Prothane Red vs Black
Red or Black? Black, or Red?
Prothane makes bushings in both colors. But is there a difference? Is one harder than the other? There are a lot of misconceptions about the color difference in Prothane’s bushings, so let us at DST clear that up for you.
How are these two colors different?
Aside from the actual color, there isn’t really a difference at all between the red and the black. They are the same durometer, or hardness, so they will perform the same and both should last the life of your vehicle. Big thanks to Dean for illustrating the confusion some feel with this question.
What about the graphite rumor?
The black bushings do have a small amount of graphite mixed in with the polyurethane which has the potential to help with squeaking. But really, the best way to prevent Prothane bushings from squeaking is to use the supplied pre-lube and grease them properly at install. So whether you choose the red, or the black, just be sure to grease them properly to avoid any squeaking.
Dalton Rains
March 27, 2015 at 2:07 pmAre prices different depending on color? For an example, since the black is impregnated with graphite does it cost more?
Drew Taylor
March 27, 2015 at 3:52 pmYo Dalton! The prices for various parts don’t vary based on color. There is a very small amount of graphite in the black so it doesn’t effect the price at all. Again be sure to grease the bushing up properly at install, regardless of which color you go with!
Laurence Mason
March 27, 2015 at 2:09 pmWhat is the warranty on these? And is it the same for both colors, or different?
Drew Taylor
March 27, 2015 at 3:50 pmProthane offers a lifetime warranty on all of their products regardless of color. Though you should never need it! But it’s always there just in case.
Pam Mason
March 29, 2015 at 9:34 pmThat was such an intuitive question from Laurence Mason. His parents must be very proud of him. In red OR black.
Edwin Lingle
December 8, 2016 at 10:20 amWhat type of grease do you use. I have grease I use to maintain the tie rods and ball joints. It works great.
Chelsea Baker
December 13, 2016 at 2:56 pmGreat question Edwin! It’s highly recommended to use Prothane’s Super Grease. Prothane’s Super Grease was designed specifically for their bushings to prevent the polyurethane from squeaking. You technically can use any grease you want, but the difference is longevity for both your bushings and your squeak free ride.
What grease do you use for maintaining your tie rods and ball joints?
anthony Cianfarani
January 19, 2018 at 12:44 pmcan we get a set of “black bushings” in red?
Josh Daniels
January 22, 2018 at 11:25 amHey Anthony,
If you’re referring to graphite impregnated red poly bushings then I think you’re out of luck. The purpose of red bushings is so that damage or imperfections are easier to spot since the black color can hide these things. Prothane backs up both red and black bushings with a lifetime warranty so the quality of the part is not affected by the color.
I spoke with a tech over at Prothane and he said since the process of adding graphite changes the color of the bushing (you would have a red bushing with black polka dots) manufacturers only put graphite in their black bushings, if they add any at all. So we’re left with the painful decision between style and substance, but honestly, as long as you use the manufacturer supplied polyurethane bushing grease you shouldn’t need to worry about the extra lubrication that the graphite supplies.
Has anyone come across graphite impregnated poly bushings that aren’t black?
Thanks for the question Anthony.
JimC
October 5, 2021 at 7:53 pmYou’d assume that graphite seems better than no graphite. However, my observation (85 Supra with suspension techniques sway bars) is that the red (which came with the aftermarket bars) have seemed to hold up longer — based on the wear of the nipple portion. It’s the nipple that keeps them positioned within the holes in the bar and the arm. Multiple sets have worn down gradually over 36 years. I snug the end links with the car resting fully on it’s tires since that’s the normal midpoint of wheel up/down travel. The lube I use is the super sticky clear stuff.
Josh Daniels
October 11, 2021 at 3:42 pmHey Jim,
We’ve been told by some manufacturers that the graphite doesn’t have much affect on the bushing over all, but some folks swear by it. The graphite vs non-graphite bushings should be on about the same level as far as durability is concerned (if they are the same part number, same manufacturer, etc.) so your experience is interesting to hear.
LostInTransit
September 18, 2022 at 12:46 pmJust to add, We ordered a Black & Red bushing and left both of them out in the elements, over time (within 2 years) the black bushing started decomp sooner and faster than the red bushing..
Josh Daniels
September 27, 2022 at 8:09 amHey Lost,
Do you have any pictures of those bushings? We would be interested in seeing them because when it comes to poly bushings left out in the sun what we’ve heard most is that the color of the red bushings will fade. As far as polyurethane bushings degrading in the elements, most manufacturers include additives in their poly formula that make them “resistant” to UV light. In the end, how long a bushing will last in sunlight is less important than it’s resistance to heat, motor chemicals, salt, and general wear since these are much more common degraders of bushings than sunlight.