Practical Automotive Maintenance: Overview
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Overview
02.40
| 00:00 | In this section of the course we'll be discussing parts that fall under the umbrella of bushings and mounts. |
| 00:05 | These terms refer to components made from rubber, polyurethane or solid materials like dalrin or aluminium. |
| 00:11 | Excluding solid offerings, these bushings act as vibration isolators and flexible cushions between two or more parts on a vehicle. |
| 00:20 | These can be stationary parts, like the gearbox and chassis for example, or moving, like a suspension arm and a subframe. |
| 00:27 | Essentially, bushings are used wherever parts need to be mounted or moved relative to each other, but shouldn't be in direct contact. |
| 00:35 | The most common well known bushings are those used in suspension components like control arms and anti-roll bars. |
| 00:42 | We also commonly see bushings being used in critical steering components like our rack, column and in some cases the intermediate shaft as well. |
| 00:50 | Stationary bushings include our engine, transmission and differential mounts. |
| 00:54 | Their primary role is to mount the component to the vehicle with varying degrees of isolation to dampen noise, vibration and harshness depending on the application. |
| 01:04 | This noise, vibration and harshness is usually referred to as its acronym NVH and is something we hear quite often in the automotive world, especially when discussing bushings and their ability to reduce these annoyances. |
| 01:16 | Because most bushings are made from rubber or some form of polyurethane, they do have a finite lifespan. |
| 01:22 | Depending on exactly what product is being used as well as how it is being used. |
| 01:28 | The motorsport environment for example isn't kind to these components and drastically reduced longevity is to be expected. |
| 01:35 | With that in mind, further into the course we'll also be discussing how to inspect the bushings in our car and what to look out for as well as the consequences of not replacing worn components. |
| 01:44 | Failure to replace worn bushings can lead to a lot of noise at best and constantly variable and unreliable vehicle handling behaviour at worst which can have some serious lead on consequences. |
| 01:56 | A side note here, the majority of replacement bushings will come in pairs. |
| 02:00 | Don't be tempted to just swap out only one if the other side appears to be fine. |
| 02:04 | It's best to do them both and then save yourself the headache down the track. |
| 02:08 | Each side has done the same mileage, so the other bushing probably isn't far off needing to be replaced anyway. |
| 02:15 | In summary, bushings are small, but vital components in automotive systems. |
| 02:19 | Providing cushioning, vibration isolation and controlled movement between mechanical parts. |
| 02:24 | Choosing the right material and maintaining bushings in good condition ensures smooth, quiet and safe driving experience. |
| 02:31 | While ignoring worn bushings can lead to discomfort, poor handling and further damage to our vehicle. |
