Active Roll Stabilizer Suspension System Relies On MOLYKOTE® Smart Lubrication™ Solution
MOLYKOTE® has been collaborating with its customers, gaining an in-depth understanding of their specific applications and the underlying causes of their lubrication challenges.
To meet the performance requirements set by an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) client manufacturing strain-wave gear technology for luxury-class vehicles, a superior lubricant was needed to surpass the capabilities of existing Polyalphaolefin (PAO)-based grease options. Key factors in selecting the lubricant included noise reduction, effective lubrication under high-pressure sliding friction, optimal performance in low temperatures, suitable grease mobility, and compatibility with gearbox elastomer seals.
Through extensive testing and close cooperation, MOLYKOTE® assisted the manufacturer in enhancing performance for their client. Here are the details of the case study:
Application
A backlash-free, high-reduction strain-wave gearbox for an active stabilizer suspension system used in select models of a luxury-class vehicle brand.
More responsive than typical hydraulically actuated roll stabilizers, this advanced electromechanical design integrates a strain-wave gearbox, specially developed brushless motor, and electronic controller to influence torque coupling and significantly reduce vehicle rolling movements.
Challenge
To meet the performance specifications of an automotive OEM client, the strain-wave gear technology manufacturer needed an effective lubricant that would outperform current PAO-based grease options. Key lubrication criteria included noise-damping capabilities, excellent lubricity under high-pressure sliding friction, reliable performance at low temperatures, suitable grease mobility, and compatibility with gearbox elastomer seals.
Solution
The manufacturer collaborated with MOLYKOTE®’s application engineering specialists to identify an effective lubrication solution for the gearbox. Compared to an initial PAO/ester grease used for gearbox lubrication, MOLYKOTE® G-1074 Grease delivered superior performance.
The performance properties of MOLYKOTE® G-1074 Grease were comparable to those of the initial lubricant option for the gearbox application.
| Property | MOLYKOTE® G-1074 Grease | Option de lubrifiant initial |
|---|---|---|
| Base oil | PAO | PAO / Ester |
| NLGI class | 2 | 1 |
| Viscosity at 40°C | 53 cSt | 25 cSt |
| Viscosity at 100°C | 8,5 cSt | 5,2 cSt |
| Oil separation, 24 hr at 100°C | <5% | <12% |
Potential advantages of MOLYKOTE® G-1074 Grease include:
- Enhanced noise reduction capabilities
- Reduced friction under extreme pressure at high frequencies
- Minimal oil separation
- Improved oxidation stability
- Reliable lubrication over a wide range of service temperatures
- Excellent compatibility with H-NBR sealing elastomers
Based on the gearbox lubrication performance in the vehicle’s active suspension system, the manufacturer expects MOLYKOTE® G-1074 Grease to be qualified for use in other actuator applications, such as robotics, farm machinery, autonomous vehicles, industrial control technologies, and more. Due to the industry’s interest, mechatronic roll stabilizer applications have significant growth potential across multiple vehicle platforms.