Field Performance of Major Automotive Components Made of Nylon

Nylon automotive parts, representing all major areas of the car, were evaluated for field performance after a service life ranging from 2 to 10 years in regular production vehicles. Parts covering nine applications were checked for appearance, relative viscosity, tensile strength and elongation. Results indicate that all parts retained good resin quality, even after years of exposure to the harsh under-hood environment of high heat and thrown gravel and the corrosive action of automotive fluids, gasoline vapor and road salt. Although a dimensional check was conducted on only four of the nine applications, the readings indicate good tolerance retention.