Silent blocks made of polyurethane, advantages and disadvantages
Recently, silent blocks made of polyurethane have become increasingly popular. It is believed that they are of better quality and more efficient than their “brothers” made of rubber.
Silent blocks made of polyurethane
But is this really so? What are the pros and cons of polyurethane products? Which option should you prefer? These points require detailed consideration.
What functions does the silent block perform?
First, let’s figure out what tasks the part in question performs. A silent block is one of the elements of a car's chassis, which is a hinge assembly consisting of a pair of bushings and an insert, which, as a rule, has maximum rigidity and is made of rubber. The main task is to compensate for the various influences that the mechanism as a whole has to cope with, namely:
- Impact impacts.
- Longitudinal fractures.
- Rotations.
- Various types of forces (radial or axial type).
We must not forget that the car’s suspension is forced to work in harsh conditions, and the above impacts negatively affect the condition of its elements (including the silent block). In winter, the coating on the road also makes its contribution, due to which the service life of the part does not exceed 50 thousand kilometers.
Which silent block is better, rubber or polyurethane?
The problems discussed above forced manufacturers to develop more reliable units and use better materials in their manufacture. Thus, the modern market offers polyurethane silent blocks, which are considered more durable and effective. But is it? Let's look at the main differences between polyurethane and rubber.
The classic material from which suspension elements are made is rubber. The material contains rubber (can be natural or synthetic). For this reason, products sooner or later become less elastic and break down.
Polyurethane is a synthetic material whose properties may change during the production process depending on the tasks at hand. Rubber loses quality immediately after leaving the assembly line. As a result, the product becomes rigid, cracks appear, and the original elasticity disappears. In addition to everything, the node is negatively affected by ultraviolet radiation, as well as unfavorable temperature conditions.
Rubber silent blocks
Polyurethane has no such disadvantages. It retains its original properties for a long time and is less susceptible to external negative influences. The average production time for a rubber product is twenty minutes, and for a polyurethane product it is thirty hours or more. Due to the complex technological cycle, these parts have a higher price.
Pros and cons of polyurethane silent blocks
To understand the relevance of polyurethane products, it is important to highlight their positive and negative qualities.
Advantages of polyurethane silent blocks:
1. Long service life. On average, polyurethane parts last four to five times longer than their rubber counterparts.
2. Efficiency. Polyurethane components have greater rigidity, which improves the handling of the machine as a whole.
3. Reliability. Unlike rubber products, polyurethane parts retain their elasticity longer. At the same time, the car body and suspension receive reliable protection.
4. Durability. The quality of the connection between the metal part of the part and the polyurethane base is much better, which eliminates delamination. According to manufacturers, polyurethane parts last three to four times longer. This is also due to the product’s resistance to various chemical influences.
5. Resistance to unfavorable temperature conditions. Polyurethane is not afraid of high and low temperatures. The structure of the product does not suffer from this, and the casing itself does not crumble or deform.
Disadvantages of silent blocks and polyurethane:
1. The hardness of the material guarantees better handling. But this is only one side. Due to this feature of polyurethane, the suspension becomes stiffer, and all road irregularities are transmitted to the car. People who love comfort will immediately “appreciate” the changes.
2. Torsional failure. It is known that during movement the silent block has to withstand different types of loads. And if the material copes with compression and tension “excellently,” then twisting has a negative effect on the material and leads to its destruction.
4. High price. After reading reviews about silent blocks made of polyurethane, we can come to the conclusion that many car owners refuse to purchase such parts due to the increased financial burden. On average, the cost of polyurethane products is three to five times higher. Such costs could be incurred with a longer service life of the part. But practice has shown that in current conditions even polyurethane does not last long.
5. Poor frost resistance. Polyurethane is afraid of cold weather. When the temperature drops below 20 degrees, the material hardens and becomes brittle.
In conclusion, we can conclude that polyurethane or rubber is better. On the one hand, the characteristics of polyurethane silent blocks are better, and the product itself can last longer than its rubber “counterpart”. But in practice, car owners are confused by three disadvantages - high price, increased rigidity and instability to low temperatures.
Consequently, the further north a person lives, the higher his dissatisfaction. In turn, residents of the southern regions speak negatively about polyurethane silent blocks from the point of view of comfort. So when choosing, you should think again about whether it makes sense to overpay.
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Types of silent blocks
1. Classic non-separable - equipped with a solid working part and a metal holder inside. Sometimes a part is made with two clips: internal and external.
2. With technological cavities in the rubber liner - designed for torsional operation of the lever. Such an element needs to be pressed correctly, since it is important that the load is evenly distributed over the entire working area.
3. With mounting eyes - silent block with a different type of fastening. These are symmetrical parts that are designed to be installed on a specific side.
4. Floating - the design resembles a ball joint mechanism. The part is protected by anther. This component is very mobile, which ensures a good smooth ride. Mounted on hub knuckles and levers.
Features of polyurethane silent blocks: advantages, reviews
A silent block is considered to be a metal hinge, structurally consisting of two metal bushings and a rubber or polyurethane spacer between them. These extremely necessary parts serve to connect all the moving parts of the vehicle suspension to each other. A hard rubber or polyurethane insert allows you to dampen all vibrations that form between the system components. These elements can be located in the front and rear suspension, used to attach various arms (including where the front arm is located), to attach the anti-roll bar, bar and torque rods.
A rubber or polyurethane silent block is capable of damping the following types of loads: axial and radial forces, impacts, angular breaks, loads that cause torsional vibrations in some suspension elements. It bears heavy loads, so its service life is initially very high. Due to the fact that there is no friction between the bushings, thanks to the filler, the silent block lasts a very long time. Under normal conditions, this safety element can serve you for at least fifty years or up to one hundred thousand kilometers. Polyurethane silent blocks are a fulcrum, reliable connection and safe operation of many vehicle components.
Differences between polyurethane and rubber
As I mentioned above, depending on the filler, the silent block can be rubber or polyurethane. Let's look at what is better, polyurethane for silent blocks or rubber. What is the difference between polyurethane?
- Polyurethane is much harder than rubber. Thanks to this quality, this material provides a stiffer suspension to the vehicle. But at the same time, the driving comfort of such a car decreases; passengers will feel the particularly stiff suspension. Therefore, to say that polyurethane is better than rubber (regarding comfort) will be controversial.
- The service life of polyurethane silent blocks is much longer than rubber ones. On average (depending on the quality of polyurethane and rubber, as well as their thickness), the service life exceeds ten years. But this figure is impressive only by ear. If you look in more detail, you can understand one simple thing: a silent block on a rubber layer will play once, but its opponent can play two or even three times. Hence the conclusion - the service life of a polyurethane set is not that much higher than its rubber counterpart.
- High resistance to extreme temperature loads. This material easily tolerates sudden changes in temperature and does not crack or dry out like rubber.
Minuses:
- A set of polyurethane silent blocks will cost you several times more than rubber opponents. But this minus is easily compensated by its service life.
- Another unpleasant point is his reaction to cold. In winter (at low temperatures), the material becomes hard and in this situation there may be a possibility of sudden wear due to rupture.
So, let's summarize.
Polyurethane provides excellent vehicle handling, but reduces ride comfort.
The service life declared by manufacturers does not correspond to real life; it is much lower. To finally make a choice between one type or another, you need to analyze your driving style, and then make a specific choice.
Reviews
It’s not for nothing that there is a proverb: “How many people, so many opinions.” Drivers do not adhere to any specific opinion. Positive feedback about polyurethane can only be given by those drivers who have personally experienced this type for their car. But you can also find negative reviews on car forums.
The fact is that many manufacturers equip cars with rubber parts. Considering this fact, many drivers do not even worry about replacement, as they are of the opinion that the car is more familiar with the elements and components with which the car was equipped during assembly.
Before changing silent blocks, you need to decide how much you need them. The decision must be considered. Good luck.
Video “Rush of silent blocks”
After watching the recording, you will learn what a silent block burst is, what is the reason for loss of stability when braking, and what happens if you do not take your foot off the brake when hitting an obstacle.
MineAvto.ru
Which silent blocks to buy
We have already mentioned the material used to make the hinges. Many people prefer rubber blocks, as they have a softer ride and are cheaper. Polyurethane elements are characterized by resistance to temperature changes and a long service life.
Type
Floating silent blocks are used exclusively for highly flexible connections with increased demands on the accuracy of movement of elements. Most often, standard non-separable hinges are installed on the suspension.
Liner
Some manufacturers offer to purchase rubber inserts separately. It’s true that the elastic layer in a silent block fails the fastest. However, by replacing only the liner, you will significantly reduce the load-bearing capacity of the block. As a result, the seat in the lever will change its geometry and become unusable over time.
Pros and cons, features of polyurethane silent blocks
During the operation of a car, breakdowns often occur that require repairs and, accordingly, the selection of new spare parts. Breakdown of the car's chassis is the most common problem. With the development of technology, new materials have appeared on the market, making the right choice has become more difficult. Rubber bushings have been replaced by polyurethane bushings, which leave a double impression. That is why it is worth considering in detail polyurethane silent blocks, their pros and cons.
What are silent blocks?
Polyurethane suspension silent blocks
Silent block is the main component of a car suspension, providing less noise and smooth movements. This is the connecting part of the other components of the chassis. Thanks to it, vibrations become softer, and less shock load is transferred to the car body.
Outwardly, it resembles a lightweight structure. Two metal bushings hold an elastic rubber insert. It is this rubber that softens impacts.
The silent block requires a lot of attention; its wear entails larger consequences.
Due to constant shocks, the chassis of the car requires special control from an experienced motorist.
Modern technologies do not stand still. And the production of polyurethane silent blocks is proof of this. Should I install polyurethane blocks, or give preference to classic rubber ones?
Types of silent blocks
Types of polyurethane silent blocks
Among the automobile spare parts there are silent blocks:
- front suspension arms;
- rod;
- rear suspension;
- stabilizers;
- subframes;
- jet thrusts.
Most often, the following are subject to replacement: the polyurethane silent block of the front suspension and the polyurethane silent block of the front lever, since the main part of the load falls on them. However, polyurethane silent blocks of the rear beam often fail.
If you constantly use the car on smooth roads, you will have to change the silent blocks every 100 thousand kilometers.
If the car is in constant use and the roads on which it drives are relatively smooth, it is worth changing the bushing once per 100 thousand km. But, if there are visible reasons for replacing it with a new one, you should not delay. When operating in more extreme conditions, it is worth dividing the mileage amount by half.
Before a planned replacement, due to the fragility of rubber, motorists are wondering: should they choose polyurethane or rubber silent blocks?
Characteristics of polyurethane silent blocks
The color of the silent blocks indicates their rigidity
Polyurethane itself is colorless. Dyes are added to indicate hardness. For the manufacture of automobile spare parts, polyurethane with a hardness of 65 to 70 units is used. according to Shore. Silent blocks are presented in different colors: yellow, black, orange, red and blue polyurethane silent blocks.
There are also polyurethane floating silent blocks. The opinions of car mechanics are divided. Some recommend it, others are categorically against it. Explaining this by the fact that such spare parts are not for our roads, and after a short service life they fail.
Russian polyurethane silent blocks “Tochka Opory” are reliable and in great demand.
Among the reviews from car enthusiasts, a slight increase in rigidity can be identified as a plus. In some cases, detachment from the holder of the internal silent blocks of the transverse arms was noticed after replacing the rubber silent block of the rear suspension with a polyurethane one.
Pros and cons - rubber or polyurethane?
Products made from polyurethane are durable and wear-resistant. They are distinguished by their endurance to all external factors. They tolerate both heat and winter cold well. That is why the production of polyurethane silent blocks arose, as they are more resistant.
Polyurethane silent blocks advantages:
- Increased hardness.
- Polyurethane is more wear-resistant and less susceptible to abrasion.
- Independence from temperature conditions. Does not crack, does not dry out, does not fall apart due to temperature changes.
- Due to its chemical composition, it is less susceptible to aggressive reagents used to sprinkle roads in winter.
Based on the advantages, a number of disadvantages can be identified. Manufacturers advertise the product in a way that is favorable to them, but it is worth considering videos about polyurethane silent blocks, reviews from critics and ordinary motorists who are already using this product. They will help you determine the disadvantages of polyurethane silent blocks.
The suspension becomes stiffer due to hardness. The driver and passengers can count every stone and hole on the road as fifth points.
Movements such as twisting are destructive to polyurethane.
The prices for a set of polyurethane silent blocks are quite high, several times higher than rubber ones. This makes them inaccessible to drivers who like to save money.
The most difficult thing in replacing an old silent block is to press in the polyurethane silent block. This requires a special press and mandrel.
Garage option for manufacturing parts
Set of polyurethane silent blocks
The Internet is full of questions about how to make polyurethane silent blocks with your own hands. This is due to the fairly high price of these parts. The process takes about 3 hours, 2 of which do not require intervention. However, before you get a high-quality part, there will be a lot of training.
You can find materials for manufacturing, but you will have to make an effort; they are not available for free sale. To do this you need:
- polymer SKU-PFL-100;
- granular hardener “kuralon” or “curamin” (20% by weight of the polymer);
- anti-adhesive lubricant “penta” (facilitates the process of separating the part from the mold).
Polyurethane silent blocks must match the size of the original part, otherwise the work is done in vain.
The garage should be dry and not damp. Leftover materials should be stored in a hermetically sealed container.
It is worth adding that the production of such automobile spare parts is not a cheap process, so polyurethane silent blocks from the manufacturer are often purchased. These can be original parts from company stores, or Chinese parts, or similar to the original. An experienced master will help you decide which one is better.
Experienced car enthusiasts prefer old rubber silent blocks. Some explain their choice as a matter of habit, while others do not see the benefits of polyurethane, considering such a purchase a pointless waste of money. This does not mean that polyurethane silent blocks are bad and not worth attention. There is always a driver willing to take risks and try something new.
The choice between polyurethane and conventional rubber silent blocks is up to the driver.
It is quite difficult to say why polyurethane silent blocks are better than rubber ones, since both options find their “audience”. The driver himself can answer this question, having decided on the selection criteria. If the only question is price, then do-it-yourself polyurethane silent blocks are an excellent option to save on a purchase, but quite expensive if you only need to make 1 spare part.
Watch the extreme test of polyurethane silent blocks in the video on our website!
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Replacing silent blocks
Having determined that the rubber-metal element is faulty, do not delay replacing it. Otherwise, you will have to replace all the suspension arms and tires on the wheels. In addition, this will significantly affect driving, and, accordingly, the safety of the driver and passengers.
The process of replacing silent blocks requires skills and certain knowledge. If you lack experience, you can damage the suspension arm.
The whole process is divided into several stages:
- Raising the car on a jack.
- Removing the wheel.
- Unscrewing the lever mounting bolt.
- Dismantling the lever, pulling it towards you.
- Pressing out the old silent block using a sledgehammer, vice or press.
- Pressing in a new hinge using a hammer or special equipment.
- Setting the lever to its original position.
- Tightening the nuts and installing the wheel.
- Lowering the car.
- Final tightening of silent blocks under load from the weight of the machine itself.
Reviews of polyurethane silent blocks for VAZ
Rating 3.8 out of 5. Votes: 8
Car silent blocks are hinged elements that serve to connect parts of the front or rear suspension and dampen vibrations transmitted from one unit to another. Most often they are made of rubber, but for tuning enthusiasts they offer polyurethane silent blocks. Do you know what is better to choose polyurethane or rubber? |
Physico-mechanical indicatorPolyurethaneRubber
Shore hardness, scale A, conventional unit. | 69 — 70 | 65 — 75 |
Elastic modulus - 100%, MPa | 29 | 12 |
Elastic modulus - 300%, MPa | 67 | — |
Tensile strength, kg/cm² | 312 | 115 |
Elongation at break,% | 523 | 300 |
Tear resistance, kg/cm² | 58 | 20 |
Shrinkage (relative residual compressive deformation), % | 33,5 | 35-40 |
Change in mass when exposed to an aggressive environment SZhR-7, % | +5,98 | +35 |
Temperature limit of brittleness, C° | -77 | -70 |
Frost resistance coefficient based on elastic recovery after compression, at -50°C | 0,45 | 0,2 |
How are polyurethane silent blocks better than rubber ones (according to manufacturers)
- ─ resource is 4-5 times higher than that of rubber products;
- ─ improve handling (faster response to the steering wheel);
- ─ better withstand high loads;
- ─ retain elasticity at temperatures down to –40˚С;
Most often, polyurethane products for car suspension are yellow, but you can find red, blue or green polyurethane: CharacteristicsYellow polyurethaneRed polyurethane
Shore hardness, scale A | 65 | 80 |
Impact strength,% | 40 | 56 |
Elastic modulus, kg/cm² | 25 | 40 |
Tensile strength, kg/cm² | 350 | 400 |
Elongation at break, % | 550 | 500 |
Tear strength, kg/cm | 50 | 60 |
Abrasion resistance, scraper H22 | 10 | 20 |
Reviews from VAZ car owners
Reviews about polyurethane silent blocks are not clear-cut.
Some car enthusiasts really agree with the manufacturer (the service life is longer, the suspension becomes stiffer, which has a positive effect on handling) and recommend installing these products in the car’s suspension. Another part of drivers have a different opinion. They claim that the suspension becomes too stiff (the hardness of the material depends on the manufacturer). In addition, during operation, these products begin to creak, and their service life is shorter than that of rubber ones. Another disadvantage of polyurethane is that it is more expensive than rubber. What reviews can you leave about polyurethane silent blocks? Have you ever used such suspension elements? By the way, we previously considered the need to install urethane cushions (buffers) for the springs, as well as reinforcements for the strut supports.
Service life of polyurethane silent blocks compared to rubber ones: | Car handling when using polyurethane silent blocks compared to rubber ones: |
Suspension when using polyurethane silent blocks compared to rubber ones: | Your review of polyurethane silent blocks: |
Have your polyurethane silent blocks creaked? |
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Rating of the best manufacturers of silent blocks
Photo | Name | Rating | Price | |||
The best European manufacturers of silent blocks | ||||||
#1 | LEMFORDER | ⭐ 98 / 100 1 - voice | Find out the price | |||
#2 | SIDEM | ⭐ 96 / 100 1 - voice | Find out the price | |||
#3 | TRIALLI | ⭐ 95 / 100 | Find out the price | |||
#4 | OPTIMAL | ⭐ 94 / 100 | Find out the price | |||
#5 | FEBEST | ⭐ 92 / 100 | Find out the price | |||
#6 | FEBI | ⭐ 91 / 100 | Find out the price | |||
The best Asian manufacturers of silent blocks | ||||||
#1 | MASUMA | ⭐ 97 / 100 | Find out the price | |||
#2 | KATSURO | ⭐ 95 / 100 | Find out the price | |||
#3 | CTR | ⭐ 95 / 100 | Find out the price | |||
#4 | STELLOX | ⭐ 93 / 100 | Find out the price | |||
#5 | RBI | ⭐ 92 / 100 | Find out the price | |||
The best domestic manufacturers of silent blocks | ||||||
#1 | BELMAG | ⭐ 96 / 100 | Find out the price | |||
#2 | PRIORITY | ⭐ 93 / 100 | Find out the price | |||
#3 | POLYURETHANE | ⭐ 92 / 100 | Find out the price | |||
#4 | FOUNDATION POINT | ⭐ 91 / 100 | Find out the price |
Which silent blocks do you consider the best?
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The best domestic manufacturers of silent blocks
Let's look at the most common domestic manufacturers.
No. 4. FOUNDATION POINT
FOUNDATION POINT Installation of a domestic silent block is quite simple and quite quick. Afterwards, you can notice significant changes in driving. The steering wheel becomes more sensitive, driving accuracy increases, and driving becomes more pleasant. This company's products last a long time.
At the same time, there is an increasing increase in the number of counterfeits hiding behind the name of this company.
- Quality.
- Reliability.
- Compatible with most cars.
Minuses
- There is a chance to find a fake.
Support point silent block
No. 3. POLYURETHANE
POLYURETHANE has long been known for its large assortment for cars from various countries. In addition, their silent blocks, made of polyurethane, are made on fresh equipment from high quality raw materials, which are delivered from Europe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytabouten-GB
We immediately note the high water resistance of the product and the high strength of the rubber. In addition, the low price and difficulty in finding counterfeit goods deserve attention, because it is not economically profitable to do it.
At the same time, the products are practically impervious to moisture, are 3-4 times stronger than rubber and, accordingly, have a longer service life. However, the downside is that installing such a silent block leads to noise.
- Reliability.
- Price.
- High water resistance.
Minuses
- The installation causes noise in the suspension.
No. 2. PRIORITY
PRIORAT 15 years ago, this manufacturer appeared on the domestic car market, immediately attracting the attention of car enthusiasts with its high-quality products. VAZ, UAZ, GAZ and other cars - all of them are compatible with silent blocks. This is known for its high requirements not only for the quality of the finished product, but also for the supplier of raw materials, as well as for equipment, which must be the most modern. Therefore, the product is reliable and lasts a long time. And the price is quite reasonable.
- Quality.
- Reliability.
- Price.
Minuses
- No significant disadvantages were found.
No. 1. BELMAG
BELMAG is, in principle, the largest domestic one. The product range of this company includes a wide variety of silent blocks that are compatible not only with domestic, but also with foreign cars.
It is interesting that the enterprise has fully ensured production due to a number of decisions - the location of equipment, a scientific center, a large testing laboratory, and good qualified personnel service all this.
Owners of domestic cars value silent blocks from this company for several things - reasonable price, widespread availability of the product, and also for the high durability of the silent block.
- High quality.
- Reasonable price.
- Wide distribution of goods.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytdeven-GB
Minuses