The most overlooked upgrade on your machine: Bushings
Whether you're racing across Canada's rugged terrain or simply enjoying a leisurely trail ride, your side-by-side's bushings play a crucial role in its performance. But did you know that not all bushings are created equal? Some brands offer superior quality and durability, while others may leave you stranded mid-trail. In this article, we'll delve into the world of bushings, exploring the differences between various brands and why bushings like the ones from Garage Products stand out from the rest.
It's About More Than Price: Bushing Materials
When it comes to upgrading the bushings on your ATV or side-by-side, it's not a decision to be taken lightly or driven solely by price. The material of the bushings plays a pivotal role in defining the performance, durability, and overall ride quality of your vehicle. So, let's break down some common bushing materials and why it's essential to focus on quality over cost:
Rubber Bushings
Rubber is a common material used in standard bushings. While it's relatively inexpensive, it might not provide the longevity or performance enhancements you're seeking. Rubber can wear out quickly, especially under harsh riding conditions, and may not provide the precision or control you desire.
Polyurethane Bushings
A step up from rubber, polyurethane bushings offer better durability and responsiveness. They're still an affordable option, but there may be compromises in ride comfort, as polyurethane can be stiffer, leading to a harsher ride experience.
UHMW Bushings
Ultra-High Molecular Weight (UHMW) bushings have made a name for themselves in the off-roading community. This material is a significant advancement over polyurethane and rubber, renowned for its wear resistance and smooth operation. UHMW delivers a balanced riding experience that's more than capable of handling rugged terrains. However, without specialized enhancements, regular UHMW bushings might require more frequent maintenance and may not provide the same extended longevity. They remain a strong choice if you're looking to upgrade from more basic materials and want to achieve a more refined level of performance and durability.
Oil-Injected UHMW Bushings
Now, we're talking about a true game-changer: oil-injected Ultra-High Molecular Weight (UHMW) bushings. This material has been turning heads in the UTV community...and for good reasons. UHMW bushings are known for their incredible wear resistance, smooth performance, and exceptional durability. The oil-injected feature adds a self-lubricating quality that keeps the bushings performing optimally for longer. Compared to other materials, oil-injected UHMW offers a perfect blend of comfort, control, and resilience. While they might come with a higher price tag, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial investment. The decision to choose this cutting-edge material isn't just about spending more; it's about investing wisely in the performance and enjoyment of your vehicle. One of the leaders in this industry is Garage Products. Companies like S3 Powersports have also jumped on the bandwagon with self-lubricating bushings.
OEM vs Aftermarket: Where's the best value?
Bushings are a wear item, end of story. So why spend any more money than necessary on a part that's just going to wear out anyway?
That's where things get a little complicated because spending more can mean less cost over time. Spending more on the bushings you install can mean you're installing them less frequently and in the case of Garage Products, they may be the last bushings you ever install. Garage Products bushings have a lifetime warranty, so while they'll cost you more to put them in your machine, over the life of the machine, you'll be spending a lot less money. This is particularly true if you hire a mechanic to do the work.Essential Tips for Making Bushings Last
Do you know why bushings your bushings wear out? You probably think it's due to water and mud getting into the bushing...and you'd be right about that. When bushings are in the water, suspended particles of dirt get into the bushing and cause them to wear. Traditional bushings rely on grease to help keep water and dirt from getting between the sleeve and the bushing material. Dirt is like sandpaper against the bushing material and the sleeve. When it gets in it never comes out and wears both items out causing wear and eventual failure. In addition, this friction creates heat and the heat also causes the bushing material to fail prematurely. In most cases, regular greasing of your bushings is essential to maintain the life of your bushings. It helps to keep water out and temperatures down. However, some bushings, like Garage Products are different in that they are maintenance free. They're specially designed with o-rings in the bushing that keep water and dirt out, instead of relying on grease to do the job. If you're familiar with o-rings and seals, you'll know that excessive greasing can actually cause the o-ring to fail. As soon as the grease pushes past the o-ring, you've created a place where water can get through. Garage Products specifically recommends never greasing your bushings, and the only time to add any grease is during installation when you add a little grease to fill the grease fitting to keep water from getting in through the grease fitting seal.
Bushing Sleeves: The Forgotten Aspect of a Quality Bushing
Steel
Steel sleeves will rust or just wear from dirt and debris. Even a few thousandths of an inch will allow water to get in and begin to corrode the sleeve. Once corrosion begins, it's almost impossible to stop, and even if you manage to grease the heck out of it to stop the corrosion, the damage is already done and your bushings are a ticking timebomb.Brass
Brass sleeves are another popular material that are highly corrosion resistant. However because they're made from a softer metal, water and dirt cause a high amount of wear very quickly. Once a little wear starts, the problem becomes exponentially worse as more and more water and dirt are allowed to attack the surfaces of the sleeve and the bushing.Nickel-Plated
Nickel-plated sleeves are rarely found in OEM or aftermarket applications due to cost, but Garage Product found that the hardness and corrosion resistance of nickel made it an excellent bushing sleeve. The hardness creates a tight seal against the o-ring they use in their bushings and allows them to last for a very long time. The hardness also means it's abrasion resistant and dirt and mud aren't able to permeate into the bushing past the seal between the sleeve and o-ring.Need More Maintenance Help?
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