Noise reduction and vibration dampening lubricants (grease)

Lubricants that address vehicle noise and vibration issues

Today's cars are designed to provide a smoother ride and a quieter interior than in the past. Because of this, more attention is now being paid to the previously unnoticed problem of faint noise and minor rattles.

Noise, vibration and sound vibration harshness (NVH) as well as buzzing, squeaking and rattling (BSR) may be emitted by many internal and external components. These sources may include rubber-on-coating, metal-on-plastic, and leather-on-leather friction or from the engine.

Norbert® Performance Lubricants are ideal for addressing NVH and BSR because they can be:

Easily applied by spray or brush application
Unaffected by harsh conditions such as rain, snow, ice, salt, dust and dirt
Resistant to fuels, coolants, brake fluids and wash fluids
Have low evaporation or no change in properties throughout the life of the vehicle
Compatible with all other substances and surfaces to which it may come into contact

Meets the expectations of drivers and passengers

Driven by customer demand, automakers have been trying to reduce NVH and BSR for years through a variety of passive design techniques and active technical features.

Noise reduction and vibration dampening performance is a major consideration for new car buyers - especially with the advent of EVs (electric vehicles) - and often affects the buyer's perception of a car's quality and value. Beyond the obvious annoyance, there are many important reasons why car buyers want a quiet, smooth driving vehicle.

Among them are the following:

Low- and mid-frequency noise can contribute significantly to driving fatigue
High frequency noise can limit people's ability to hear conversations in the car
Noise can cause headaches, stress and irritability
Vibration can cause irritation and discomfort

For more information, see the NVH white paper.

Where are Norbert® automotive lubricants used?

Applications for Norbert® PFPE lubricants in automobiles generally fall into two categories:

Under the hood

Under the hood temperatures are increasing as aerodynamics require tighter packaging and larger engines are being replaced by smaller turbocharged and mechanically supercharged engines to improve fuel efficiency. With ambient temperatures under the hood exceeding 120°C (248°F), the number of automotive applications requiring PFPE lubricants is increasing, including

Over speed decouplers for alternator drive wheels
Front end accessory drive unit (FEAD) tensioners and idlers
Throttle body bearings
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valves
Intake manifold seals and actuators
Fan Clutch Bearings
Fuel system emission control valves
Electric cooling system pumps and valves
Ignition system plug caps

Vehicle Interior and Exterior Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)

Norbert® lubricants are a highly effective long-term solution for eliminating hum, squeak and rattle (BSR) inside and outside the vehicle cabin. These PFPE lubricants and greases effectively reduce noise from friction between surfaces, as well as noise from mechanical vibration, without causing any material compatibility issues or producing harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some applications include