Exterior Components Braving the Elements
Exterior components are often exposed to rain, saltwater, car wash detergents, and other environmental factors. This article will demonstrate how applications, such as side mirrors, window assemblies, and door lock actuators, must withstand the cold and resist all elements. Some components, like sunroof systems and head & taillight connectors, require additional capabilities from a lubricant, such as noise reduction and wear and environmental corrosion protection.
Side Mirrors
Most all new car models include side mirrors that are electrically controlled. Their small motors and gears must operate flawlessly at temperatures as low as -40°C. Exposure to rain, saltwater, snow and car washes is possible. Compounding the lubrication challenge, the plastic exterior housing acts like an acoustic amplifier that can create an annoying buzzing noise. A light viscosity, synthetic hydrocarbon damping grease, like NyoGel® 774VLF or Rheolube® 362HB, will withstand the cold, offer vibration and noise reduction, and resist the elements.
| Product | Chemistry | Temperature Range |
Kinematic Viscosity |
Oil Separation | Evaporation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NYOGEL 774VLF | PAO/Silica | -50 to 120°C | 111 cSt | 2.3% | 0.1 % |
| RHEOLUBE 362HB | PAO/Lithium Soap | -40 to 125°C | 32.6 cSt | 2.2% | 0.1% |
Windshield Assemblies
When a car hits a bump, the high frictional characteristics of rubber window seals - particularly when they come in contact with painted sheet-metal surfaces - can cause a light, squeaky, distracting noise called “itching.” Fluorinated oils, such as Uniflor™ 8170 and 8470, chemically compatible with elastomers, will stop the itching in the wiper motor gears and windshield seals.
| Product | Chemistry | Temperature Range |
Kinematic Viscosity |
Oil Separation | Evaporation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNIFLOR 8170 | PFPE | -45 to 225°C | 800000 cSt | -54°C | 0.04 % |
| UNIFLOR 8470 | PFPE | -50 to 225°C | 139900 cSt | -48°C | 0.06 % |
Door Lock Acuators
Door lock actuators are essentially plastic gearboxes with small motors. They are often expected to survive 50,000 cycles, while operating at temperatures as low as -40°C. The actuator must resist rain, car wash detergents and other environmental stressors. A synthetic hydrocarbon, lithium-soap grease is a cost-effective solution for this application. Some OEMs require door actuators to operate in virtual silence; others want audible feedback when the door is locked or unlocked. Synthetic damping greases, like the 774 series, offer economical sound control.
