AM MAGAZINE SHELL - Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine

PRODUCTSSolid, flexible bushingsThe use of polyurethane in automotive suspension bushings datesback to the early 1970s when race car enthusiasts looked forimproved handling and suspension performance without having toresort to solid pivot points and connections.Traditionally, polyurethane bushings and mounts were madefrom very hard urethane compounds exceeding 100 on thedurometer scale, where rubber was much softer and measuredless than 58 on the durometer scale.The main reason for the extreme hardness was the use oflow grade polyurethanes.In order to achieve abrasion resistance, tearing andcompression set, the polyurethane needed to be very hard.The second reason for this hardness was how the componentwas designed and manufactured.While high performance polyurethanes were available theywere both very expensive and required complex machinery inorder to process, mix and cast the component.Few customers would pay for the added expense, especiallywhen the automotive performance aftermarket was sellingproducts at a third of the cost.After extensive development and testing of materials that wouldoffer strength and durability, geometry retention and memorywithout the harshness, Whiteline created a progressive, long-chainpolymer compound incorporating polyurethane constituents, whichdeliver the combined physical advantages of a solid bushing, withthe extreme flexibility characteristics of rubber.That range of product is known as Whiteline Plus anddelivers low speed ride quality, high speed chassis control.Whiteline Plus polyurethanes provide the softness needed forlow vibration, noise and harshness characteristics, while displayingextreme abrasion, tear and cut resistance, and near-zerocompression set at lower durometer reading of 70-80. In addition,these performance polyurethanes allowed the polymer chains to bebonded directly to the metal shell, which provided a method offlow control giving the bushing the characteristics of soft ride whileon smooth roads, and when under cornering pressure caused thebushing to become firmer for improved suspension performance.Whiteline has engineered a range of products to cover thecommon passenger, commercial and 4x4 markets and willcontinue to grow the range to service new models and escalatingdemand.The range has long lasting durability and is resistant tochemicals, oils and weathering.It offers enhanced handling, steering response and roadholding stability, increased braking capacities and positive brakepedal ‘feel’.As a result of extensive domestic and export research,Whiteline identified that coloured bushings had a mixedreception, especially in motorsport and restoration markets.As a result, the range is made in a translucent black colour.The Whiteline Plus – Chassis Control (edition 1.1) catalogueis now available from the website www.whitelineplus.com.au ina PDF format.For further information about the Whiteline Plus range,stockists and or general information, call 1300 882 355or email sales@whiteline.com.auAU T O M O T I V E A F T E R M A R K E T M AG A Z I N E AU G U ST 2 0 0 8 31