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Revision 11/12
2.4
Care and Maintenance
General
The physical properties of most rubber goods will change in adverse conditions or if
improperly handled. Rubber components can become unusable when it becomes too soft
or too hard, gets deformed or cracks, peels or has any other surface damage. The changes
can be caused by the effects of e.g. ozone, heat, light, humidity, solvent or long periods of
tension.
If properly handled and stored, rubber products will retain the effective properties over a
long period of time (several years).
Service life and Inspections
The service life of elastomer components depends on the type and the load.
Rubber undergoes a natural aging process.
With loads that are within the permitted range, a service life of over 6 years can be
expected.
The rubber-metal components are maintenance-free during operation. The round surface
of the oscillation bolt is to be greased if necessary.
A visual inspection of the components should be performed 6 months after installation
and once per year thereafter. Checking the bond between the rubber and metal can be
done using a manual mechanical bond test. This is done by pressing the rubber back with
a blunt "test-iron" (pressure ridge with arc).
If portions of the rubber surface are coming apart in the bonding zone between the
elastomer and the metal or if surface cracks appear in the individual elastomer layers,
observe those areas (in intervals).
Replacement
A replacement is necessary if:
if 70% of the initial rubber thickness is achieved through setting and loading,
if the weather has caused visible cracking over cm
the item is excessively swollen due to undue oil seepage,
the rubber-metal bond is breaking down,
mechanical damage resulting from the sensitivity of the rubber leading to further
damage to the product is present.
Cleaning
Cleaning solutions with a neutral pH value are recommended and covalent cleaning
solvents such as gasoline for example are not to be used under any circumstances.
Components should be rinsed with water after cleaning in certain cases. Otherwise the
rubber-metal bond is to be protected from cleaning solvents using constructive means.
The use of sharp or jagged objects, wire brushes or abrasive paper products is not
permitted. The flat seal may not be subjected to direct streams of water. The round
surface of the oscillation bolt is to be re-greased when necessary.
The overload protection mechanism is to be checked for any contamination.
Document-No.: A5E00295975A
Elastomer bearing
2
rubber surface,
Page 24
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