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<\/p>\nUnder its Lemf\u00f6rder brand, ZF Aftermarket has introduced a range of switchable engine mounts for selected Audi and Mercedes-Benz models. Using an integrated air spring this innovation in design can actuate two different characteristic curves depending on vehicle and rotational speed; something not possible with conventional engine mount components.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis innovation in design supports ZF Aftermarket\u2019s position of leading the aftermarket into the next generation of mobility,\u201d says Martyn Houghton, ZF Aftermarket\u2019s UK General Sales Manager, Automotive. \u201cMainly used in luxury models the switchable curve of these intelligent components ensures the lowest possible vibration and noise, both when the vehicle is idling and in operation. This offers a solution which meets the highest level of driver comfort at all times.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The program is currently available for Audi and Mercedes-Benz vehicle models and includes: Audi A4, A5, A6, Q5, Q7 and Mercedes C and E Class, GLK, GLC.<\/p>\n
The engine mount is the connecting element between the engine or the transmission, and the vehicle body. A simple screw connection can\u2019t be used in this case as it would transmit vibrations, noises and movement from the drivetrain to the vehicle. This would impede on driver comfort and is the reason why vehicle manufacturers use rubber-metal parts or hydraulically dampened engine mounts. Yet even this approach does not offer ideal vibration damping under all conditions due to the conflicting objectives of its design.<\/p>\n
To counteract this, switchable engine mounts using an integrated air spring were developed so that one component could meet high level comfort demands both when the car is in motion and idling.
\nIf the engine is in idling mode, an air spring in the engine mount is activated via a switch. This air spring absorbs the low-frequency engine movements while the vehicle is at a standstill. During driving operation, the mount switches over to a hydraulic mechanism depending on vehicle speed and rotational speed. Doing so makes the mount considerably harder, simultaneously creating greater freedom of movement for the connected components.<\/p>\n
Engine mounts are prone to wear, but because they are usually hidden by cladding, this isn\u2019t easy to diagnose. These are a few things which could indicate a defect:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Fluid leaks or signs of rubber deterioration
\n\u2022 Stronger vibration transmission to the vehicle body
\n\u2022 Noticeable engine movements (reverberation) when switching off the engine
\n\u2022 Clicking noises during load changes<\/p>\n
ZF recommends that garages should use OE-quality spare parts, which have the exact same characteristics of the OE part originally installed in the vehicle. This is because even if the engine mount model fits into a different engine \u2013 such as petrol instead of diesel – there could be major differences in the engine mount design, for example in terms of rigidity.<\/p>\n
ZF Aftermarket also recommends that all engine mounts always be replaced during repairs, not just the defective part. Otherwise, there is a risk that the new component will have to absorb higher forces and vibrations because the remaining mounts are already heavily worn which may accelerate subsequent damage.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Under its Lemf\u00f6rder brand, ZF Aftermarket has introduced a range of switchable engine mounts for selected Audi and Mercedes-Benz models.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3160,"featured_media":20977,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20976","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-engine-components","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n