ContiTech is First Manufacturer to Design Propshaft Boot with Splash Protection

Water and dirt can have a permanent effect on vehicle components. The new propshaft boot with integrated splash protection from ContiTech Vibration Control protects the bearings of the propshaft. The small system can be delivered preassembled, in individual parts and also with clamps. It is secured over the greased propshaft joint on both sides with clamps. "ContiTech is the first automotive supplier to offer a propshaft boot with integrated splash protection," says Kai Peters, head of the Sealing Systems Chassis segment at ContiTech Vibration Control.

Manufacturers from the automotive industry often complain that the bearings of propshafts get dirty quickly from water and road dirt. The boots from ContiTech not only protect from water and dirt, they also have an exceptionally long service life. They are made of two different materials, depending on what is required: boots made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) are characterized by their good abrasion resistance. ContiTech has made components out of TPU for years: "The material has firstclass characteristics and is replacing classic rubber products ever more often," says Kai Peters. On the other hand, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), as a particularly heatresistant and highquality material, is used when ambient conditions are harsh. Propshaft boots, which are mounted close to the catalytic converter, are subjected to high temperatures and are thus made of heatresistant TPEs.

The corresponding splash protection disc can be made of fiberglass reinforced polyamide for preassembly. ContiTech uses the ultrastrong material to make various engine mounts as well as other products. A further advantage of the polyamide is its low weight - a component weighs about 50% less than comparable components made of aluminum. If the components are to be made of the same material, the disc and the boot can then be supplied as one component made of TPE / TPU and PA.