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Is WD-40 good for rubber bushings?

Author

Daniel Moore

Published Jan 08, 2026

Can you spray WD-40 on suspension bushings? The answer is NO. One of the main ingredients in WD-40 is petroleum distillates. This is not something that you want to go slathering on your rubber bushings because it will break them down over time.

What is the best lubricant to use on rubber bushings?

For rubber bushings, silicon-based lubricants, white lithium grease, or a specific rubber lubricant are the most effective lubricants available. You should be able to find these various types of lubricants at any motor goods store in your area.

Does WD-40 damage rubber?

WD-40 can be used on just about everything. It is safe for metal, rubber, wood and plastic. WD-40 can be applied to painted metal surfaces without harming the paint. Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic are among the few surfaces on which to avoid using a petroleum-based product like WD-40.

What can I use on squeaky rubber bushings?

A temporary solution is to soak that noisy area with spray-on lithium grease. A helper can bounce the car up and down while you crawl around underneath and track down that squeak. If the sound is from a rubber suspension bushing, silicone spray is better.

How do you lubricate rubber bushings?

Use Dry Teflon lube to lubricate rubber

Find dry Teflon lube in the hardware/tool section at any home center store. Dry Teflon lube goes on wet. But once the solvent evaporates, it leaves behind a dry Teflon powder that lubricates rubber components. Use it on control arm bushings and door weather-stripping.

31 related questions found

What is the best rubber lubricant?

Top 5 Reviews on The Best Lubricant for Rubber Door Seals

  1. AGS Rubber Seal Lubricant. ...
  2. Super Lube Silicone Spray for Rubber. ...
  3. Sonax Lubricant for Rubber. ...
  4. Thetford Rubber Door Seals Automotive. ...
  5. Super Lube Silicone Lube for Rubber Seals.

Can you grease rubber bushings?

Any silicone lube says right on the tube of paste or spray can that it is harmless to rubber and able to withstand significant heat. I recommend silicone paste since it's thicker than spray lube and therefore more likely to stay in place.

Will WD-40 stop squeaky suspension?

What can you spray on squeaky suspension? As mentioned, WD-40 won't be the solution to your problems if you have squeaky suspensions or if there is something wrong with your suspensions. It won't even be the solution to keeping your suspensions at top shape.

Is WD-40 good for rubber seals?

WD-40 Specialist silicone lubricant helps keep rubber components safe. The lubricant can withstand temperature from -35°C to +200°C. The lubricant protects rubber parts from attracting dust and prevents moisture. Give the rubber seals at least an hour to settle properly and then apply the lubricant.

Will WD-40 restore rubber?

WD40 contains a mineral (petroleum) spirit as a carrier solvent. The mineral spirit WILL soften and swell natural rubber. It is ok to use on fuel and oil hoses but NOT coolant hoses and definitely not on door and window rubbers!

Does WD-40 swell rubber?

WD-40 can swell rubber or buna rubber gaskets when the gasket is immersed in the fluid. If the fluid is sprayed on and wiped off, the gasket will not swell. This swelling will not ruin the gasket, however it will swell the rubber.

How do you lubricate rubber?

Some common choices were soap and water, alcohol, gasoline, motor oil, petroleum jelly and silicone spray. While these products do provide lubrication, they also introduce health and safety risks and may damage rubber parts.

What is silicone grease made of?

Silicone grease, sometimes called dielectric grease, is a waterproof grease made by combining a silicone oil with a thickener. Most commonly, the silicone oil is polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and the thickener is amorphous fumed silica.

Can you use WD-40 on bike front suspension?

Yes you can use WD 40 on your chain.... The big problem is getting the WD 40 on the rubber seals in the rear wheel bearings, suspension bearings, and the BB bearings. The WD 40 can really clean up a chain...it is too light to stick around long enough to act as a good lubricant...

Can you lubricate bushings?

Answer: You can lubricate a squeaky bushing, but you need to be careful about the lubricant you use. You also should be forewarned that finding the bushing may be difficult and getting the lubricant worked into the part may be impossible. And if the bushing is worn out, lubricating it will only hide the problem.

What can you use for a squeaky belt?

That's right, ordinary bar soap can usually stop the squealing when rubbed on a fan belt. Just a few rubs on the belt with bar soap can solve the bar squealing problem for quite some time and save money in the process.

How do you fix a squeaky front suspension?

How To Fix a Squeaky Suspension

  1. Locate where the noise is coming from. Each wheel of the vehicle is supported by a suspension system. ...
  2. Jack up your car. ...
  3. Remove the wheel. ...
  4. Locate the bad bushings. ...
  5. Spray the bushings with the lubricant. ...
  6. Reassemble the wheel.

What kind of lubricant is safe for rubber?

As mentioned above, and unlike lithium grease, silicone lubricant is the perfect lubricant for rubber surfaces, but it is also extremely versatile, so it can be used on most other materials, including metal, plastic, wood, and even painted materials.

Is olive oil good for rubber?

If your rubber wellies get chalky after a few wears, rub them with olive oil to erase the white marks. Avoid getting oil on the soles, though; it may cause you to slip next time you put them on.

Is baby oil good for rubber seals?

Baby oil will make them nice when it is freshly applied, then dry them out badly after it dries out. Someone once suggested using it on tires. I tried it. Beautiful when the oil was fresh, but it dried out in like a day, then the rubber started cracking.

How do you lubricate rubber seals?

Lubrication of seals can be achieved by adding a lubricant to the rubber compound before molding, or by treating the seal after molding. Seals that have a lubricant molded into them are considered to be Internally Lubricated. Silicone Oil or Molybdenum Disulfide can be applied to the surface of molded rubber products.

What is the use of WD-40 spray?

WD-40® Multi-Use Product protects metal from rust and corrosion, penetrates stuck parts, displaces moisture and lubricates almost anything. It even removes grease, grime and more from most surfaces.