Detachment of Rubber Pads on Jack Support Blocks
Rubber pads on jack support blocks play a crucial role in cushioning, vibration absorption, and ensuring stable load distribution. Detachment of these pads can compromise safety, reduce load-bearing performance, and damage both the jack and the vehicle or lifted object.
1. Causes of Rubber Pad Detachment
Poor Adhesion During Manufacturing: Inadequate bonding between the rubber pad and the metal base can cause premature separation.
Material Incompatibility: Using rubber not suitable for the bonding adhesive or environmental conditions can lead to detachment.
Mechanical Overload: Exceeding the rated load causes excessive stress at the interface, leading to separation.
Environmental Degradation: Exposure to heat, UV, ozone, or chemicals can weaken the adhesive bond or rubber elasticity.
Improper Installation: Misalignment or insufficient contact during assembly may result in gaps or uneven stress distribution.
2. Effects on Performance
Reduced Stability: Detached rubber pads lead to uneven contact, increasing the risk of slipping during lifting.
Load Concentration: Loss of the cushioning effect can create high stress points on the jack or vehicle, potentially causing damage.
Accelerated Wear: Detached pads may damage other jack components and reduce the overall service life of the device.
3. Preventive Measures
Quality Adhesion: Ensure proper bonding techniques and verify the compatibility of adhesive and rubber materials during manufacturing.
Appropriate Material Selection: Use rubber compounds that maintain elasticity and adhesion under expected loads and environmental conditions.
Follow Load Ratings: Avoid exceeding the jack’s maximum rated capacity.
Proper Installation: Align rubber pads correctly and apply uniform pressure during assembly to ensure full contact.
Environmental Protection: Shield the jack from UV, ozone, heat, and chemical exposure to maintain adhesion integrity.
Routine Inspection: Regularly check for signs of detachment, wear, or degradation and replace pads promptly if needed.
4. Conclusion
Detachment of rubber pads from jack support blocks is typically caused by poor bonding, material incompatibility, overloading, environmental degradation, or improper installation. Ensuring proper material selection, adhesion quality, installation practices, and maintenance routines is critical to maintaining safety, stability, and longevity of the jack system.
References
Gent, A. N. Engineering with Rubber: How to Design Rubber Components. Hanser Publishers, 2012.
ASTM D2000 – Standard Classification System for Rubber Products in Automotive and Industrial Applications.
ISO 7619-1 – Rubber, Vulcanized or Thermoplastic — Determination of Indentation Hardness.
Lake, G. J. “Fatigue and Fracture of Elastomers.” Rubber Chemistry and Technology, 2000.
ISO 2230 – Rubber Products—Guidelines for Storage and Maintenance.
