What Material Are Vibration Damping Pads Made Of?
4 Answers
Vibration damping pads are made of rubber. Below is relevant information about vibration damping pads: 1. Function: When a car engine operates, vibrations are generated due to the reciprocating motion of pistons, cylinder combustion, and moving parts. If the engine is directly connected to the chassis, the chassis will also vibrate, affecting the car's handling and comfort. Therefore, a vibration damping pad is installed between the car engine and the chassis to minimize the transmission of engine vibrations to the chassis. The working principle involves using the elastic deformation of the damping pad to absorb the vibrations produced by the engine. 2. Characteristics: Rubber vibration damping pads are characterized by both high elasticity and high viscosity. The elasticity of rubber is generated by changes in the coiled molecular conformation, while interactions between rubber molecules hinder the movement of molecular chains, exhibiting viscous damping characteristics. As a result, stress and strain are often in an unbalanced state.
Last time I changed tires, I specifically asked the master mechanic. There are two common types of vibration dampening pads: rubber and polyurethane. Factory cars mostly use rubber material because it's cheap and soft, but it tends to crack and age easily, possibly deforming after 3-5 years. The modification scene now favors polyurethane pads, like the high-density foam used in motorcycle helmet liners. They're stiff but extremely durable, reducing body sway over speed bumps by half. Some high-end cars even have hydraulic oil injected between layers, which basically prevents throttle vibrations from entering the cabin. When replacing them, make sure to check the model number clearly, as using the wrong material can affect chassis geometry.
Over the years of modifications, I've handled hundreds of types of damping pads. Brake caliper mounting pads commonly use phenolic resin, which doesn't deform even when baked at 300°C. Chassis ball joint bushings prefer natural rubber mixed with carbon black for tear resistance and noise reduction. Exhaust pipe hangers now mostly use metal-clad graphite gaskets for rust prevention and heat insulation. The most amazing are engine mounts, which require hydraulic oil cavities embedded in rubber—BMW's fluid formula can last eight years without hardening. When selecting, don't just look at thickness; rubber with a rubber content below 60% will crumble within two years.
There are three common types in auto repair shops: Nitrile rubber gaskets resist oil stains and are used for lower control arms; Polyurethane aftermarket parts are extremely hard, providing good cornering support but hurting your back; Hydraulic bushings are double-layered metal shells filled with glycerin, exclusive to luxury cars. Last time I saw a Camry owner cheap out with recycled rubber gaskets, which completely cracked within six months. It's recommended to replace parts with the same material as the original factory specs - mixing materials can easily cause uneven tire wear.
