A strut is an integral part of a vehicle's suspension as it supports the vehicle and absorbs shock from bumps, potholes and other disturbances on the road.Minimizing the daily wear and tear on these components ensures they can function when even the worst pothole hits the road.
The survival of these important suspension components depends on the choice of lubricant to ensure trouble-free operation even after the warranty period.Lubrication of the upper insulator and bumperInUsing the correct internal strut/shock oil helps reduce friction, noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in the suspension. Have newhelped severalOEM's met succeslubricanteall three of these strutscomponents andcan suggest the ideal lubricant for your design requirements.
Top insulator
OfThe upper isolator acts as a dampening component at the top of the strut/shock mounting location to prevent nuisance noise and vibration from being transmitted through the vehicle chassis. The addition of a lubricant allows the elastomeric and metal components to slide against each other, preventing "stick/slip" noises.
Selecting a grease with good water washability, compatibility with elastomers, and performance across a wide range of temperatures is critical to avoiding warranty returns. Nye suggests usingFluorocarbon gel 880. This high viscosity thickened PTFE silicone grease exhibits excellent water resistance and mechanical stability over a wide temperature range.
Springbumper
An impact bumper provides the ultimate in shock absorption when the suspension experiences extreme compression due to the vehicle hitting a large bump orperforated hole. The addition of synthetic grease to the bumper prevents the driver from making noise when the strut comes into contact with the bumper.
Fluorocarbon Gel 880 is also recommended for this application due to its water leachability, compatibility with elastomers and wide temperature performance. For a non-silicone-basedpossibility,Rheolube® 393, a high viscosity lithium soap thickened synthetic hydrocarbon grease, is recommended.
Binnenveerpoot/chocolate
A strut or shock absorber uses an internal hydraulic oil to lubricate bearings and seals, while providing damping to compensate for disturbances on the road. When a strut or shock absorber is activated, the exchange of oil through the valves slows the action, providing the necessary damping.
Choosing the right oil reduces friction on internal components and allows the strut to function properly over the wide temperature range required in the automotive industry. Nye Lubricants has developed specialist oils, including Nye Synthetic Oil 148G and Nye Synthetic Oil 185D, specifically designed for these types of applications.
| Product | we have | Temperature Reach | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| FLUOROCARBON GEL 880 | Dimethylsiliconen/PTFE | -40 also 200°C | Top insulator and bounce bumper |
| RHEOLUBE 393 | PAO/Lithium Sæbe | -40 to 125°C | Springbumper |
| SYNTHETIC OIL 148G | PAO/Alkylated naphthalene | -40 to 175°C | Binnenveerpoot/chocolate |
| SYNTHETIC OIL 185D | PAO | -30 to 120°C | Binnenveerpoot/chocolate |
Considering a lubricant in your vehicle design can prevent expensive warranty returns, protect your drivers and improve your company's status as a reliable automotive supplier.
