Steering

Automotive steering component lubrication is a particular strength in our range and we have pedigree in a number of steering lubrication applications such electrical power steering worm gear, steering wheel tilt and telescoping mechanisms, steering linkage and steering column bearings.

Electric Power Steering (EPS). As automotive OEMs and the tier one steering manufacturers work to improve the efficiency of today’s modern vehicle, most are moving away from the old hydraulic steering assist to the more advanced electronic power steering systems. Reducing friction between mating gears and protecting the sensitive components from the elements is a primary concern. Light weight synthetic hydrocarbon greases with advanced additive packages greatly reduce low temperature torque and friction, while also providing wear protection and vibrational damping. Calcium sulfonate thickened greases can be used on bearings, gears, and as environmental seals due to their superior water washout/spray-off characteristics, corrosion protection, and wear mitigating capabilities.

EPS gear – Rheolube 363F

EPS housing – Rheotemp 662

Rack and Pinion mechanisms present many lubrication challenges. The interface of the toothed rack and the pinion gear requires synthetic lubricants with extreme pressure and anti-wear additives to reduce noise and transferred vibration, often referred to as “rack knock.” Where rack and pinion systems are placed relatively close to the exhaust systems, lubricants must also handle temperature of 150°C or higher.

Rack & pinion system – Fluorocarbon Gel 880MS

Steering Column Bearings located at the end of the steering column can make or break the driving experience. If not properly lubricated, they impact steering responsiveness and transfer noise and vibration through the steering column to the operator. Extreme temperatures, moisture, dust, and constant load shifts require a viscous, wide-temperature, rust-inhibited grease to ensure long service intervals.

Steering Column Bearing – Rheolube 361-UV

Steering Wheel Tilt and Telescoping Mechanisms call for damping greases, which are engineered to prevent wear and inhibit unwanted motion and noise. When thickened with PTFE, they provide reliable, smooth, low-friction motion for high-shear mechanisms. Power tilt and telescope systems have small motors with fairly high torque. A damping grease provides lifetime lubrication within the gearbox and reduces the transmission of motor vibration and noise through the steering column.

Telescoping steering column – Rheolube 362HB

Tilt steering column – Fluorocarbon Gel 868MS-X

Intermediate Shafts must absorb vibration and shock, without allowing road noise to reach the vehicle interior. For plastic-to-metal interfaces, a medium-viscosity, synthetic hydrocarbon grease enhanced by PTFE ensures good slip and low “stiction.” For metal-to-metal interfaces, a heavier synthetic hydrocarbon grease is recommended. To lubricate the tight spaces within newer telescoping shafts, use a lighter grease designed for sliding surfaces.

Intermediate shaft spline – Fluorocarbon Gel 866

Take a look the automotive steering related articles below, including theory, videos and product selection help.

Lubrication regime explanation-Types of lubrication

Lubrication regime explanation-Types of lubrication

There are three primary lubrication regimes, which are boundary, mixed, and hydrodynamic lubrication. Lubrication regimes describe the type of lubrication film that is created under specific operating conditions and is dependent on the degree of contact between surfaces. Boundary Lubrication During boundary lubrication, opposing surfaces meet with little or no…

Base oil temperature capability information

Base oil temperature capability information

We have a number of base oils to select from when formulating a grease. Quite often the first way to start the product selection process is ruling out grease that doesn’t have the temperature capability that is required in your application. The chart featured on this page gives the reader…

Lubricant Additive overview

Lubricant Additive overview

There are a variety lubricant additives that we have the ability to include in our grease formulations. Note that we describe our additives, we use terminology relating to the benefit of the additive rather than than giving details of the chemical way in which the benefit is achieved; we don’t…

Pour Point test (ASTM D-97)

Pour Point test (ASTM D-97)

The purpose of the Pour Point test is to help define the lowest operating temperature for an oil. During this relatively simple test, the temperature is slowly reduced and it is noted at what point the fluid becomes too viscous to flow. Some times Pour Point is referred to as…

Grease thickener characteristics

Grease thickener characteristics

The grease range we offer uses a wide variety of thickener systems. The various characteristics of the thickener (also known as gellant – US terminology) gives the ability of our grease formulators to meet the challenges faced by our customers. Formulating a grease generally involves balancing the pros and cons…

Introduction to Silicone

Introduction to Silicone

The Silicone oil family is a group of synthetic polymers that combine an inorganic silicon-oxygen backbone with organic side chains, which can include methyl, phenyl and trifluoropropyl. Variations on the chemical structure affect the properties. Silicones are also called Polysiloxanes. Poly(dimethylsiloxane) are the most common silicone used commercially. PAO summary:…

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