Case Study: Reducing Noise in Steering Column Splines
When it comes to automotive steering systems, the spline is responsible for accommodating the motion from the steering column as it moves separately from the vehicle’s suspension. In unlubricated systems, the steering shaft slides up and down the spline which causes friction and vibration that presents itself to a driver in the form of a stick/slip noise. This noise can impact how a driver perceives the quality of a vehicle.
A leader in the production of advanced automotive steering, driveline, and automated driving technologies came to Nye in search of a lubricant that would eliminate the stick/ slip issue that they were experiencing within their steering column splines.
Turning Down the Volume
While every application is different, Nye has many proven solutions that we recommend to our automotive customers who experience common issues such stick/slip noises. Damping greases are often recommended to address noise issues as they reduce vibration and impart a smooth quality feel to almost any mechanical and electromechanical device.
Nye has four families of damping grease that are all non-melting, shear-stable, and plastic compatible. Damping greases are often used in automotive and have been formulated to suit a wide range of operating temperatures.
The Nye Solution
After consulting with the customer, Nye recommended that the company apply our damping grease Fluorocarbon Gel 866 to their steering column splines. This PTFE thickened, light viscosity, synthetic hydrocarbon grease is intended for instruments with gears and sliding movements such as those found in a steering column spline.
Fluorocarbon Gel 866 is compatible with plastic components and is also rust-inhibited to protect metal components from oxidation. With an operating temperature of -54 to 125°C, this grease extends the low temperature range requirement of -40°C set by automotive OEMs.
| Product | Chemistry | Temp Range (°C) |
Application Notes |
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The customer was pleased with Fluorocarbon Gel 866 after it performed in the desired temperature range, met their durability requirements, and eliminated the stick/slip noise. The customer decided to use our lubricant in their steering column spline and remains satisfied with its performance.
Ed Dykema – Regional Engineering Manager, Steering Systems
Ed has been with Nye for four years as one of our Regional Engineering Managers working out of our office in Troy, Michigan and specializes in identifying lubrication solutions for automotive steering systems. Additionally, Ed finds solutions for customers in all of our key markets including automotive, aerospace, power and utility, and consumer electronics markets. Prior to Nye, Ed has over 20 years of experience working as a Tier 1 automotive supplier in a variety of roles including Senior Design Engineer, Engineering Manager, and Program Manager. Ed holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lawrence Technological University.
Click here to connect with Ed on LinkedIn.
