Every car owner knows how important it is to change worn parts of your vehicle in time. This procedure is usually performed during maintenance. An inexperienced driver may not pay enough attention to minor details and mechanisms. Because of this, various malfunctions can occur in the machine system.
One of these components is a rubber chipper . Not every car owner knows about the purpose of this part. However, its function is quite significant. This element is able to extend the life of the car, make management comfortable. What is this part, as well as reviews of its choice from professional mechanics, it will be interesting to know for each driver.
general characteristics
The rubber chipper is part of a special protective kit designed for the gland and chrome shock absorber rod. The mechanism works at elevated loads and speeds. Therefore, it is necessary to provide quality protection for this system. Such a part as a chipper contributes to the long life of the shock absorbers. Moreover, the need to repair this car system will come soon. This saves a significant amount of money.
An anther is put on the chipper. This protects the stem surface from stress and mechanical damage. Such a system prevents dirt and water from entering the packing. The bump stop allows you to gently limit the stroke of the rod when the shock absorber is fully compressed. On a body sharp blows from wheels will not be made. Soft running is guaranteed.
There are also rubber chippers designed for trucks, vans. They prevent mechanical stress on the vehicle body, not only when driving, but also when unloading or parking.
There are also chippers that are installed on the hood, trunk or car doors. Their functions are similar. Chippers are designed to protect metal or other surfaces from mechanical damage.
Chipper device
Rubber chippers for cars are installed in a variety of structural elements. The most important are those that are involved in the shock absorber system. This is an integral part of the car system. Her choice depends on the load on the car.
Chippers are designed to absorb the load on metal and other structural elements, and also prevent sand, dirt or water from entering the surface. When a load occurs, the bump material is compressed, due to which the impact force is significantly reduced.
Chippers for a car can be made in the form of a damper, plates, bars, etc. The configuration depends on the system of the machine in which such a structural element is installed. Most often, the material for the manufacture of such parts is soft porous rubber.
In the absence of serious loads, the chipper is at rest. But when the mechanical effect on the metal surface increases, it works. Most of the load affects the chipper.
Why change the chipper?
Rubber chipper for the trunk , bumper, doors needs to be replaced in a timely manner. This is especially noticeable when the damper of the front or rear shock absorber is destroyed . In this case, the part is no longer able to perform its functions. Metal or other surfaces will be subjected to stress, gradually collapsing.
If during the inspection of the car it is noticeable that the chipper is destroyed (even slightly), it should be replaced. If this is an element of the shock absorber, the car as if “crouches” on one wheel. This means that the system is subject to increased loads when driving. The shock absorber is destroyed. If you do not replace the chipper in time, you will soon have to make more expensive repairs.
If the boot that is located on the chipper breaks, oil may leak from the shock absorber. Therefore, auto mechanics advise drivers to periodically (at least once a month) inspect the mechanism under the wings of the wheels. When replacing shock absorbers, it is better to change the chipper as well. Even if the material of the part looks holistic and serviceable.
Bumper chippers
On sale today there is a rubber bump stop , trunk for various types of cars. These structural elements have a different configuration. They are selected in accordance with the shape of the surfaces of the machine on which you want to install the protective element.
For a bumper, a chipper can be quite aesthetic. It is installed not only to protect the hood, but also as an element of tuning. Such a detail adorns the car, gives it a stylish appearance.
Trunk chipper
For luggage carriers, a bumper is required primarily for those vehicles that carry goods. Also, such a structural element is able to protect the vehicle during parking, unloading and loading.
Therefore, almost all large-sized cars designed for the transportation of various goods have rubber bumpers.
Side chipper and for doors
Rubber chippers for doors can be made of rubber or belong to the roller type. In cars, both types of limiters are used. Rubber bumpers are a little cheaper.
Mounting the protective elements of this type, the driver prevents mechanical impact on the door and its fittings when the door is slammed. This is especially important for taxi owners. When transferring passengers, they sometimes encounter careless passengers. The bump stop prevents a heavy load when the door is slammed shut.
Lateral protective elements most often have the form of a rectangular bar. This avoids parking troubles. This is especially important for large-sized cars, as well as with insufficient experience in driving the vehicle owner.
Requirements for chippers
Due to certain conditions, the trunk, doors, shock absorbers, buffer need additional protection . Rubber chipper , depending on its location should be characterized by some mandatory qualities.
The density of the material should correspond to the expected level of loads. Too hard material will not be able to fully compress upon impact. The load will be almost completely transmitted to the surface. Too soft chippers under mechanical stress can simply collapse immediately. Therefore, technologists select the optimal indicators of rubber hardness for a particular car system.
Also chippers must be resistant to high temperatures, deformations. They should not lose their qualities even in very hot weather or frost. If the temperature changes abruptly, the material of the protective element must remain as functional. Also, the products presented must be resistant to chemical, mechanical environmental influences.
Material Reviews
When choosing a rubber bumper for the hood , for doors, shock absorbers or other car systems, the driver should consider several options for their implementation. This leaves an imprint on the performance of such devices.
In addition to rubber parts, silicone and polyurethane chippers are also produced today. The stores offer a wide selection of such protective elements. Each material has a number of advantages. Rubber elements are sometimes significantly inferior to them.
If in the area where the car is operated, severe frosts occur in winter , it is better to use silicone chippers. Rubber under such conditions quickly hardens. In this case, the force of impacts during movement increases significantly.
Polyurethane foam varieties, in addition to their excellent anti-vibration qualities, are also resistant to aggressive environments and chemicals. Therefore, rubber chippers gradually fade into the background. Today, more advanced materials are used.
Shock Absorbers
The rubber chipper for a van , truck or passenger car must be used in the shock absorber system. Their shape, size and diameter vary depending on the vehicle model.
The chippers for the front and rear shock absorbers are characterized by almost the same device. The difference is due only to differences in stem diameter. Some brands of cars are characterized by greater power front struts, while others - rear.
In trucks, the rear bump is often distinguished by a large diameter. In cars, more often such indicators are inherent in the front shock absorber. This is due to load balancing. The heavy weight in passenger cars is concentrated in front. Under the hood is the engine and other mechanical elements. Therefore, for such machines it is important to strengthen the front shock absorbers.
Types of bumpers for shock absorbers
The rubber chipper is designed to operate in various conditions. At the same time, the developers of the vehicle take into account the quality of the road, climatic features, the maximum permissible speed and other parameters. In accordance with this, there are 4 main groups of fenders for shock absorbers.
On sale are standard models, as well as for driving on the highway. There are safety features for a comfortable ride or for sports cars that compete. The main differences are the porosity and softness of the material.
Selection recommendations
When choosing a rubber chipper, you must first establish the type of modification of the part that was already in the vehicle. However, in some cases, standard protective elements are not the best option for this car. Therefore, when buying it will be more correct to consult a good auto mechanic.
For sports riding, it is necessary to use materials of increased hardness. Their porosity will be much less than other types of parts. To drive it was really comfortable (with good quality roads), you can give preference to soft chippers. At production, standard varieties of the parts are installed in shock absorbers.
Having considered such a structural element as a rubber chipper , each car owner will be able to choose the best option for himself.