How Thick Should Rubber Shock Absorber Pads Be to Be Effective?
3 Answers
Rubber shock absorber pads can function as long as they are dust-free. Here is some information about rubber shock absorber pads: 1. Function: Rubber shock absorber pads have excellent elasticity and shock absorption effects, as well as impact mitigation capabilities. They can be applied to shock absorbers based on size and shape. They are highly adaptable, very sturdy, and do not deform when adhered to the ground, making them popular among many users. 2. Production: Rubber shock absorber pads are manufactured according to user requirements, and the produced pads may vary depending on different customer needs.
I've seen many automotive rubber vibration dampers, and the thickness is definitely not a one-size-fits-all matter. For engine mounts, around 15mm is the most stable—too thin and it can't absorb vibrations, too thick and it makes the car wobble excessively. A 5mm trunk liner is sufficient; any thicker and you lose too much cargo space. The key is the rubber quality—last time I helped a friend replace his with a cheap 20mm one, and it flattened in three months, less durable than the original 10mm part. Installation location also matters—dampers for chassis suspension components should be about one-third thicker than those used in the cabin. Always measure the original part's dimensions before buying.
When I modified the suspension myself, I tried different thicknesses and found that 8 to 25 millimeters actually all have effects. For compact cars, 12 millimeters is the most balanced, making bumpy roads noticeably quieter. Off-road vehicles need more than 20 millimeters, otherwise they still make a loud noise when going over deep pits. However, you need to pay attention to the screw holes. Last time I bought thick pads but the screws weren't long enough, so I had to return them and buy new ones. The rubber material also affects the thickness selection, with 6 millimeters of natural rubber achieving the same effect as 8 millimeters of synthetic rubber. It is recommended to prioritize pads with groove designs, as they buffer 15% more vibration than flat ones.
