Understanding the role of the engine rocker arm in automobiles
The rocker arm is the part responsible for transmitting the movement of the camshaft towards the intake and exhaust valves of the engine, a process that occurs through the direct contact of these parts with the tappets and according to the movement of the shaft.
While the rocker arms have direct contact with the tappet at one of its ends, the other end of this component is coupled to the intake and exhaust valves. This means that, when triggered by the camshaft cam, the rocker arm lowers one of its sides, allowing the valve to be opened in order to let the mix of air and fuel enter the combustion chamber.
This movement occurs for both intake and exhaust valves. The displacement, in turn, is supported by a spring that forces the valves back to their initial position. The springs must be resistant enough to withstand high engine rotations, considering that the process occurs at extreme speeds and maintaining constant contact with the rocker arms.
Just like most vehicle components, rocker arms are also developed from materials and specifications recommended by worldwide engineering standards, usually with high-quality alloy steels, which help to ensure optimized strength and longer life span to the engine.
We have already seen that the engine rocker arm is a component of the mechanical distribution system on the valve assembly and makes itself present in most internal combustion engines. But did you know that there are currently two different types of rocker arms on the market? In addition to the flat traditional ones, the roller rocker arms are also conquering consumers’ preference.
The new roller technology applied to some engines ensures synchronous transmission between camshaft, hydraulic tappets and valves using the rolling effect (rollers) between the rocker arms and the cam. The result is the loss of friction and consequent overall efficiency that directly impacts performance.
All that thanks to the application of an advanced technology in the micro fusion process with special alloy and to the rigorously controlled heat treatments that the roller rocker arm receives, resulting in a special tempered and ground steel.
We obviously can’t forget that the lubrication efficiency is one of the most important points to ensure the good performance and durability of the rocker arm components. For this reason, it is also recommended to always check for any obstruction in the lubrication hole located on this part!
