History of SuperFlex

The story of SuperFlex polyurethane bushes embraces virtually the complete history of the automotive polyurethane bush. It was way back in the 1970s, in Australia, when motor enthusiast Graham Scudamore Smith, who was then involved in car racing and rallying, first considered the possibilities of applying polymer technology to standard road vehicles. He was acutely aware that rubber bushes were (and today still are) the weak link in suspension and steering geometry, having remained virtually unchanged since the early days of motoring. And injection-moulded bushes used in competition vehicles were much too hard, even for performance road use. So, in league with chemists, mechanical and production engineers, and his own knowledge of suspensions, he set about providing some more resilient alternatives.

Those first polyurethane bushes produced by Smith and his team were developed primarily for the motoring enthusiast. Cost was relatively unimportant. Quality and performance were all-important.

Their first suspension bushes were manufactured and marketed  in the early 80s. An enthusiastic market was established at home and overseas, and the company quickly became a leading specialist in steering and suspension components.

In 1993 came the European launch, masterminded by Chris Witor under the SuperFlex banner.

Today, firmly established in range and quality of product as the world leader, Smith remains at the helm. He is now backed by a much enlarged and dedicated team, and with a priceless bank of experience and resources behind them, they remain at the cutting edge of innovation.

SuperFlex are regularly introducing new PU product into the European Classic & Performance car market and the range is set to expand still further into the new millenium.

SuperFlex polyurethane suspension bushes owe their resiliency and their distinctive glossy finish to the 'poured and oven-cured' moulding technique used in their manufacture (as distinct from injection moulding, which produces a hard, lacklustre product of limited resilience).

The outstanding benefits of SuperFlex are in the handling, control, road holding, safety, extended tyre life, and the suppression of NVH (Noise, vibration & harshness). The improvement in the 'feel' is immediate. And since SuperFlex polyurethane bushes last up to 6 times longer than conventional rubber bushes and some other polyurethane products, they are also a shrewd investment.

Colours: Red for the modern performance market.
Dark blue/purple (almost black) for Classics.
Black for Prestige Classics.

With the firmness/resiliency equation thoroughly resolved, SuperFlex alone manufacture from a range of four firmness grades: 70, 80, 90, & 95 Shore-A, carefully tailored to suit nearly 2500 thoroughly-proven applications. SuperFlex has also perfected the bonding of steel and polyurethane to the point where the bond normally outlasts the life of the bush.

Some applications impose abnormal stresses and these call for special innovative solutions to accommodate the unique characteristics of polyurethane. Bullet Grooves, Knurling, Chamfering and Fluting are some of the unique design features we employ to meet special needs.

The real world is our test bed. Punishing roads. The heat, the dust, and the wide open spaces in harsh environments on the one hand. Racing circuits, speedways, rally trials and drag strips on the other. Our bank of technological know-how and resources coupled with this critical customer feedback is unique.

SuperFlex polyurethane suspension bushes are easy to fit, tough, and durable, with an exceptional ability to withstand friction. And they carry a full 3-year road warranty.

Attempts at copying SuperFlex polyurethane bushes have created confusion and potential risk to the unwary enthusiast. Copies may appear similar in shape, but matching critical formulations responsible for the many inherent characteristics essential for durability, improved location and low NVH is where they can often fail - sadly, at the expense of the motoring enthusiast.

A high price is no guarantee of quality either, because some imitative products use inflated price tags to imply quality. Installing bushes of inferior quality can be very costly. The brand name alone is your absolute guarantee. So never be tempted to compromise. Insist upon the name you can trust completely.