SuperPro -
A Technological Innovation

Polyurethane Material

The specially blended Polyurethane used in SuperPro products has specific mechanical properties that make it extremely successful in its applications. The combined properties of extreme resistance to abrasion, low compression set, high tear strength, and a resistance to oils and solvents makes SuperPro ideal for most automotive applications. These properties lead to a resilient product that is highly versatile in its various applications.

Steelwork

The crush tubing is an integral component of the suspension bushing system and is necessary for free pivoting. The crush tubes are made to precision tolerances to ensure precise fits are maintained. All SuperPro tubes are made of Steel and are Zinc plated for corrosion protection and appearance. In some applications SuperPro incorporates end knurls and hardened tubes to provide positive location. Where required, SuperPro products provide precision machined steel shells to allow the installer to quickly and easily replace worn components.

The Double Helix

The double helix design feature has led to marked improvements in SuperPro products. The double helix is used in two applications - firstly on the inside of the bush, and secondly on the outside diameter of the crush tube.

The first design of the double helix is used primarily on shackle bushes to provide a region for grease to travel along. This allows a boundary layer of grease to form between the inside diameter of the bush and the outside diameter of the tube. The double helix is extremely successful in greaseable shackles as the grease can travel from the center of the bush along the helix and out to the grease grooves in the head of the bush.

Knurling

Knurling is used to enable unrestricted pivoting of the polyurethane bush around the crush tube or any other mating steel surfaces. The knurling has inherent design advantages - reducing the surface area of polyurethane in contact with the crush tube, which results in less frictional force being developed. The design of the SuperPro knurl bore combined with the integral grease retention lips, keeps the lubricating grease intact for the life of the bushing, and eliminates the necessity for periodic re-greasing.

Bullet Grooves and Voiding

Bullet grooves are incorporated in the design of SuperPro bushes to allow for variances in control arm or spring eyes. The voiding and bullet grooves also allow for the transgression of displaced polyurethane into the volume of the grooves as the loads of normal vehicle operation are applied. Even though polyurethane is in a solid form when it is manufactured into bushes, its unique properties enable it flow in a manner similar to a liquid when loaded. The action of the bush flowing into its voids prevents the generation of noise, vibration and harshness within the bush and its mount.

Tangential Grease Grooves in Head

The tangential grease grooves in the heads of shackle bushes reduce the friction between the head of the bush and the shackle plates. The grooves store grease, which is smeared around the mating surfaces when the spring shackles rotate, forming a lubrication boundary layer. This has the effect of minimising head friction and reducing noise.

Features & Benefits of SuperPro polyurethane bushings:

• Using SuperPro not only maintains steering geometry but also enhances the handling and ride characteristics of any vehicle.
• SuperPro’s unique polyurethane, which is blended with extra mechanical properties, allows the ‘new car feel’ to remain for the life of the vehicle.
• SuperPro polyurethane bushings remain constant in their durometer or hardness, even under the most adverse conditions such as 4WD or off road racing. Rubber bushings on the other hand increase in durometer when compressed, lowering their ability to function correctly. SuperPro polyurethane bushings do not alter in their hardness once they have been cast. The resilience of SuperPro and its ability to return to its natural shape after compression allows the control of Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) in a vehicle.
• SuperPro products use precision machined aluminium castings which allow for precise fitment. The stringent tolerances used in SuperPro translates to better road holding, increased tyre life, more responsive steering, and longer service life of suspension components.
• Many Front Wheel Drive vehicles do not have provision for wheel alignment correction, and as the vehicle’s suspension softens with age the vehicle begins to wander or steer off in one direction. Fitting replacement SuperPro polyurethane bushings will help reduce the premature aging of a vehicle’s suspension components by removing the excess compliance in the suspension system and reducing the NVH.
• The advantage of using polyurethane over rubber in the creation of suspension components has impressed certain engineers and designers so much so that it has become a preferred material for many new and creative concepts involving suspension technology. Polyurethane is used by Original Equipment Manufacturers to rectify inherent design flaws in many applications, particularly in high performance vehicles, without changing the actual design of the suspension.