Actuators are power transmission elements that convert electrical signals into mechanical movement. However, for dependable actuator performance, their small mechanical components need to be properly lubricated. Many applications in the automotive sector today use or electromechanical elements in the brake, steering unit or clutch mechanisms. The operating conditions vary according to the specific application and may involve, for example, very high or low temperatures, speeds or accelerations along with minor actuating movements.
Klüber Lubrication has developed a series of speciality lubricants for the lifetime lubrication of actuators, which perfectly match the service life requirements in the automotive industry.
“Our new special greases for lubrication of actuators offer long-term stability for 15 years without requiring relubrication”, explains Cornelia Recker from the Business Unit Bearing Industry at Klüber Lubrication. “The applications in question mainly include linear drive units, but also rolling bearings in electric motors or electromagnetic valves as well as components of the engine control unit and in comfort systems. As these compnents are not relubricated their reliable funciton is of utmost importance”.
Brake-by-Wire components protection
Klübersynth BR 46-82 has been developed for providing high reliability in a wide operating temperature range, e.g., in electromechanical brakes and parking brakes. This lubricating grease also offers good wear protection for ball screws and other power transmission elements at permanently high temperatures of up to 180°C and at low temperatures down to minus 40°C. The base oil is compatible with the standard brake fluids and EPDM seals. Klübersynth BR 46-82 is a cost-effective alternative to greases based on perfluorinated oils.
Now, about the special lubricating grease for smooth operation in rolling contacts in electromechanical systems. In the automotive sector, components like rolling bearings, ball screws and small gears have to show a low starting torque, even at low temperatures. The use of special seals is making the compatibility of lubricants an ever more pressing issue. The new Klübersynth BR 46-32 has been developed to meet the requirements in terms of long-term lubrication of components having rolling contact. The low-viscous special grease offers a good low-temperature behaviour at minus 45°C as well as a low friction torque and therefore also contributes to increasing energy efficiency. Klübersynth BR 46-32 is compatible with EPDM materials and brake fluids.
Temperature-resistant speciality grease
Clutch and brake actuators are equipped with planetary rolling contact gears or ball screws which generate minor actuating movements along with high acceleration. The new Klübersynth BR 46-32 F was especially developed to meet these particular requirements. The low-viscous base oil ensures very smooth running at low temperatures and its excellent oxidation stability allows safe handling at high temperatures.
The special lubricating grease is used for lifetime lubrication. It contains selected additives and solid lubricants which offer good wear protection under sliding conditions. Klübersynth BR 46-32 F was especially designed for providing good compatibility with EPDM elastomers, as it contains the same base oil type than the other special lubricating greases of the Klübersynth BR 46 series.