When it comes to optimizing the performance and comfort of your Land Rover, selecting the right suspension components is crucial. One vital element in achieving the desired ride quality and control is the choice of bushing materials. Polybush, is a renowned manufacturer of Polyurethane suspension bushings and offers different material grades tailored specifically for Land Rover vehicles.
In this blog, Greg (Right) and Ellis (Left) will delve into the differences between the Comfort (65 Shore A), Dynamic (75 Shore A), and Performance (85 Shore A) grades. By understanding these distinctions, Land Rover enthusiasts can make informed decisions when upgrading their suspension systems.
We have created a video to explain in a little more detail
Comfort Grade (65 Shore A): The Comfort grade bushings from Polybush are designed with an original hardness that provides a balanced ride quality suitable for various applications, including green laning and daily driving. The 65 Shore A hardness offers a degree of flexibility, which translates into improved comfort and compliance over uneven surfaces. These bushings effectively absorb vibrations and road imperfections, resulting in a smoother ride experience. If you primarily use your Land Rover for regular commuting or light off-roading, the Comfort grade bushings are an ideal choice.
1G Blue
Dynamic Grade (75 Shore A): The Dynamic grade bushings combine the best characteristics of both the Comfort and Performance grades, resulting in a hybrid material that offers excellent articulation combined with enhanced control. With a hardness rating of 75 Shore A, these bushings strike a balance between comfort and performance. They provide improved stability, particularly during aggressive off-road manoeuvres, while maintaining a certain degree of compliance to absorb shocks and vibrations. The Dynamic grade is suitable for Land Rover owners who seek enhanced control without compromising on ride comfort.
1G Orange
Performance Grade (85 Shore A): For Land Rover enthusiasts who prioritize ultimate control and responsiveness, the Performance grade bushings are the ideal choice. Engineered with a higher hardness rating of 85 Shore A, these bushings offer superior stiffness and reduced flex, ensuring precise suspension control during high-performance driving situations. The increased rigidity minimizes the movement of suspension components, resulting in enhanced stability, especially during towing or heavy load-carrying activities. If you frequently engage in demanding off-road adventures or require exceptional control during towing operations, the Performance grade bushings are the recommended option.
The VW Transporter T5 and T6 are known for their versatility and capability, but their handling can be improved with some modifications.
One such modification that can improve handling is replacing the rear lower spring cup bush. In this blog post, we will discuss how replacing the rear lower spring cup bush with our 44FF can benefit the handling of any VW Transporter T5 and T6.
What is a spring cup bush?
A spring cup bush is a small but crucial component in the suspension system of a vehicle. It sits at the bottom of the coil spring and helps to locate and support the spring. It also provides a pivot point for the spring to move around, which helps to absorb bumps and keep the vehicle stable. Over time, the spring cup suffers heavily with compression set wearing out and becoming damaged, which can affect the handling of the vehicle.
44FF Fitting T5 Polybush Vs O.E
Why replace the rear lower spring cup bush?
Replacing the rear lower spring cup bush with Polybush’s 44FFcan benefit the handling of a VW Transporter T5 and T6 in several ways:
Improved stability: A worn or damaged spring cup bush can cause the spring to move around excessively, which can affect the stability of the vehicle. Replacing the bush can help to reduce this movement and improve stability.
Better handling: The spring cup bush helps to control the movement of the spring, which can affect the handling of the vehicle. By replacing the bush, you can improve the handling and make the vehicle feel more responsive.
Reduced noise: A worn or damaged spring cup bush can cause noise and vibrations in the suspension system. By replacing the bush, you can reduce these noises and improve the overall comfort of the vehicle.
How to replace the rear lower spring cup bush?
Replacing the rear lower spring cup bush on a VW Transporter T5 and T6 is a relatively simple task that can be done with basic tools. Here are the steps involved:
Raise the vehicle: Use a jack to raise the rear of the vehicle and support it on jack stands.
Remove the wheel: Removing the wheel from the side where you will be replacing the spring cup bush. (Sold in pairs)
Remove the shock absorber: Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts that attach the shock absorber to the lower control arm.
Remove the spring: Use a spring compressor tool to compress the spring and remove the nut from the top of the shock absorber. Then, remove the spring from the vehicle.
Remove the old bush: Use a pry bar to push the old bush from the spring cup seat.
Installing the new bush: Place the new bush onto the protruding dowel on the lower wishbone.
Reassemble the suspension: Reinstall the spring, shock absorber, and wheel in reverse order.
Removal of O.E Bush
Polybush 44FF Installed
Conclusion
Replacing the rear lower spring cup bush on a VW Transporter T5 and T6 can benefit the handling of the vehicle in several ways. It can improve stability, handling, and reduce noise in the suspension system. While it may require some basic tools and mechanical skills, it is a relatively simple task that can be completed in around an hour. If you want to improve the handling of your VW Transporter T5 and T6, consider replacing the rear lower spring cup bush.
The Land Rover Discovery 5 and Range Rover / Range Rover Sports have an Achilles heel – FLAB!
When it comes to off-road performance and driving comfort, a reliable suspension system is crucial, and this is where Polybush steps in.
Polybush is a renowned manufacturer of high-quality suspension bushings, offering improved durability, performance, and ride quality. Dealing with some of the largest Land Rover specialists in the country, when we’re asked to manufacture a solution for the well-known problem with the Land Rover Discovery 5, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport we jumped to action!
Frustratingly for owners, the problem on the Discovery is the Front Lower Arm Bush (Part of LR113306) which consistently fails at very low mileage – some at less than 30,000 miles!
As the bush is not available on its own, the only option is to replace the front lower arm in its entirety, which can be a huge problem for owners and garages alike.
The Culprit
When a suspension bush fails, it can negatively affect the vehicle’s performance, safety, and ride quality, some of the common results of bush failure are:
Increased Vibrations: A failed bush can result in increased vibrations felt through the steering wheel, floorboards, or seats. This can make the driving experience uncomfortable and reduce overall ride quality.
Poor Handling and Stability: Suspension bushes play a crucial role in maintaining proper alignment and control of suspension components. When a bush fails, it can lead to excessive movement or play in the suspension system, causing a loss of stability, poor handling, and compromised vehicle control.
Excessive Tire Wear: Faulty bushes can affect the alignment of suspension components, leading to uneven tire wear. This can result in premature tire degradation, reduced traction, and compromised safety.
Increased Noise: Failed bushes can cause clunking, knocking, or squeaking noises as the suspension components move and make contact with each other. These noises can be irritating and indicate underlying issues with the suspension system.
This can be a sign of worn suspension bushes
Reduced Braking Performance: Suspension bushes contribute to maintaining proper suspension geometry during braking. When a bush fails, it can adversely affect braking performance, potentially leading to longer stopping distances and reduced overall braking effectiveness.
Altered Steering Response: Failed bushes can impact the vehicle’s steering response and precision. This can result in a delay or imprecise steering input, making it harder to control the vehicle accurately.
Safety Concerns: A failed bush can compromise the overall safety of the vehicle. The excessive movement or play in the suspension system can affect the vehicle’s ability to respond to sudden maneuvers or road irregularities, potentially increasing the risk of accidents.
To develop a replacement product we need to have an understanding of the original suspension Bushes
Step one of the design process is to understand how the Original Equipment bush fits into the suspension arm, then how the arm fits into the chassis, also taking into account bracketry and space available, this is done by looking over a vehicle in the flesh and taking measurements and cross-referencing O.E diagrams, we then test an O.E bush in its housing, radially, axially & angularly taking into account the original hardness of the bush.
Understanding the original bush, how it acts and indeed how it fails, is key to designing a product that not only takes what the manufacturer wanted, but allows us to improve its durability and functionality for the end users, taking into account performance and comfort requirements.
Measuring Original Bush
Hardness Testing Original Bush
Polybush’s Design Approach:
Polybush employs a meticulous design approach to ensure their suspension bushes meet the demanding requirements of Land Rover Discovery 5 owners. Here’s an overview of their design process:
Material Selection: Polybush utilizes high-grade polyurethane, to create our suspension bushes. Polyurethane offers excellent durability, resilience, and resistance to chemicals, oils, and environmental factors. This choice ensures a longer service life and enhanced performance compared to the stock rubber bushes.
Precision Engineering: Polybush’s engineers employ cutting-edge design tools and techniques to develop suspension bushes that precisely fit the Land Rover Discovery 5. By utilizing computer-aided design (CAD) software and 3D modeling, they can optimize the shape, dimensions, and geometry of the bushes, guaranteeing a perfect fit.
Performance Enhancement: One of the key aims of Polybush is to enhance the vehicle’s performance both on and off the road. Through careful design and testing, they optimize the stiffness and compliance characteristics of the bushes. This helps in reducing body roll, improving steering response, and enhancing overall stability, resulting in a more controlled and comfortable driving experience.
Durability and Longevity: Polybush focuses on creating suspension bushes that can withstand the rigors of off-road adventures and everyday driving. Their bushes are engineered to handle extreme loads, resist abrasion and wear, and maintain their performance even in challenging conditions. This durability ensures that your Land Rover Discovery 5 remains reliable and capable for years to come.
Benefits of Polybush Suspension Bushes for the Land Rover Discovery 5: Investing in Polybush suspension bushes for your Land Rover Discovery 5 offers numerous benefits:
Enhanced Off-Road Capability: The improved suspension performance and stability provided by Polybush bushes contribute to better off-road traction and control, allowing you to tackle challenging terrains with confidence.
Superior Ride Quality: Polyurethane bushes reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride for both on and off-road driving.
Increased Durability: Polybush suspension bushes are designed to outlast standard rubber bushes, offering a longer service life and reduced maintenance costs.
Easy Installation: Polybush provides a direct replacement for the original bushes, ensuring a straightforward installation process without the need for modifications.
Polybushes fitted to the L494
Long Term Testing:
As part of our testing program all of the products we manufacture are tested over many years, in this case, the test car is owned by one of our directors, so not only was it the original test vehicle, but it is also the long term test vehicle – Used on a farm, the vehicle in question, a Range Rover L494 goes offroad, pulls heavy trailers, as well as driving long distances over the UK and Europe. So three years later, we brought the Rangey to HQ to check everything was running as well as it should.
As you can see from the pictures below, aside from the underside of the vehicle being absolutely covered in road & farm grime everything looks as good as it should, with nothing out of place whatsoever.
It’s rather fitting that Polybush is handmade in the UK, just like Land Rovers used to be, Polybush manufacture, test, refine, test again and then send to market.
If you’re a proud owner of a VW Caddy, you’re probably aware of the importance of maintaining a smooth and comfortable ride. Suspension bushes play a crucial role in providing stability, reducing vibrations, and absorbing shocks. While rubber suspension bushes have been the traditional choice, there’s a superior alternative in the market – Polybush!
In this blog, we will discuss why Polybush is a great upgrade over rubber suspension bushes for your VW Caddy, and how it offers a host of benefits without compromising comfort, making it suitable for all types of driving, including leisure and commercial use. *SEE FITTING VIDEO BELOW*
Enhanced Performance: Polybush, made from a unique blend of polyurethane, offers numerous advantages over rubber suspension bushes. Firstly, it provides better suspension geometry, resulting in improved handling and responsiveness. The stiffer nature of Polybush ensures minimal movement, enhancing the overall stability and control of your VW Caddy, especially during cornering or sudden manoeuvres. This upgrade translates into a more enjoyable and safer driving experience.
Durability and Longevity: Rubber suspension bushes tend to wear out faster due to their flexible nature and exposure to elements like heat, oil, and chemicals. Polybush, on the other hand, is highly durable and resistant to these factors. It can withstand harsh conditions and maintains its performance over a longer period. By installing Polybush, you reduce the need for frequent replacements, saving you both time and money in the long run
This original bush was due to catastrophically fail – We caught it just in the nick of time. This bush had only covered 81k miles
Vibration and Noise Reduction: Polybush effectively dampens vibrations and reduces noise transmission, enhancing overall comfort. The material’s superior insulation properties minimize road noise, resulting in a quieter cabin. This upgrade allows you to enjoy a smooth and refined driving experience, whether you’re on a long-distance trip or navigating through busy city streets.
Versatility for All Types of Driving: One of the major concerns when upgrading suspension components is the potential compromise of comfort. However, Polybush strikes a perfect balance between performance and ride quality. It is designed to provide a comfortable ride even with its improved handling characteristics. Whether you use your VW Caddy for leisurely activities, family trips, or commercial purposes, Polybush will deliver a smooth and enjoyable driving experience across all driving conditions.
Fitting Polybush 44CB & 44EX to the Front Lower Wishbone of a VW Caddy MK3.5 & 4: To upgrade your VW Caddy’s front lower wishbone suspension bushes with Polybush 44CB & 44EX, follow these steps:
Step 1: Start by watching the fitting video provided by Polybush. The video will serve as a visual guide to help you through the process.
Step 2: Safely lift your VW Caddy using an appropriate jack and secure it with axle stands to ensure stability.
Step 3: Locate the front lower wishbone and identify the rubber suspension bushes that need to be replaced.
Step 4: Remove any components obstructing the access to the suspension bush. This may include bolts, brackets, or protective covers.
Step 5: Use suitable tools to extract the old rubber suspension bushes from the front lower wishbone. Ensure all remnants are removed before proceeding.
Step 6: Apply a thin layer of washing up liquid to the Polybush 44CB & 44EX and insert them into the designated areas of the front lower wishbone.
Step 7: Reassemble any components that were removed during the process, making sure everything is securely tightened.
Step 8: Lower your VW Caddy from the jack stands and perform a thorough check to ensure the suspension components are properly installed.
Conclusion: Polybush is a superior alternative to rubber suspension bushes for your VW Caddy, offering enhanced performance, durability, and improved comfort. Its ability to provide better handling without compromising ride quality makes it an ideal upgrade for all types of driving, whether you use your van for leisure or commercial purposes. By following the fitting video and the steps provided, you can easily install Polybush 44CB & 44EX to the front lower wishbone of your VW Caddy MK3.5 & 4, enjoying the benefits of a smoother and more controlled ride.
Upgrade your suspension with Polybush and experience a new level of driving satisfaction in your VW Caddy.
As a driver, or indeed a mechanic you want your car to be reliable and efficient.
One way to achieve this is by maintaining/upgrading your car’s suspension system as it is responsible for keeping your car stable and comfortable on the road.
40AK – Rear Trailing Arm Bush
Rubber bushings, which are commonly used in suspension systems, wear out quickly, leading to problems such as excessive vibration, poor handling, and even safety issues.
Polyurethane bushings, like the Polybush’s 40AK Rear Trailing Arm Inner Bush, are a great solution to these problems, especially as replacing with O.E is extremely expensive, direct from the manufacturer the bush is only available as part of an assembly – Fitting Polybush allows you to JUST replace the failed part.
Rubber bushings are susceptible to wear and tear due to heat, chemicals, and friction exposure.
Over time, rubber bushings can become brittle, cracked, and deteriorated, leading to excessive movement in the suspension system. This can result in a loss of control, poor handling, and a harsh ride. Additionally, rubber bushings are not as durable as polyurethane, meaning they may need to be replaced more frequently.
Polyurethane bushings are much more resistant to wear and tear, meaning they last circa 4-5 times longer than rubber bushings. Unaffected by Oil, Fuel, & Road chemicals, as well as having superb abrasion resistance, they do not deteriorate as quickly as rubber bushings. This makes them an ideal choice for drivers who want to ensure their car’s suspension system is reliable and efficient.
As the leading manufacturer of Polyurethane suspension bushes, we have reissued our LCV (Light Commercial Vehicle) catalogue for 2023.
Fitment of Polybushes is becoming increasingly popular among LCV owners as they offer numerous advantages over traditional rubber bushes.
Polyurethane is a durable and long-lasting material that can withstand harsh weather conditions, heavy loads, and rough terrain. Additionally, Polyurethane bushes provide better handling and stability, reduce noise and vibration, and improve overall performance.
Polybush has been at the forefront of the Polyurethane industry for over 35 years and has a vast range of suspension bushes designed to fit numerous vehicles, including cars, vans, and trucks. Our commitment to quality and innovation has led us to develop new bushes that are more resilient, long-lasting, and reliable.
Our LCV catalogue shows that Polybush is committed to meeting the evolving needs of its customers, with more and more vehicle owners opting for Polybush, we stay ahead of the competition by offering a wider range of options that cater to a variety of vehicles.
If your business relies on the Mercedes Sprinter minibus to transport your staff or clients, you know the importance of keeping it in top condition.
One of the essential components that often get overlooked is the rear link bushes. These small but critical components are responsible for keeping the suspension system in check, ensuring a smooth and safe ride. If you haven’t upgraded your rear link bushes to the 2AE Polybush, here’s why you should consider doing so.
Polyurethane is a high-performance material that is ideal for suspension components.
Unlike rubber, which can crack and degrade over time, Polybush products are incredibly durable and resistant to wear and tear.
This means that your rear link bushes will last up to 4-5 times longer and require less maintenance than their rubber counterparts.
The 2AE Polybush is designed specifically for the Mercedes Sprinter minibus, and it fits all models from 1995 through to the present day.
This means that it’s perfect for large fleets, especially those with older minibuses that may be experiencing issues with their suspension system.
If a rear link bush were to fail, it could lead to serious problems with your vehicle’s suspension system. The most obvious symptom of a failing rear link bush is increased noise and vibration when driving, particularly over rough terrain or slow tight turns. However, a more severe consequence of a failed rear link bush is the potential for loss of control of the vehicle.
Preemptive maintenance is always the best option when it comes to suspension components like rear link bushes.
By upgrading to the 2AE Polybush, you’ll not only improve the longevity of your rear link bushes, but you’ll also ensure that your minibus is safe and reliable on the road.
For more information on how we can help your fleet stay on the road, please get in touch – 01978 664316
If you’re looking to improve the handling of the Toyota Yaris GR, a road-going homologated rally car, where do you start?
The Yaris GR has gained a cult following due to its impressive handling capabilities and upgrading to Polyurethane Bushes from Polybush takes this performance to the next level.
So, what gains can you expect from upgrading to Polyurethane Bushes from Polybush? Fitting Polybush KIT 214 will stiffen the Front Anti-Roll Bars (ARB) and increase stiffness for the Front Wishbone Rear Bush, Rear Lower Control Arm, Rear Upper Control Arm, Rear Trailing Arm, Rear Spring Bucket, and Rear Drop Link. Upgrading these suspension connection points provide a more direct and precise handling experience, reducing body roll in corners, and improving steering response and stability under hard braking and acceleration, making a significant difference on the road and on the track. You can expect an improvement in the overall handling of your car, making it more balanced, predictable, and ultimately more enjoyable to drive.
Fitting Polybush perfectly matches engine and performance modifications most owners make to their vehicles. As this car is ultimately a road-going rally car we wanted our bushings to enable the vehicle to be driven from the garage, to the race track or rally stage and then driven home again, so have refrained from using pillow ball or rose jointed style fittings. Use of these items would SIGNIFICANTLY increase NVH to the point of changing the essence of the car and that’s not what Polybush is about.
Polybush’s BRAND NEW offering has been developed with the help of extremely knowledgeable racing drivers Steve from GT4-Play one of our Japanese car Distributors, Paul Sheard from Sheard Autosport, who has also had a huge hand in developing our industry-renowned MX5 Polybush Kits.
This collaboration has led to the creation of bushes that meaningly increase the drivability of the GR.
Though the Polybush offering has performance in mind and stiffness has been increased, our bushes do not increase noise, vibration and hardness in a noticeable way, this results in a more responsive and predictable handling experience that is still as comfortable as O.E
Diving a little deeper into how upgrading to polyurethane Bushes from Polybush affects the dynamics of your car.
The increased stiffness of these bushes helps to reduce the flex in your suspension system, resulting in a more direct feel on the road. This translates to better steering response, improved stability under hard braking and acceleration, and reduced body roll in corners.
Polybushes also reduce play between suspension components, which leads to a more exact and consistent alignment of your car’s wheels, resulting in improved tire wear and more consistent handling. During spirited driving and especially on the track, the benefits of upgrading to Polybush become even more apparent – The increased stiffness of these bushes can help to reduce lap times by providing better grip and more accurate handling.
The improved stability under hard braking and acceleration also allows for even more aggressive braking and acceleration without upsetting the balance of the car.
Upgrading to Polybush is just one way to improve the handling of your car, there are many simple DIY methods that you can use to further improve the performance of your track car.
One of the most effective ways to improve the handling of your car is to upgrade your suspension.
This can include upgrading your springs and dampers, as well as installing stiffer sway bars, This will provide a more controlled ride and improve the balance of the car, reducing body roll in corners and increasing grip.
Another way to improve the handling of your car is to upgrade your brakes. Upgrading your brake pads, rotors, and lines can provide more stopping power and improve the consistency of your braking, reducing the risk of brake fade on the track.
Installing a roll cage can also improve the safety and handling of your car. A roll cage adds rigidity to the chassis, reducing flex and providing better handling. It also adds an extra layer of protection in the event of a crash.
Finally, upgrading your tires can have a noteworthy impact on the handling of your car. High-performance tires provide more grip, allowing you to carry more speed through corners and brake later. They also have better heat resistance, reducing the risk of tire failure on the track.
Ford Transit minibuses and buses are popular choices for commercial and private transport due to their versatility and reliability. However, over time, the subframe bushes on these vehicles can fail, leading to a range of problems such as excessive noise, vibration, and handling issues. To address these problems, Polybush’s polyurethane upgrade for the Ford Transit’s subframe bushes is a smart investment.
So why do the subframe bushes on Ford Transit minibuses and buses fail?
The Front Lower Wishbone Rear Bush is also a Subframe bush, made of rubber, these incredibly crucial bushes deteriorate due to exposure to the elements, stress and significant vehicle loadings.
When the rubber deteriorates, it causes the subframe to move around excessively, leading to the issues mentioned above.
Fortunately, Polybush’s polyurethane upgrade is an excellent replacement for the original rubber subframe bushes. The polyurethane material used in these bushes is much more durable and resistant to wear and tear than rubber, lasting 4-5 times longer. This means that they will last much longer than the original rubber bushes, providing a more comfortable ride for your passengers with improved vehicle handling.
The installation process for Polybush’s polyurethane upgrade is relatively straightforward With the right tools and equipment, it should take no longer than a couple of hours. Polybush products are easier to install than rubber bushes, as they do not require any special tools or lubrication, making them less prone to slipping and moving around during installation.
One key advantage of using Polybush’s polyurethane upgrade is that the bushes are available as a standalone replacement part.
This means that if one of the bushes fails, you don’t need to replace the entire subframe arm, as you would with the original rubber bushes. This not only saves time but also money, as standalone replacement bushes are typically less expensive than a full subframe arm.
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