Bushing Grease

Nolathane bushing grease is formulated specifically for polyurethane suspension bushes, keeping them quiet, smooth and protected for the long term. It?s the same grease supplied with Nolathane bush kits, and it?s available in single-use sachets for re-greasing, servicing or completing an installation.

Choosing the right bushing grease, and applying it to the right surfaces, is the difference between a polyurethane bush that runs silently for years and one that squeaks within weeks.

Why Polyurethane Bushes Need Bushing Grease

Nolathane polyurethane bushes are mechanically fitted with minimal crush of the urethane. Rather than twisting internally like a bonded rubber bush, the component pivots freely on a lubricated centre pin or sleeve. That free pivoting gives sharper handling response and greater suspension control, because the bush holds its shape while still allowing smooth movement.

Because the bush rotates against its sleeve and mounting faces, those contact surfaces need a lasting film of lubricant. Without it, the polyurethane can grip and release the metal, causing creaks and squeaks and wearing the bush surfaces over time.

Rubber vs Polyurethane Bush Lubrication

Rubber bushes are usually bonded to their sleeves and flex internally, so they generally don?t need ongoing lubrication. When fitting them, use only a lubricant that?s compatible with rubber, as some products cause rubber to swell or deteriorate.

Polyurethane bushes pivot on their sleeves and need grease on every moving surface at installation. A dedicated bushing grease stays in place under load and won?t break down or wash out as quickly as general-purpose products.

Nolathane Bushing Grease Formulation

Nolathane bushing grease is formulated from a reinforced No. 2 lithium complex base, with selected additives including molybdenum disulphide:

• Lithium complex base: gives mechanical stability, so the grease stays where it?s applied inside the bush
• Molybdenum disulphide (moly): provides extreme-pressure protection on heavily loaded contact surfaces, extending service life
• High drop point: keeps the grease stable at the temperatures suspension components reach in hard use, including near exhausts and brakes

This formulation gives polyurethane bushes long-lasting lubrication and consistent, quiet performance.

Comparing Common Lubricants

• Lithium complex grease with moly: a stable, high-load grease that suits polyurethane suspension bushes. This is the base of Nolathane bushing grease.
• Silicone grease: compatible with many rubber and polyurethane components. It?s sometimes used as an installation aid.
• General-purpose chassis grease: suitability varies between products. Always check compatibility with polyurethane before use.
• Spray lubricants: too thin to stay in a loaded bush. They may quieten a squeak briefly, but the noise soon returns.

For polyurethane suspension bushes, a grease formulated for that purpose gives the most reliable results.

Lubricants to Avoid on Bushes

• Petroleum-based oils and jelly, such as engine oil, mineral oil and petroleum jelly. These can cause swelling or deterioration of rubber and soften some bush materials.
• Solvent-based products, such as kerosene, petrol and degreasers. They can damage bushes and strip away existing grease.
• Chlorinated cleaners and penetrants. They can degrade bush materials over time.

When cleaning sleeves and housings before fitting, wipe off any solvent residue completely before applying bushing grease.

Where to Apply Bushing Grease

Control Arm and Sway Bar Bushes

Apply bushing grease to the bore of the bush, the outside of the inner sleeve, and both flange faces where they meet the mounting brackets. For sway bar mount bushes, grease the inside of the bush where it wraps around the bar, working it into any grooves in the bore.

Leaf Spring Eyes, Shackles and Hangers

Leaf spring bushes carry heavy loads and pivot constantly as the spring flexes. Grease the bore of each bush half, the sleeve or spring pin, and the flange faces that sit against the shackle plates and hanger. Shackle bushes need the same treatment, as they swing with every movement of the spring.

Greasable Pins

Some leaf spring setups use greasable pins or shackle bolts fitted with grease nipples. These allow fresh grease to be pumped into the joint without dismantling it. On these setups, follow the recommended greasing intervals, especially after water crossings, beach driving or dusty conditions.

How Much Grease to Use

Apply an even, generous film to every surface where the bush moves against metal, and fill any grease grooves moulded into the bush bore. These grooves act as reservoirs that hold lubricant over the long term. Wipe away any excess that squeezes out once the joint is assembled and tightened, so it doesn?t collect dirt.

Who Nolathane Bushing Grease Suits

Nolathane bushing grease suits workshops fitting and servicing polyurethane suspension bushes, and home mechanics completing Nolathane bush kit installations or re-greasing existing bushes. It?s also used by 4WD, ute and fleet owners maintaining leaf spring and control arm bushes in tough conditions, by classic car restorers refreshing suspension with polyurethane bushes, and by anyone fixing squeaking or binding polyurethane bushes.

Shop Bushing Grease

This grease sits in our car accessories range.

Order Nolathane bushing grease online with fast shipping, or pick it up from a Nolathane reseller. It?s backed by Nolathane?s warranty, and our local support team can help with any lubrication or bush fitment questions. Keep your polyurethane bushes quiet and long-lasting with Nolathane.