Questions on Poly Bushings

I bought a set of what I thought were Polyurethane bushings but upon receiving them they don't seem like any poly that I've dealt with before.

I was expecting hard plastic polyurethane and what arrived was softer, flexible almost rubber compound (but it is plastic, 100%)

Is that normal? All of the poly bushings that I've ever ordered in the past have been non-pliable.

I think the brand is Dorman and I've been trying to find the actual product but have been yet unable to...

 

Dorman is typically OEM replacement stuff, not upgraded. You most likely have new rubber bushings, not poly.

 

Polyurethane can come in a variety of hardnesses, tho typically the durometer of the poly bushings is very high which can cause them to squeak if not properly greased. It is possible for low durometer (more rubberlike) poly to be cast.

What is the application? What are the bushings for?

 

Dorman parts are mostly OEM replacement. Most likely they picked a durometer hardness similar to the OEM rubber bushings, but being polyurethane, they are prettier and more durable.

 

I'm thinking that's right, it would probably be better than what's in there by a long shot but I'm looking for poly.

They're the steering rack bushings (or rack and pinion bushings, depending on who you talk to), I'm gonna go through the entire truck and swap out to poly. Most of mine are cracked and not yet failing but I am a tinker-er(?)

On the other hand, if someone wants a brand new never used set of dorman bushings they're yours for $16 in the continental US lol.

 

^Good luck. It may be a Cali truck, but parts still rust and seize after 12 years.