In the polyurethane vs rubber motor mounts comparison, polyurethane controls engine movement better and lasts longer, resisting heat, oil and torque reaction that tear rubber apart. Rubber and hydraulic mounts isolate vibration well when new but wear out sooner. Polyurethane suits V8s, diesels, turbo engines, towing vehicles and high-mileage daily drivers that keep breaking rubber mounts. 

If you have replaced a rubber engine mount before, there is a good chance you will be replacing it again. That is why so many owners look at polyurethane when their mounts fail. Each material changes how the engine feels, how much vibration reaches the cabin and how long the repair lasts. Here is a straight comparison, and why our engine mount bushings use polyurethane. 

 
Engine Mount BushingsEngine Mount Bushings

Rubber Engine Mounts: Smooth but Short-Lived 

Rubber motor mounts are fitted to most vehicles from the factory. Soft rubber bonded between steel brackets is very good at absorbing engine vibration, which keeps the cabin smooth at idle. It is also inexpensive to produce, which makes it the default choice for automakers. 

The weakness is durability under the conditions engine mounts face every day. Heat from the engine bay hardens the rubber, oil and coolant leaks soften and swell it, and torque reaction stretches it every time you accelerate. Eventually the rubber cracks, tears from its bracket or collapses, and the engine starts to move, thump and vibrate. 

Hydraulic Motor Mounts: Refined but Complex 

Hydraulic motor mounts add a fluid-filled chamber to a rubber mount. The fluid damps specific vibration frequencies, giving very smooth idle quality, which is why they are common on many modern cars and SUVs. Some premium vehicles go further with active mounts that change damping electronically. 

The trade-off with hydraulic mounts is complexity and cost. They mounts can leak, and once the fluid escapes they lose their damping and wear quickly. Replacement hydraulic and active mounts are also more expensive than simple designs. 

Polyurethane Motor Mounts: Control and Durability 

Polyurethane is tougher and more resilient than rubber. It resists the heat, oil and stretching that destroy rubber mounts, so it keeps its shape and support far longer. Because it deflects less, it also holds the engine more firmly under torque, which reduces the thump when shifting and the rock when accelerating. 

Our polyurethane formulations are engineered to control engine movement while still isolating the vibration you notice most. On some engines, particularly smaller four-cylinder units, you may feel a little more vibration at idle than with brand-new rubber. On V8s, diesels and turbocharged engines, most drivers notice a more connected, controlled feel with a much longer service life. 

Motor Mount Materials Compared

What matters 

Rubber motor mounts 

Hydraulic motor mounts 

Nolathane polyurethane mounts 

Idle smoothness when new 

High 

Very high 

Good, slightly firmer on some engines 

Control of engine movement 

Moderate, decreases with wear 

Moderate 

High and consistent 

Resistance to heat and oil 

Poor 

Poor 

Excellent 

Common failure mode 

Cracking, tearing, collapse 

Fluid leaks, then wear 

Long service life 

Suited to high torque 

Wears quickly 

Wears quickly 

Built for it 

Warranty 

Varies by supplier 

Varies by supplier 

3 years to limited lifetime, depending on product 

Who Should Choose Polyurethane Motor Mounts? 

  • Diesel trucks: High torque and heavy loads tear rubber mounts, and our diesel insert kits are built for it.
  • V8 and muscle cars: Polyurethane reduces engine rock and the thump when launching or shifting.
  • Turbocharged engines: Sharp torque delivery is held in check more firmly by polyurethane.
  • Engine swaps: LS conversions and other swaps benefit from firm, durable mounts.
  • Repeat failures: If rubber mounts keep failing, polyurethane breaks the cycle. 

Our range includes insert kits that fit the existing mount shell, complete mount sets and LS conversion sets. If you are planning a swap, see our guide to LS swap motor mounts, and for a budget-friendly upgrade read about motor mount inserts. 

FAQs

Looking for more information about polyurethane motor mounts? Below we answer the most commonly asked questions

Are polyurethane motor mounts better than rubber?

For durability and engine control, polyurethane is the better material. It resists heat, oil and torque reaction far better than rubber, so it lasts longer and holds the engine more firmly.

Do polyurethane motor mounts cause more vibration?

On some engines you may feel a little more vibration at idle than with brand-new rubber. Most V8, diesel and turbo owners find the trade worthwhile for the extra control and life.

What are hydraulic motor mounts?

Hydraulic mounts are rubber mounts with a fluid-filled chamber that damps vibration. They are smooth when new but can leak and wear quickly once the fluid escapes.

Are polyurethane motor mounts good for daily drivers?

Yes, particularly for high-mileage vehicles, trucks that tow and engines that keep breaking rubber mounts. They give a long-lasting fix for everyday use.

Are rubber engine mounts worth replacing with rubber again?

You can, but they will wear out the same way again. Polyurethane is the better choice if you want to avoid repeating the repair.

Can I mix polyurethane and rubber motor mounts?

It is possible, but mixing materials can load the mounts unevenly. Matching materials across the engine and transmission mounts gives the most consistent result.

Choose engine mounts that stand up to heat, oil and torque. Find polyurethane engine mount bushings for your engine, from insert kits to complete sets.