggest problem was many companies went “we can cast a Mould off of XYZ component and then just pour some ‘Red/Orange/Green/Grey’ Poly into the mould and sell them as better...



What hasn’t been completely discussed here is:

The poly failure sending the vehicle across the roadway was running modified arms, with the centre crush tube removed from the bush, running the incorrect grease as supplied to him by the arm supplier...

I’ve had the OEM rubber bushes fail in exactly the same way - 2 sets within 2 years! The SP replacements didn’t fail in 2 vehicles I had them in.

Urethane is a compound, during blending additives can improve the properties. Lubricating compounds and other components can be added.

Different durometers and designs for different tasks.. failing to do this and just photocopying a rubber bush is just asking for trouble!

Regardless - stick whatever you want in your own vehicle....

When I had my Rover 3500SE (SD1) I fitted Nylathane , found I needed to drop lower control arms every mounth to re grease , they eventually started to wear the X member. I also found they gave a much harsher ride & transmited more road noise into the cabin. I changed them back to rubber after a year.
I fitted Super Pro in my 1984 BMW what a difference beautiful car to drive now but that may be because the old rubber bushes were 30 years old.

I used plenty of them in times past. Toranas, Valiants, Volvo 144. Never had a failure. Never noticed any extra ride harshness. Always felt they improved feel and handling particularly in the Valiants. I would certainly use them again if needed.

Originally Posted by Bigbjorn

I used plenty of them in times past. Toranas, Valiants, Volvo 144. Never had a failure. Never noticed any extra ride harshness. Always felt they improved feel and handling particularly in the Valiants. I would certainly use them again if needed.

Road cars are generally OK as they don't see the mud/dirt / dust that a 4wd does.

Originally Posted by loanrangie

Road cars are generally OK as they don't see the mud/dirt / dust that a 4wd does.

Nope on a Torana forum and so many failures there with Nolathane and Polyurethane type bushed. Most recomend rubber for most road cars and Supepro if racing lots of use on track, but a lot more maintenance.