1.Overview
1.1 Importance of automobile chassis system
One of the essential components of a car, the chassis system has a direct impact on the vehicle’s comfort, safety, and driving ability. The chassis system, which primarily consists of the steering, braking, suspension, and transmission systems, among other systems, supports the body, modifies road impact, steers the vehicle, brakes, and performs other vital operations. The foundation for a car’s ability to drive smoothly, comfortably, and safely is a sturdy chassis structure.
1.2 The role of rubber parts in the chassis system
Numerous rubber components provide crucial supporting, buffering, sealing, and other roles in the automotive chassis system. These rubber components include sheaths for universal joints, brake hoses, steering knuckle rubber sleeves, shock absorber rubber parts, etc. They may provide good sealing, efficiently absorb road impact and vibration, and shield important machinery from damage and contamination. The durability and dependability of the chassis system are closely correlated with the performance of its rubber components.
2. Classification of main rubber parts of automobile chassis system
2.1 Suspension system rubber parts
Rubber shock absorber parts are essential parts of car shock absorbers and are often used to join the shock absorber’s cylinder and piston rod. These rubber components can prolong the shock absorber’s lifespan, lessen vibration and friction between metal elements, and enhance riding comfort. Rubber components used in shock absorbers must be very resistant to age, oil, and compression-related permanent deformation.
Stabilizer bar rubber bushing
The stabilizing bar Rubber bushings are parts that are mounted to the vehicle’s stabilizer bar, sometimes referred to as the anti-roll bar bushings. The primary purpose of the stabilizer bar is to enhance the vehicle’s control stability and lessen the body’s tilt during turns. In addition to protecting the body and stabilizer bar from deterioration, the rubber bushing connects the stabilizer bar to the body and absorbs and isolates vibrations and impacts brought on by irregular road conditions. Such rubber components must be very elastic, resilient to abrasion, and tear-resistant.
Spring seat rubber pad
The rubber spring seat rubber pad is a part of the suspension system that is mounted in cars to support and stabilize the spring. They link to other sections of the body or suspension and are often found at the top or bottom of the spring. The spring seat rubber pad’s primary purpose is to offer steady support and lessen the spring’s direct contact with other metal components, which lowers noise and vibration and enhances ride comfort. The rubber cushion may help isolate and absorb impacts from uneven road conditions, which will increase the spring’s service life. These rubber components must be durable, elastic, and resistant to compression.
2.2 Steering system rubber parts
Steering knuckle rubber cover
The rubber part that is attached to the steering knuckle—the part that joins the wheels and the steering mechanism—is known as the steering knuckle rubber sleeve. The purpose of the rubber sleeve is to prolong the life of the steering knuckle by protecting it, lowering friction and vibration between it and other parts, and acting as a seal to keep dust, moisture, and other impurities out of the inside of the knuckle. Such rubber components must function well in sealing, grease resistance, and wear.
The rubber component that is put on the steering column is called the steering column boot, or rubber boot. The part that joins the steering wheel and steering mechanism is called the steering column. In addition to protecting the steering column from damage and lowering friction between it and the car body, the rubber sleeve also acts as a sealant to keep impurities out of the steering column’s inside. For the steering system to operate smoothly and remain stable over time, the rubber sleeve on the steering column must have high elasticity, wear resistance, and sealing performance.
Ball cage rubber seal
The rubber component fitted on the steering ball cage is called the ball cage rubber sealing ring, which is often referred to as the ball head dust boot or ball cage dust cover. The part that joins the steering arm and steering knuckle is called the steering ball cage. The purpose of the rubber sealing ring for a ball cage is to keep out dust, moisture, and other contaminants while also shielding the ball cage’s joints and bearings from deterioration. Such rubber components must be resistant to chemicals, wear, and high sealing performance.
2.3 Brake system rubber parts
brake hose
Brake fluid pressure is transferred by the flexible brake line, which joins the wheel cylinder and brake master cylinder. To guarantee that the brake fluid does not leak during the transfer process and that the braking system reacts swiftly and steadily, rubber hoses must have strong resistance to pressure, temperature, and oil.
Brake caliper rubber dust boot
Brake fluid pressure is transferred by the flexible brake line, which joins the wheel cylinder and brake master cylinder. To guarantee that the brake fluid does not leak during the transfer process and that the braking system reacts swiftly and steadily, rubber hoses must have strong resistance to pressure, temperature, and oil.
Brake shoe accessories
Rubber or plastic components on the brake shoe, such as rubber pads or retaining clips, that serve to secure the brake shoe or offer further protection and shock absorption are referred to as brake shoe accessories.
Universal joint rubber sheath
The part that joins the drive shaft to the wheel and keeps the wheel rotating is the universal joint, on which the rubber boot of the universal joint is fixed. The rubber sheath serves as protection for the universal joint, a barrier against moisture and dust infiltration, and a kind of shock absorber.
Half shaft rubber seal
The transmission part that joins the gearbox to the wheels is called the half shaft, and it is sealed with a rubber sealing ring. Rubber seals shield the axle shaft from wear and corrosion by preventing oil, braking fluid, and other impurities from getting inside.
Differential rubber seal
The differential, which is what enables the wheels to spin at various speeds, particularly while cornering, is fitted with differential rubber seals. To ensure the differential operates normally and prolong its service life, the rubber sealing ring is utilized to stop grease leaks and keep impurities out of the differential.
2.4 Rubber parts design and material selection
Carrying capacity
Rubber components must be able to support enough weight in order to endure the different stresses that an automobile experiences when driving. When designing, the part’s shape, size, and thickness are taken into account to make sure it can support the anticipated loads. High strength and high elastic modulus rubbers, such as natural rubber (NR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), or chloroprene rubber (CR), are typically utilized when choosing a material.
Wear resistance
Rubber components that come into touch with metal or other hard materials must be well-resistant to wear. By refining the rubber recipe and including wear-resistant additives like carbon black, wear resistance may be increased. When designing, the surface treatment of the components should also be taken into account. For example, applying certain coatings or textures to minimize wear.
Temperature resistance
Rubber components in automobile undercarriages must be able to withstand high temperatures since they may be subjected to them. Selecting heat-resistant rubber materials, such as silicone rubber (VMQ), fluoroelastomer (FKM), or acrylic rubber (AEM), which can continue to function at high temperatures without degrading, is one way to achieve temperature resistance.
Aging resistance
Rubber materials must have strong aging resistance in order for rubber parts to withstand prolonged UV radiation, oxidation, and ozone degradation. Chemical stabilizers including ozone protectants, UV absorbers, and antioxidants can be added to increase aging resistance. However, another crucial way to increase aging resistance is by selecting a rubber base material with strong age resistance, such as ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) or nitrile rubber (NBR).
3. Rubber parts maintenance and care
Periodic inspection
Visual Inspection: Examine rubber components visually on a regular basis for indications of aging, wear, cracking, or damage.
Functional inspection: Verify if rubber components are operating as intended, such as the shock absorber rubber’s ability to absorb shock and the brake hose’s leakiness.
In order to keep the rubber components from loosening, make sure the screws, buckles, and other fasteners holding them in place are sturdy.
Replacement cycle
Manufacturer Recommendations: Pay attention to the replacement intervals that the manufacturer of your vehicle or the manufacturer of the rubber part recommends.
Use conditions: Modify the replacement cycle in accordance with the vehicle’s use circumstances (e.g., frequent high-speed driving, bad road conditions, etc.).
Degree of wear: Rubber components should be changed as soon as there is noticeable wear or a decline in performance.
Storage conditions
Avoid direct sunlight: Since UV rays can hasten the deterioration of rubber, rubber parts should be kept away from direct sunlight.
Appropriate temperature: To prevent severe temperatures from damaging rubber, rubber parts should be stored in a dry, moderately heated atmosphere.
Clean storage: To prevent dust and oil buildup, which might hasten the deterioration of rubber, ensure sure rubber parts are clean before storing them.
Avert contact with corrosive materials: Keep rubber components away from acids, alkalis, oils, and other corrosive compounds.
