# Poly or Rubber Bushings? (Video)

> Poly or Rubber bushings? Which is best for your car? Mike talks us through the differences and Pros vs Cons of each and shows us samples of common applications.

Source: https://help.flyinmiata.com/en_us/poly-or-rubber-bushings-video-SJw95Hcuxg

Last updated: 2025-08-13T17:46:19.529Z

Poly or Rubber bushings? Which is best for your car? Mike talks us through the differences and Pros vs Cons of each and shows us samples of the most common applications.   
  

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This video is hosted by Mike Usrey of Flyin' Miata[](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWqiYm9aNu8&t=1) and the main topic is the differences, pros, and cons of polyurethane versus rubber bushings and where to use each type \[[00:09](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWqiYm9aNu8&t=9)\].  
  

**Key Differences Between Polyurethane and Rubber Bushings**:

*   **Stiffness & Flexibility**: Polyurethane is generally much stiffer than rubber, which is more flexible \[[01:35](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWqiYm9aNu8&t=95)\]. The video demonstrates this by showing how a rubber exhaust bushing can be easily flexed, bent, and stretched, whereas a polyurethane one is much more resistant to movement \[[02:02](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWqiYm9aNu8&t=122)\].
    
*   **Durability & Longevity**: Polyurethane is more stable and has a longer lifespan \[[02:21](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWqiYm9aNu8&t=141)\]. Rubber deteriorates over time, becoming cracked, weathered, or torn, while polyurethane takes a much longer time to show signs of deterioration \[[02:43](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWqiYm9aNu8&t=163)\].
    
*   **Installation & Maintenance**: Polyurethane bushings that need to rotate, such as control arm bushings, require grease during installation to allow them to pivot smoothly \[[03:21](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWqiYm9aNu8&t=201)\]. This grease can eventually work its way out, requiring re-greasing to prevent squeaking \[[04:32](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWqiYm9aNu8&t=272)\]. Rubber bushings, however, twist and bend on their own without needing lubrication, so they don't have the same squeaking issue \[[04:53](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWqiYm9aNu8&t=293)\].
    
*   **Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH)**: Rubber is better at absorbing NVH, isolating vibrations from the chassis \[[06:40](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWqiYm9aNu8&t=400)\]. Polyurethane, being stiffer, transfers more NVH into the chassis, which can be undesirable for a street car but acceptable for a race car \[[07:04](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWqiYm9aNu8&t=424)\].  
      
    

**Recommendations for Use**:

*   **Street Cars**: The host recommends using rubber bushings for cars that are driven on the street, as they provide better comfort by absorbing vibrations and noise \[[10:02](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWqiYm9aNu8&t=602)\].
    
*   **Race Cars**: Polyurethane bushings are recommended for race cars where increased stiffness and performance are prioritized over comfort and reduced NVH \[[10:14](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWqiYm9aNu8&t=614)\].  
      
    

The video also touches on specific applications for both types of bushings, including [exhaust hangers](https://flyinmiata.com/search?q=exhaust+hanger&options%255Bprefix%255D=last), [control arm bushings](https://flyinmiata.com/search?q=control+arm+bushings&options%255Bprefix%255D=last), [differential bushings](https://flyinmiata.com/search?q=differential+bushings&options%255Bprefix%255D=last), [engine/motor mounts](https://flyinmiata.com/search?q=engine+mount&options%255Bprefix%255D=last), and [shock shaft bushings](https://flyinmiata.com/search?q=shock+shaft+bushing&options%255Bprefix%255D=last) \[[05:54](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWqiYm9aNu8&t=354)\]. The host answers a viewer question, clarifying that Miata transmissions do not use bushings but rather a "power plant frame" that connects the transmission and differential with metal spacers \[[10:42](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWqiYm9aNu8&t=642)\].  
  

You can watch the video here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWqiYm9aNu8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWqiYm9aNu8)