Polyurethane Bushes vs Rubber on Land Rover Defenders

Should You Upgrade to Polyurethane Suspension Bushes on Your Land Rover Defender?

Upgrading your Land Rover Defender's suspension bushes to polyurethane is a popular modification among enthusiasts. It’s praised for improving handling and durability, but not without trade offs, including a firmer ride and increased cabin noise. In this post, we'll break down the pros and cons of polyurethane bushes, compare them to traditional rubber, and share what to consider before making the switch.

Selection of polyurethane Land Rover bushes

Pros of Polyurethane Bushes

Sharper Handling

Polyurethane bushes significantly reduce flex under load, delivering tighter steering response and improved cornering. Your Defender will feel more controlled, especially at higher speeds or under heavy braking.

Extended Lifespan

Unlike rubber, polyurethane resists oil, road grime, and UV exposure. These bushes can last 2–3 times longer than OEM rubber, making them a solid long-term investment.

Custom Compliance Options

Some high-end kits offer variable hardness ratings, letting you choose softer bushes for daily driving or firmer ones for off-road and heavy-duty use.

Cons of Polyurethane Bushes

Harsher Ride

The increased stiffness comes at a cost, less cushioning. You’ll feel more road imperfections, particularly on uneven terrain, potholes, or rough country roads.

Increased Noise & Vibration

Polyurethane transmits more drivetrain and suspension feedback into the chassis. Expect more clunks, squeaks, and vibration, especially if not greased correctly.

Higher Upfront Cost

A quality polyurethane kit can cost 2–3 times more than a standard rubber setup. Installation might require professional tools or workshop time if you’re not doing it yourself.

Polyurethane vs Rubber Bushes: At a Glance

Feature	Rubber Bushes	Polyurethane Bushes
Lifespan	Moderate (2–5 years)	High (5–10 years+)
Ride Comfort	Smooth, quiet	Firmer, noisier
Handling Precision	Some flex under load	Tight and responsive
Maintenance	Low (no greasing needed)	Requires periodic greasing
Cost	£80–£600 (OEM/genuine)	£150–£320 (quality kits)

Installation & Maintenance Tips

Installing new suspension bushes isn’t always plug and play,especially with polyurethane. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Press tools required – You’ll likely need a hydraulic press to remove old bushes and fit the new ones cleanly.

• Clean and inspect control arms – Make sure all mounting points are free of rust or deformation.

• Use proper grease – Polyurethane bushes require special silicone or synthetic grease to prevent squeaking.

• Torque to spec – Always follow Land Rover torque settings for bush mounts to avoid premature failure.

• Regular checks – Inspect and re-grease every 10,000 miles or during major services.

Not confident with suspension work? Trust a Defender specialist who understands the vehicle’s unique geometry and torque settings.

Conclusion: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Switching to polyurethane suspension bushes can transform your Defender’s driving feel, offering sharper feedback, improved durability, and a more connected road feel. However, this comes with reduced ride comfort and higher maintenance requirements.

• If you’re a weekend greenlaner, overlander, or performance enthusiast, polyurethane is likely worth the upgrade.

• If you drive mostly urban or rural roads and value ride softness and silence, rubber may still be the better choice.

At Landroid, we’ve fitted both types depending on build goals, and know that the right bush setup depends entirely on how and where you use your Defender.