1. Rubber: This is the most common material for non-metallic suspension components. Rubber bushings, mounts, and springs are used to isolate vibrations and absorb shock. They offer good damping characteristics, but can be susceptible to wear and tear over time, especially in extreme temperatures.
2. Polyurethane: This material is more durable than rubber and offers better resistance to oils and chemicals. Polyurethane bushings and mounts are often found in performance applications, where they provide improved handling and a firmer ride. However, they can be less forgiving than rubber in terms of absorbing shocks and vibrations.
3. Composite Materials: These materials combine different materials, such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, or Kevlar, to create lightweight and strong suspension components. While less common than rubber and polyurethane, composite materials offer excellent strength-to-weight ratios and can be tailored to specific performance requirements.
It's important to note that these materials are often used in combination with each other. For example, a suspension system might use rubber bushings, polyurethane mounts, and composite control arms. The specific combination of materials will depend on the intended use of the vehicle and the desired performance characteristics.
