Interior Components

On this page we highlight some of what we’ve learned about the lubrication of automotive interiors – knowledge that comes from working with OEMs and world-class Tier One suppliers. Looking for products to prevent automotive squeaks and rattles (plastic on plastic, leather on plastic etc? Take a look at our Squeaks & Rattles page.

Seat Tracks

Lubricating seat tracks is an aesthetic and mechanical challenge. When seats are pushed completely forward or back, a portion of the tracks are exposed, so transparent greases are preferred. Because of the track’s proximity to seat fabric and carpeting, the grease cannot stain or leak oil. Finally, the seat track assembly has to allow for play, but not rattle or vibrate at high speeds. A silica-thickened, transparent synthetic hydrocarbon damping grease is recommended. We suggest: NyoGel 774L

Electric Seat Transmission

With as many as three motors underneath the seat, a transmission should exhibit efficient power-transfer capability yet never leak, drip or stain. A (PTFE-fortified) synthetic hydrocarbon grease is a proven formula for gears inside the seat transmission housing. We suggest: Rheolube 363F

PRNDL

Console-mounted PRNDL assemblies require lubrication chiefly to dampen noise and create a perception of quality not often found in plastic parts. The synthetic lubricant should enable the mechanism to slide smoothly between notches while imparting a quality feel to the thumb-activated release mechanism. It should withstand the cold and offer vibration and noise reduction. We suggest: NyoGel 774VLF or Rheosil 500F

Dashboard Control Mechanisms

Contemporary climate control systems rely upon a series of motorised vents to re-route airflow for operator comfort. A synthetic lubricant for this application should be engineered specifically to work with plastic gears. It should also offer stability at low temperatures. We suggest: Rheolube 362HB

Volume controls, tone controls, and even the thumb wheel used to dim dashboard intensity benefit from synthetic damping grease. They extend life and convey a feel of quality to hand-operated devices. We suggest one of the various viscosities from the NyoGel 774 or Fluorocarbon Gel 868 range. If interested in Damping Grease, take a look at the Damping Grease page.

Sunroofs

Sunroof systems are controlled by a motor and cable. Unlike how windows regulators, these components are often not exposed to the elements. Recommended here (as well as in the “sliding glass doors” of the latest SUVs) is a transparent synthetic grease with low oil separation that resists water, withstands temperatures of -40°C, and offers vibration and noise reduction. We suggest: NyoGel 774L

Door Lock Actuators

Door lock actuators are essentially plastic gearboxes with small motors. They are often expected to survive 50,000 cycles, operate at temperatures as low as -40°C and resist rain, car wash detergents and other environmental stressors. A synthetic hydrocarbon, lithium-soap grease is a coast-effective solution for this application. We suggest: Rheolube 362HT

Key Cylinders

Key cylinders are installed after cars are painted. If there are any defects in the paint job, a Xenon light is used to cure paint touch-ups rapidly. The light also radiates sufficient heat to cause some cylinder greases to leach, discolouring the paint. Perfluoropolyether lubricants can “take the heat,” to prevent these grease-based paint blemishes. We suggest: UniFlor 8512

Window Regulator Assembly

The one or two-track assembly that raises and lowers the window glass must withstand extremes in temperature as well as dust, dirt, water and car wash fluids that infiltrate the door cavity. A high-viscosity, silicone-based, PTFE-thickened grease has proven successful in these assemblies. It resists water-washout, operates at temperatures to -40°C, and easily passes the “Arizona Dust Test.” We suggest: Fluorocarbon Gel 880

Power Folding Mirror, Side Exterior Mirror

Increasingly, side mirrors are electrically controlled. Their small motors and gears must operate flawlessly at temperatures to -40°C, even when exposed to rain, saltwater, and car washes. Compounding the lubrication challenge, the plastic exterior housing acts like an acoustic amplifier that can create an annoying buzzing noise. A light viscosity, synthetic hydrocarbon damping grease withstands the cold, offers vibration and noise reduction, and resists the elements. We suggest: NyoGel 774VLF

Window, Windshield and Sunroof Seals

When a car hits a bump, the high frictional characteristics of rubber window seals – particularly when they come in contact with painted sheet-metal surfaces – can cause a light, squeaky, distracting noise called “itching.” Fluorinated oils, chemically compatible with elastomers, can stop the itching. We suggest: AC602/2 for a water-based solution or the UniFlor 8470 inert oil. For automotive noise issues, please consider taking a look at the Squeaks & Rattles page.

Can’t find a product that meets your criteria or matches your application, please check out the Interior Components Brochure (opens in new tab) or Contact Us for some assistance.