Comparative Effect of Black and White Lithium-Based Greases on the Torque Characterization of Tie Rod Lubrication Performance

Abstract

In this study, the comparative effects of black and white lithium-based greases used for lubrication of the tie rod, a critical component of the automotive steering system, on the torque characteristics were investigated on a repeatable experimental infrastructure designed at the AYD Automotive R&D Center. The applied methodology consisted of the controlled application of the two grease types onto the part surface using the in-house developed tie rod grease dosing device, the recording of the initial and post-test torque values via the existing torque measurement station, and the monitoring of long-cycle fatigue behaviour on the vehicle-underbody load simulation line designed at the Test and Analysis Unit. The concrete success criteria of the study were defined as a marked improvement in torque stability and an increase in the tie rod service life. The results obtained have enabled grease selection decisions in automotive suspension systems to be made on a data-driven basis and have established a concrete decision-support infrastructure for industrial quality control processes.