How to get rid of the trunk damper squeak - tips and tricks
Content
As a car driver, you develop a particularly sensitive ear for all the sounds your car makes. After all, each new squeak, rattle, creak or knock can be the first sign of a major breakdown. However, often very small causes create annoying noise. In this context, the trunk damper turns out to be a real nuisance. However, this defect is treated easily and inexpensively.
Oddly enough, this phenomenon occurs regardless of the price class of the car. Even £70 coupe may start to creak after a few months.
Trunk damper function
Trunk damper presents a gas shock absorber . It is used to support the lifting of a heavy tailgate or trunk lid.
It consists of the following components:
- ball bearings
- locking brackets
- gas bottle
– pistons
Ball joints are mounted on the cover and body . Their round shape allows the damper to rotate. To prevent the damper from popping out of the joints, it is held in place by clips . Gas bottle « preloaded » gas. This means that it is under high pressure even when the piston is fully extended. Therefore, in no case should you drill the trunk damper.
This is especially true for shock absorbers on wheels.. Otherwise, there is a risk of injury, especially to the eyes. The piston further compresses the preloaded gas as it is drawn in. At the same time, however, the trunk lid acts as a lever. condition cover lever force more than tension force in the gas damper . The two forces are exactly matched to each other. The damper performs only a supporting function . Under no circumstances should it open the trunk automatically.
This ensures that the lid stays closed. if the lock fails while driving. Only when opening does the ratio of forces between the action of the lid lever and the tension force in the gas bottle change. Approximately from the middle of the opening angle, the ratio is reversed, and the two trunk shock absorbers push the lid all the way up.
Trunk damper defects
The trunk damper holds the pressurized gas with o-rings . These seals are made from rubber , which over time may become brittle and crack . Then the damper loses its effect.
You can quickly notice this: opening the trunk becomes much more difficult, and the lid closes much tighter. Moreover , you hear a strong suction noise when you open it - or no noise at all. Then time to change the damper. The unpleasant squeak and creak does not come from a faulty damper, but from ball bearings.
Cause of shock absorber squeak
Shock absorber squeak when the grease in the ball joints loses its ability to slide . Ball joints not protected . Dust can freely penetrate inside and be captured by the lubricant. If the amount of dust gets too high, the lubricant becomes crumbly and can no longer perform its lubricating task. Metal then rubs against metal, resulting in an unpleasant noise.
Lubricate before replacement
If the damper's lifting function is intact, replacement is not necessary. In this case, a very simple, minor maintenance is sufficient, that return the car noise comfort.
You will need the following tools:
- silicone spray and silicone grease
- the cloth
- cotton swab
- slotted screwdriver
- bar
To relubricate the ball joints, the shock absorbers must be removed. First repair on one side, then on the other.
| 1. First open the trunk and secure it with a stick from falling. 2. After that once one damper is removed, the remaining damper will not be able to hold the lid open. This makes working at this point very inconvenient. . 3. Using a bar or shortened broom handle in the trunk is a great way to support the lid without fear of damaging the sheet metal or paintwork. 4. Using a slotted screwdriver, lift the clips and slide them out. The clips do not need to be completely removed. This only makes them harder to install. 5. Now the damper can easily pull out .from the side. 6. Now Spray the ball joints with silicone spray and wipe them thoroughly with a cloth. 7. Then Rinse the ball mounts on the damper and clean them with a cotton swab. 8. At last , generously fill the mounts with silicone grease and install the damper in place. 9. Then it's the turn of the second shutter. With both shock absorbers installed, spray silicone spray on the piston rod. 10. Now open and close the trunk several times until the noise disappears. |
If the damper was faulty , just replace it with a new part. Now all you have to do is wipe off any excess grease from the mounts and you're done.
extra work
If you already have silicone spray and lubricant at hand, you can process a few more places in the trunk.
The trunk latch is located on the lid and also tends to get dirty . Just rinse it with a spray and wipe again with a cloth.
Then re-lube it and distribute the lubricant by closing and opening the lid several times . Rubber trunk seals should be treated with silicone spray no later than after replacing winter tires. This prevents them from freezing in frosty conditions. .
Otherwise, opening the lid too quickly may cause the rubber to tear or the trunk handle to be damaged. Both are unnecessary and costly repairs that can be prevented with with a few sprays of silicone spray.
Finally, you can do a little trunk check:
– Check the completeness of the on-board tools
- Check the expiration date of the first aid kit
– Check the condition of the warning triangle and vest
With these small checks, you can avoid unnecessary hassle and fines in the event of a police check. These items also apply to general inspection. This way you can save yourself a lot of unnecessary extra work.
