A silentblock, also known as a rubber ring or rubber mount, is a rubber or polyurethane component used in automobiles to absorb vibrations, eliminate mechanical noise and prevent contact between metal parts. Here are the most common vehicle applications:
- Engine and gearbox mounts: Large rubber blocks or silentblocks are used to support and dampen the vibrations generated by the engine’s natural operation. When one of these engine mounts is broken or worn, it ceases to absorb engine vibrations, which can then be transmitted to the interior of the vehicle, potentially causing noise, vibration and shock when the car is started.
- Exhaust mounts: These mounts absorb vibrations from the car’s exhaust system. Deterioration of these rubber components can cause noise in the exhaust system, and may even lead to partial or total detachment of the exhaust system, resulting in system failure.
- Suspension arms and bushes: These components function as joints in the vehicle’s suspension systems. As well as contributing to the smooth running of the car’s suspension, they also play a crucial role in maintaining the vehicle’s correct alignment. Damage to one of these rings can cause noise when driving on uneven roads or over bumps. In many vehicles, failure of these rubber components leads to irregular tire wear or premature tire wear, as they are responsible for maintaining the correct alignment dimensions in the vehicle.