With the current state of the roads, suspension systems are working harder than ever. For those of the PMM audience being asked to change bushes, Polybush offers a useful guide to its fit and forget products.
Failing and failed bushes can not only wear tyres quickly but in many cases cause poor handling, vague steering, as well as causing significant damage to arms. They can also manifest themselves to vehicle owners as knocks and noises when driving.
With over 34 years of both OE and aftermarket experience, Polybush has developed a large product range which aims to offer a cost-effective, “fit and forget” solution that outlasts the life of rubber bushes. The good news for independent workshop is there are no profit-eroding tools required to fit them.
Fitment provides safer, more controlled handling, with a more comfortable drive that also improves turn-in and vehicle stability, prolonging tyre life and reducing MOT costs.
Polybush’s bushes are designed to be unaffected by oil, petrol or road contaminants so leaks and spills are no issue for these products.
Strength and performance
Traditional rubber bushes degrade over time and can suffer with compression set. This slowly ovalises the bush, reducing performance and wearing components as suspension alignment changes. Using highgrade polyurethane, Polybush offers a bush that retains its shape. Keeping alignment is key to safety, performance and cost reduction. Many garages have a real challenge with rear beam bushes (especially on the Ford Fiesta MK7) as disgruntled customers are being required to replace these bushes time and time again.
With only two points of attachment to the chassis, the bushes act as pivot points, reacting against all the loads from the rear of the car.
The original rubber bush quickly suffers a compression set, misaligning the rear wheel geometry resulting in poor handling as the beam is out of its optimum alignment and grip is lost. With some OEMs not offering replacement bushes, a new beam can be a very expensive outlay; with Polybush you can just replace the bush.
Polybush designs bushes to reduce deflection whilst providing vibration absorption qualities; the material used has a natural ability to internally damp high-frequency vibration created by rough road surfaces and potholes.
How to fit
Polybush requires no special tools to fit, simply remove the old bush with your favoured method and press in the new bushes with a vice or with a G-clamp.
Unlike other manufacturers, Polybush are friction fit, meaning no grease or oil is to be used on installation. If lubrication is required, using washing-up liquid or tyre soap will allow the part to dry and ensure a tight fit guaranteeing long trouble-free life.
