NVH Reduction Products


Automakers today are focused on vehicle lightweighting and producing quieter cars. These two objectives, however, are not mutually exclusive and are, in fact, quite complementary. Lightweighting increases fuel efficiency and is an essential requirement for tomorrow’s lighter alternative energy vehicles, while reducing noise and vibration can also contribute to less drag and greater efficiency. Most importantly, from a sales perspective, a superior cabin experience is a major factor in influencing customers’ buying decisions.

In automotive applications, the term noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) refers to the quality of the cabin experience sensed by vehicle occupants. NVH is perceived by vehicle occupants as any unwanted sound, pulsation, or roughness when the vehicle is in motion. Unwanted NVH can be heard or felt by vehicle occupants, resulting in a decreased cabin experience.

NVH in vehicles can arise from many sources. Regular or constant sources of NVH are road and wind noise, as well as that arising from the chassis, engine, powertrain, and suspension system; this type of NVH is perceived constantly while the vehicle is in motion.  On the other hand, periodic or intermittent sources of NVH often arise from sub-systems or components such as pumps, HVAC or fuel system, vehicle wiring, or cabin interior fittings. NVH reduction products are designed to prevent and reduce both types of NVH.

NVH reduction products

At CRG, the NVH reduction products we supply can be categorized into two broad groups:

  • Parts for shock absorption and vibration dampening;

  • Parts for soundproofing and sealing.

NVH reduction products for shock absorption and vibration dampening are designed to absorb shocks and suppress vibrations arising from the vehicle chassis and other major systems. While a strong chassis helps keep a vehicle rigid, the chassis is exposed to shocks that can give rise to vibrations which can be transmitted through the vehicle. Parts can be created from a variety of materials, including elastomers, foams and sponges, laminates and composites, which absorb chassis shocks and dampen the resulting vibrations. NVH parts for shock absorption and dampening have application in the following vehicle areas:

  • Chassis and frame

  • Support structures

  • Suspension system

  • Brake system

  • Transmission and powertrain

  • Fuel system

  • Vehicle HVAC system

NVH reduction products for soundproofing and sealing are designed to block the transmission of sound into the vehicle cabin interior. In some applications, such as seals for windows and doors, these parts and products also provide protection against the entry of moisture, drafts, dust and dirt into the vehicle cabin.

Because noise is a product of vibration, NVH soundproofing and sealing parts are also used to suppress vibration at its source and prevent any noise from being perceived in the vehicle cabin. For example, a leading OEM in the luxury car segment turned to CRG for an NVH part designed to eliminate the cabin noise resulting from the vibration of the windshield washer fluid reservoir bottle within its holder, under the hood. Grommets supplied by CRG are also widely used in many vehicles to anchor vehicle wiring and cabling, suppressing squeaks and rattles.

NVH reduction products from CRG

CRG’s 30-plus years’ experience in supporting OEM vehicle programs, together with our wide material portfolio, allows us to supply NVH reduction products for any vehicle application. Materials we work with include elastomers, foams and sponges, non-wovens, and plastics. Examples of automotive NVH reduction products we have supplied include: fuel tank cushions and isolator pads; door check seals; noise-reducing window and door seals; radiator dampening pads; rear hatch dampening bumpers; grommets to secure wiring and cables; and more.

All aspects of CRG operations conform to the ISO 9001:2015 standard, and we have a proven capability in supplying products which meet ASTM D2000 line call-outs, as well as the material specifications of major OEM’s, including those of General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Nissan, Mazda, BMW, Honda, Toyota, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz. In those cases where a new specification is required, we work with our supply chain partners to develop an appropriate solution that meets or exceeds all requirements.

To find out more about CRG can help meet your vehicle NVH and lightweighting goals, please contact our sales department at crg@canadarubbergroup.com.