– Suspension bushes are made of vulcanized rubber and come in a variety of forms. They can be interconnected with a hydraulic part or be a simple rubber block. Another characteristic of silentblocs is their hardness. Depending on their use, they can have a higher or lower hardness (measured in Shore Hardness, Sha). For example, in an engine mount, hardness tends to be lower to filter out engine vibrations, while in a suspension arm, hardness needs to be higher to avoid excessive movement of the suspension geometry, leading to premature tire wear and imprecise roadholding.
– Silentblocs may or may not require maintenance. Because they are vulcanized, silentblocs don’t wear much, but in some cases, to avoid excessive friction, a petroleum-based lubricating grease is applied. We recommend avoiding the use of aggressive cleaning products or high-pressure washing on these components, to avoid removing lubricants or damaging the surface of the silentbloc.
– The durability of a silentbloc depends on several factors. Over the years, it will age, dry out and become more rigid and brittle. Those exposed to sunlight can age prematurely, and silentblocs made of metal parts can even lose their vulcanization and separate. In short, it all depends on their use, exposure and composition.
– Reinforced silentblocs or those intended for sports use are generally made of polyurethane of varying hardness, 75, 80 or even 90 Sha for sports use. They are always lubricated with silicone-based lubricants, as the others damage the polyurethane. They last longer than rubber silentblocs and are more suitable for sporty driving, as they are generally harder, giving priority to suspension behavior over comfort.
In conclusion, we can say that the silentbloc is a low-maintenance part, generally lasting over 50,000 km, and that its replacement should not be deferred when necessary, as the safety, comfort and efficiency of the suspension depend on it.
