Make your own autobuffers

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The vehicle's ground clearance increases by 1.5-2 cm;
Reliability of fastening on the suspension spring;
Improves vehicle handling in any road conditions;
Ease of installation and removal;
There are no changes to the car's suspension design;
However, there are certain disadvantages that cannot be ignored:
There are many fakes of original pillows on sale;
Relatively high cost of certain types of products;
Sometimes there may be a deterioration in kinematics;
If the installation of the cushions is not carried out properly, the springs may break;
It is not always possible to achieve the required clearance value.

How to install autobuffers yourself? Any car owner can install the airbags on his own.

DIY autobuffers

produce urethane autobuffers in accordance with international standards, they meet ISO requirements, and have received the appropriate certificates.

many fakes;
relatively high price (for some cars, suspension overhaul may be cheaper!);
the kinematics of the suspension may change for the worse;
due to manipulations with loads on the coils of springs, they are likely to break, especially if the buffers were installed incorrectly (there is a lot of negativity on this issue on car forums);
if the product is used as a spacer to increase ground clearance, the result obtained is not always enough.

What is an alternative? On the market of automobile spare parts and accessories, there are shock-absorbing cushions made of thermoplastic rubber.

Pros and cons of autobuffers, installation features

This way you can bring cheap TPR spacers closer to the original autobuffers with your own hands. Holes can be made with a regular drill and screwdriver.

Your main task is to make the holes as symmetrical as possible, placing them at the same distance from each other and from the edges of the spacer. Will there be any benefit? A significant effect from installing autobuffers can be obtained in 2 cases:

your car has sagging springs. In this case, the spacer between the coils will not allow the spring to compress so much that it will allow you to gain a few centimeters of ground clearance;
you often carry large loads.

The cushions will increase the stiffness of the spring, and when driving over uneven surfaces they will act as an additional damper, preventing hard breakdown of the shock absorbers. If you have tired springs, and you often drive laden, then autobuffers will actually make your ride more comfortable for a while.

Common Mistakes

Despite the fact that installing buffers on a car is easy and quick, it is important to ensure that you do not make the following mistakes:

do not cross the edges of the buffer. The edges of the silicone insert should not be allowed to overlap, end-to-end, or intersect; a gap of several millimeters must be left;
Do not use just one clamp to secure the autobuffer. If one of these sizes is used - A, B, S, K, then manufacturers recommend fixing these parts with two clamps, one on the other.

DIY autobuffers.

Grigory Kubrakov I drive a Matiz, everything was fine except the ground clearance.

I read and watched a lot about “Autobuffers”, but I was too scared to pay such a sum for them.

So I decided to install spacers from the classics made in

Balakovo. Having just modernized it a little, I drilled holes in them with a 12 mm feather drill ala “autobuffer”. The spacers have vertical channels (they are not through, visible from above) I drilled through one, placing the spacer on a horizontal block from the outside to the inside.

When marking the holes, it is necessary to take into account the upper and lower groove for the spring (they are different in depth).

The holes are needed to make the spacer more elastic.

Results

What are autobuffers and what are they for? Installing autobuffers can solve many problems in modern cars. Thus, the increased rigidity of the car makes it possible to move in off-road conditions and reduces the frequency of shock absorber repairs. With installed spring spacers, passengers (as well as the driver) will now be able to feel more comfortable inside the car when traveling. But the disadvantage is the high cost of such elements. Is it worth the expense?

In our opinion, based on the information described above, only drivers who are forced to drive a car in rural areas far from highways (this is where a high load is placed on the shock absorbers) and owners of cars with low ground clearance should purchase car bumpers.

Thus, by increasing the stiffness of the spring, the ground clearance will be increased, which will enable owners of such cars to park near sidewalks without fear of catching the curb. For those who use a car (with decent ground clearance) only within the city and constantly move only on flat terrain, an auto buffer is just a waste of money.

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TTC autobuffers: tougher, but more gentle

Its main task is to ensure comfort and safety of movement, reduce operational loads on the vehicle’s suspension, and extend the service life of springs and shock absorbers.

Prestige class cars are equipped with air suspension, which compensates for impacts from potholes and holes.

What should drivers of middle-class vehicles, of which there are many more, do? Thanks to a Korean inventor, a solution has been found. Today, TTC autobuffers are sold all over the world and are available for 90% of car models. TTC interturn cushions are made of polyurethane with the addition of a special chemical composition. This innovative product is used in the production of sneaker soles from the famous manufacturer Nike. A special chemical formula and unique design give the pillows a memory effect, that is, they are able to regain their shape after physical activity. The price, you see, is considerable, given the realities of the level of solvency;

make an analogue of autobuffers by upgrading cushions made of thermoplastic rubber (Thermo Plastic Rubber). Typically TPR autobuffers are red or black. Unlike the original interturn spacers, manufacturers of thermoplastic rubber auto buffers do not attribute miraculous properties to their products. TPR pillows are used primarily to increase vehicle clearance.

Thermoplastic rubber is a fairly strong and wear-resistant material, but it does not have as much elasticity and elasticity as urethane.

In addition, the well-known TPR autobuffers do not have holes, but are solid rubber products. It is this characteristic that can be corrected by making oval holes in the spacers and thereby giving the pillow greater elasticity.

How to install autobuffers with your own hands?
What tool is needed
How to install autobuffer
Errors when installing autobuffer
Should I increase the ground clearance when using an autobuffer?

Autobuffers are shock-absorbing cushions.
With their help, you can solve the following problems: • car sway (transverse and longitudinal), nods, rolls;

• structural rigidity/softness of the car;

• insufficient car comfort;

• knocking, impacts, damage to the suspension while driving on uneven roads;

• sagging and instability of the car;

What tool is needed

Before installation, jack up the vehicle. Next, unscrew the nuts on the wheel and remove it. Wash the spring with liquid soap.

How to install autobuffer

Installing an autobuffer is quite simple; you can do it yourself. There is no need to remove springs or struts, and no special tools are required.

1. Soap or silicone lubricant will help ease installation if the autobuffer is difficult to fit into the spring.

2. To begin, stretch the spring and use a jack to hang the wheel.

3. Once you have access to the spring, wipe it free of dirt and apply a little silicone.

4. Spread the sides of the autobuffer, insert it between the coils of the spring.
You can lubricate the grooves with liquid soap. Rotate the autobuffer so that the coils of the spring fit into the sides of the shock-absorbing cushion. Make sure that the grooves do not bend under the spring. 5. There is no exact place where the autobuffer is installed. You can place it in any part of the spring (top or bottom). But the most optimal place is the middle of the spring. Remember that the shock-absorbing pad must sit freely in the extended spring. The free play should be at least 2-3 mm. And in a compressed spring, the autobuffer should sit tightly, without free play. If the car is stationary and the cushion can be rotated in the spring, the size is chosen incorrectly.

Detailed description of the car's behavior after installation

Manufacturers and sellers have the goal of selling as many of their products as possible. Therefore, situations where advantages are exaggerated and disadvantages are hushed up are not uncommon. In order to understand the true level of effectiveness, it is necessary to critically examine the stated characteristics.

Protection of shock absorbers from breakdowns and critical loads

First you need to find out what a breakdown is. This is the name given to the shock received by the shock-absorbing element when fully compressed to its extreme position. However, it is worth noting that the shock absorber still does not reach this position. A special damper protects it from this. Consequently, the autobuffer is not the only protection against breakdown, but only duplicates and helps the existing device.

It can really help with such a problem only when it is installed on noticeably sagging springs. The effect is achieved by increasing the interturn distance and increasing the elasticity of the tired element.

Increased ground clearance

Changing the clearance is indeed possible. But for this, the height of the autobuffer must exceed the distance between the turns in working condition (under the weight of the curb weight). Also, with the same load, for a car with autobuffers, the ground clearance will not decrease so significantly. This will be facilitated by the resistance of the elastic material.

However, it is better to monitor the ground clearance level periodically. Especially if the car is used in harsh conditions or frequently transports cargo. You should not rely on the warranty periods indicated in the advertisement. Over time, depending on the severity of operating conditions, autobuffers will still sag.

Handling issues

The improvement in handling is due to increased spring stiffness after installing the airbags. They are positioned to prevent compression, due to which the car rolls less. This is supposedly how stability of behavior and composure in corners are achieved.

If you understand in detail the physical issues of the process, it turns out that springs are not the main factor influencing the car’s handling in a sharp turn. Of course, the spring opposite to the direction of rotation will be compressed. But if we analyze the changes in interturn distances, they will be very insignificant. After all, the leading role in the fight against roll is played by the anti-roll bar. Therefore, only changing the characteristics of the stabilizer will help to significantly reduce roll and improve cornering stability.

A clearly noticeable effect will be present if installed on a car with soft or heavily worn springs. When actively braking, the car tends to “nod its nose”, and when accelerating rapidly, it “sits” on the rear axle. Installing autobuffers can really reduce the amplitude and duration of such swinging, giving stability to behavior on the road.

Increased comfort level

This question is actually quite funny. After all, the main parameter that autobuffers can influence is spring stiffness. And they increase it. Accordingly, it is somewhat strange to argue about a decrease in the level of vibrations.

Comfort level issues are highly subjective. Perhaps there are drivers who will really appreciate the increase in rigidity, due to their preferences. However, the traditional way to increase comfort is to improve the smoothness of the ride. Increasing rigidity does not help this in any way.

What is autobuffer

An autobuffer is a shock-absorbing cushion that is placed on a car spring between the coils. Its main task is to ensure comfort and safety of movement, reduce operational loads on the vehicle’s suspension, and extend the service life of springs and shock absorbers.

Prestige class cars are equipped with air suspension, which compensates for impacts from potholes and holes. What should drivers of middle-class vehicles, of which there are many more, do? Thanks to a Korean inventor, a solution has been found. Today, TTC autobuffers are sold all over the world and are available for 90% of car models.

TTC interturn cushions are made of polyurethane with the addition of a special chemical composition. This innovative product is used in the production of sneaker soles from the famous manufacturer Nike. A special chemical formula and unique design give the pillows a memory effect, that is, they are able to regain their shape after physical activity.

Korean manufacturer TTC produces shock-absorbing inserts for springs of 90% of cars

It is impossible to make an autobuffer yourself, or at least problematic and unsafe. Although many car owners remember the artisanal method that our fathers and grandfathers used - installing a piece of rubber or a tennis ball between the coils of the spring. This solution increased ground clearance, but did not improve comfort in any way. Over time, the rubber became hard or crumbled, and the ball could fly out at any moment. A homemade auto buffer led to uneven load on the suspension. The spring could burst, and the shock absorber struts failed much more often. Therefore, you should not experiment with your car and expose your life to unjustified risk; use patented and proven means.

How can you determine the wear of shock absorbers?

And why do this at all? The bottom line is that if the shock absorbers are bad, there will be no benefit from installing a buffer cushion. But no one wants to waste money

That is why it is important to carefully examine the suspension struts and shock absorbers themselves before purchasing. To do this, it is absolutely not necessary to dismantle them

It is enough to rock the car up and down well, and then observe how well it copes with the vibrations. If the car only needed one or two vibrations to restore a calm position, this means that the struts are intact. In the same case, if the car still continues to oscillate, this indicates a problem. Shock absorbers can be checked by external inspection (checking to see if a leak has formed), as well as directly on the move (the presence of characteristic knocking noises in the wheel indicates that the strut has most likely already broken through). Only after a thorough check can you proceed to selecting a part and deciding which buffers to buy: rubber, urethane, rubber or silicone autobuffers. Reviews recommend taking this issue seriously. This approach will ensure your safety in the future.

What is unique?

Interturn cushions are an affordable tuning of the suspension of a car of any brand. Autobuffers have been tested on more than one thousand cars throughout Russia and the world. They have a number of unique properties:

Polyurethane pillows can withstand a wide temperature range: from +100 to -100 degrees Celsius.
Service life from 5 to 7 years.
Autobuffers perfectly absorb shocks and vibrations, which increases the service life of struts and suspension elements.
Real inserts are poured, not stamped. This solution allows you to increase shock-absorbing properties.

Real results of testing autobuffers

It is important to know:

The effectiveness of innovative polyurethane autobuffers has been proven not only by the words of specialists. To verify qualitative changes and compare the impact of the shock absorber on driving and other performance indicators, experimental tests were carried out. Testing of autobuffers proves a clear positive effect from the use of these parts

Here are the specific results of the tests:

Testing of autobuffers proves a clear positive effect from the use of these parts. Here are the specific results of the tests:

Checking the level of lateral force on the wheels (slalom test) records a decrease in the force on the wheel axle. Measurements are made using high-precision touch sensors.

Control of changes in the angle of inclination (swing) of the body. After installing the auto-buffer, the lateral roll decreases, the vehicle’s stability on turns and bends becomes higher (on average by 0.3 - 0.5°).

Carrying out acceleration and rapid braking tests also confirms the results obtained and shows the best characteristics of the car.

It is important that the tests carried out also confirmed and assessed the technical condition of the components and parts of the machine, interacting during the test drive and fixing various types of load on the chassis and suspension. Levers, blocks, transverse rods, silent blocks, springs, struts

Shock absorbers, springs - all parts operate within the ranges established by the manufacturer and provide generally reliable and uninterrupted operation without any reduction in handling quality or road safety.

Note:

The addition of special additives containing tiny metal particles to the polyurethane composition increased the strength of the cushions and ensured effective unloading of the chassis and transmission elements during its operation.

Advantages of shock-absorbing pillows

According to the Korean manufacturer, the use of autobuffers between the coils of springs provides the following advantages:

by improving stabilization properties and shock absorption, the service life of suspension elements increases by a third;
shock absorber struts are protected from breakdowns and last 50% longer;
clearance increases by 1.5–2 centimeters;
autobuffers are securely mounted on springs, which prevents their loss;
increased vehicle controllability and predictability on any road surface;
easy installation and dismantling;
the installation of airbags does not involve interference with the design of the car, so their operation does not contradict the rules of the road and other legal acts;
produce urethane autobuffers in accordance with international standards, they meet ISO requirements, and have received the appropriate certificates.

Kinds

In order to make the right choice, it is important to research reviews. There are several types of autobuffers based on the diameter of the turns and dimensions

Each of the existing models is marked with a special marking. Usually Latin letters are used for this. The distance from turn to turn can vary between 1.3 and 6.8 centimeters. While the diameter of the spring can be from twelve and a half to eighteen centimeters. Be careful! Before purchasing, it is important to carefully measure all the above indicators if you want, for example, autobuffers for the Kia Rio. Reviews emphasize that there is not a single universal model. Each is designed for use under specific performance conditions. If you still find it difficult to choose car bumpers specifically for your model, reviews of the Kia Rio, for example, from other car enthusiasts will help you not to make a mistake in choosing the right part.

Minuses

many fakes;
relatively high price (for some cars, suspension overhaul may be cheaper!);
the kinematics of the suspension may change for the worse;
due to manipulations with loads on the coils of springs, they are likely to break, especially if the buffers were installed incorrectly (there is a lot of negativity on this issue on car forums);
if the product is used as a spacer to increase ground clearance, the result obtained is not always enough.

Can I install it myself?

As reviews show, quite a lot of autobuffers are installed today. In this regard, some people have a question: can they do it themselves or will they have to seek help from specialists in any case? As it turns out in practice, you don’t need any specialized tools or professional skills. Only the most ordinary jack will be useful. What is the sequence of actions?

Put the car on the handbrake (you will have to completely hang up any of the wheels; sometimes it makes more sense to remove it altogether).
Clean the spring coils.
Place the part in the grooves of the spring (only at the moment when it is fully stretched).
Secure the autobuffer fully using specialized clamps (plastic).

What's the alternative?

On the market of automobile spare parts and accessories, there are shock-absorbing cushions made of thermoplastic rubber. Their main difference is that they are installed under a spring and serve to increase ground clearance. They do not improve comfort and handling.

There are autobuffers from other manufacturers on the shelves of traders, but their production technology in most cases does not meet the standards. They are not an equal alternative to pillows from the Korean company TTC.

DIY installation: step-by-step instructions

The design of the interturn inserts allows you to install them yourself. Moreover, all operations can be performed directly on the street or in the garage. Autobuffers are available in different sizes. If your car is not in the catalog, no problem. It's easy to choose if you take a couple of simple measurements. Before purchasing, you need to determine the distance between the coils and the diameter of the spring. The first measurement is carried out with the car lowered. The spring must be compressed by the weight of the car. Knowing two parameters, we select autobuffers for our car.

Instructions

Prepare a soap solution, a sponge or rags, a jack and a set of autobuffers.

A minimal set of tools and materials allows you to install autobuffers yourself

Before installation, it is necessary to wash the spring coils and moisten them with soapy water. It will facilitate the installation of shock absorbing pads

How to install correctly

The cushions are installed between the middle coils of the spring. To install autobuffers with your own hands you need:

hang the wheel by lifting the car with a jack. Don’t forget about safety - install wheel chocks before jacking up;
clean the intended installation location on the spring from dirt;
moisten the coils with soapy water or silicone grease. Reducing friction will require less effort to turn along the turns;
Having slightly straightened the spacer, place it between the middle turns (or those closest to the middle, if the spring has an unpaired number of turns) turns of the spring. Make sure that the sides of the grooves do not break or become jammed;
Scroll the pillow in a spiral to the required position.

The edges of the spacers should not touch or overlap. It is possible to shorten the autobuffer slightly if its length is too large for the radius of the springs of your car. The pillow between the turns should fit tightly. To avoid lowering down the coils from each edge, the autobuffer can be secured with 2 plastic clamps.

Reviews and opinions

The author of the article did not set the task of advertising shock-absorbing pillows made in Korea, but wanted, first of all, to highlight the topic from different angles. The author's personal opinion is appropriate: the use of autobuffers is advisable in the case when the springs have already sagged a little. Intercoil inserts will help extend the life of the suspension and, as a bonus, quite possibly make the ride a little more comfortable and increase ground clearance. If the springs are in order and the vehicle is operated within the permissible load limits, then there is no need for additional devices.

Fines for crossing the stop line and speeding will no longer bother you!

During a conversation with a mechanic I know, a chassis specialist asked me a question: if autobuffers are so wonderful and help so much, why haven’t the world’s car manufacturers adopted them yet? Think about your answer.

If you have experience using shock-absorbing pillows and have formed a personal opinion, then leave a comment below.

How to choose them?

TTS autobuffers, reviews of which are not at all difficult to find today, are universal, therefore, they can be installed on almost any passenger car with a spring suspension, and it does not matter what it will be - the popular Lada or the rare Jaguar, the common Solaris "or an executive Mercedes." In addition, there is positive experience of installing them on commercial light vehicles, for example, on minibuses such as Ford Transit, Autoline, and Peugeot Boxer - this is possible due to the simplicity of the design and a high margin of safety

In addition, there is positive experience of installing them on commercial light vehicles, for example, on minibuses such as Ford Transit, Autoline, and Peugeot Boxer - this can be done by the simplicity of the design and a high margin of safety.

Of course, auto buffers of the same size (see reviews from car owners about them below) cannot provide such a huge range of applicability; therefore, the manufacturer offers eight models, differing from each other in height (38-106 mm) and diameter (125-180 mm). The weight also differs: the smallest autobuffer weighs about 165 g, while the largest weighs 705 g.

Between the coils of springs, the minimum distance at which installation of autobuffers is possible is 10 mm, while the maximum distance is 67 mm. It is worth noting that over the years of work, a huge catalog of their applicability has been formed, therefore, it will not be difficult to find out what sizes of these devices are needed for a particular car model.

Selection of auto buffer size by car make - online guide

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