Case Study - Reducing Noise with Low Torque Gear Grease

Background

Electrically actuated running boards are a common feature on high-end pickup trucks and full-size SUVs. Environmental corrosion, gear wear, and noise emissions are all factors that engineers must consider during the design stage to ensure that a running board operates smoothly and reliably when a vehicle door is opened or closed. A leader in exterior powered equipment approached Nye to find the right lubricant for their new power running board assembly. During testing, the supplier realized that the assembly emitted an audible whistling noise once actuated. The supplier needed Nye to provide a grease that would protect the gears within the assembly from wear and ensure quiet operation.

Challenges

• Can Nye’s grease meet the suppliers extremely low torque requirements?
• Can Nye provide a grease that will extend gear life within the power board assembly while reducing noise?

Solution

Rheolube® 462CF

A light viscosity, lithium soap thickened synthetic hydrocarbon grease.

• Reduces noise and vibrations
• Prevents wear to extend gear life
• Excellent low temperature torque properties

Results

Nye recommended that the supplier sample Rheolube® 462CF, our next-generation low-temperature gear grease that is fortified with an advanced additive package for wear protection. The supplier conducted their own life cycle testing with the sample of Rheolube® 462CF. After successfully passing cycle testing and significantly reducing noise, the supplier was pleased with the results and decided to integrate Rheolube® 462CF into their power running board design. 

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