Investigation of mechanical failure of stabilizer rod of used vehicle: A case study of nissan xterra vehicle Kolo J.G.1, Musilim A.A.1, Alli I.A.1, Oddiah A.O2, Kolawole O.V.1 1Mechanical Engineering Department, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos 2Industrial and Maintenance Engineering Department, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos Online published on 7 October, 2019. Abstract Stabilizer rods are part of an automobile suspension system which limits body roll angle. It is usually a U-shaped metal rod connecting opposite wheel together through lever arm and it is clamped to the vehicle chassis with rubber bushes. Its function is to reduce body roll while cornering and when travelling on uneven road which enhances safety and comfort during driving. The aim of this project is to investigate the mechanical failure of stabilizer rod of used vehicles (Toyota, Ford, and Nissan Xterra). Fracture usually occurs as a result of material composition in the rod and the loading condition of the vehicle. However, the goal of this project is to identify the causes of the fracture and proffer solution by using micro-structural technique, mechanical impact testing, and heat treatment processes. The chemical analyses of sample of the stabilizer rods are classified by using optical emission spectrometer, the AISI for Nissan Xterra and Ford are 4140 and 1020 respectively. The impact test recorded as received sample and tempered for ford, Toyota and Xterra model are 37.96J, 24.40J, 33.90J and 82.71J, 28.47J, 24.40J respectively, derived using Charpy impact test. For Ford, it is basically tempered martensite by showing carbide precipitate, Toyota is tempered martensite and Nissan Xterra reveals martensite respectively, an indication that it has been tempered for longer hours. From the chemical analysis, the presence of nickel, manganese and sulphur are the main causes of failure in Nissan Xterra model, coupled with prolong thermal stress. Top Keywords Stabilizer rod, Fracture, Impact testing, Optical Emission Spectrometer, Body roll. Top |