Automobile fasteners are an indispensable part of automobile manufacturing and repair. Their main function is to ensure a stable connection between various parts of the automobile. However, during installation and use, fasteners often encounter some failures and problems.
During the installation process,
fastener failures are often related to the installation process and operation. This is because the installation of fasteners involves multiple links, including the control of pre-tightening force, the selection of installation angle and location, and the use of installation tools and methods. Improper operation of every link may cause problems such as loosening, breakage or performance degradation of fasteners after installation. The control of preload force is the most critical step in the installation process. The size of the pre-tightening force directly affects whether the fastener can effectively fix the connected parts and prevent them from loosening due to vibration or impact during vehicle operation. If the pre-tightening force is too small, the fastener will not be able to provide sufficient clamping force, resulting in connection failure; while if the pre-tightening force is too large, the bolt or nut may be overstretched or even broken. Therefore, during the installation process, appropriate tools such as torque wrenches or hydraulic tensioners must be used to accurately control the pretightening force according to the specifications of the fasteners and the mechanical properties of the material. The selection of installation angle and location is also an important factor affecting the quality of fastener installation. Incorrect installation angles may cause uneven stress on the fasteners, resulting in loosening or breakage. Therefore, during the installation process, it should be ensured that the installation angle between the fastener and the connected part meets the design requirements. At the same time, the selection of the installation location also needs to take into account the vibration and stress distribution of the components to avoid excessive stress on the fasteners due to improper installation locations. The use of installation tools and methods will also have an impact on the installation quality of fasteners. Using inappropriate tools or methods may result in fastener damage or improper installation. For example, using a torque wrench that is too large may result in damage to the bolt or nut head, while using a torque wrench that is too small may result in insufficient preload. Therefore, during the installation process, appropriate installation tools should be selected and correct installation steps and methods should be followed.
The angle and position during installation are also important factors affecting the performance of fasteners. If the fasteners are installed at incorrect angles, uneven stress may result, leading to loosening or breakage. At the same time, the selection of the installation location also needs to take into account the vibration and stress distribution of the components to ensure that the fasteners can work effectively for a long time.
You may also encounter problems during installation where the fasteners do not match the mounting holes. This may be due to the diameter, depth, or shape of the mounting holes not meeting requirements, causing the fastener to not install or secure properly. To avoid this situation, the mounting holes need to be carefully inspected before installation to ensure that they meet the requirements of the fasteners.
During use, automobile fasteners will also encounter some failures and problems. First, since the car is subjected to various vibrations and shocks during operation, fasteners may become loose or break due to fatigue. This type of fatigue fracture usually occurs in critical parts of the fastener, such as the threads, head or shank. To avoid this, high-quality fasteners need to be selected and inspected and maintained regularly.
Corrosion is another common failure problem.
Automotive fasteners are often exposed to various harsh environments, such as moisture, high temperature or chemical corrosion. These environmental factors can cause surface rust or corrosion on fasteners, reducing their strength and reliability. To combat corrosion issues, choose fastener materials with corrosion-resistant properties, such as stainless steel or galvanized fasteners. At the same time, regular cleaning and coating of preservatives on fasteners are also necessary maintenance measures.
Automotive fasteners may also encounter failures caused by temperature changes during use. In high-temperature environments, fasteners may loosen due to thermal expansion; while in low-temperature environments, fasteners may produce excessive pre-tightening force due to cold shrinkage. These temperature changes have a certain impact on the performance and life of the fasteners. Therefore, it is necessary to consider its temperature adaptability when selecting fasteners and, if necessary, take appropriate measures to compensate for the impact of temperature changes on fastener performance.
Human factors can also cause automotive fastener failures. For example, failure to follow specifications during installation, use of improper tools or methods, etc. may result in damage to fasteners or poor installation quality. Therefore, strengthening the training and supervision of operators and ensuring the standardization of installation and maintenance processes is the key to reducing fastener failure rates.