Dana to supply rubber hoses for GM's new Hummer H3

Toledo, Ohio- Dana Corp. will supply power-steering hose assemblies, as well as full-perimeter frames and thermal-acoustical protective shields (TAPS) for General Motors' 2005 Hummer H3.

The hoses for the Hummer power steering use a range of elastomers, including chlorosulphonated polyethylene (DuPont Dow's Hypalon CSM)), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) and blends of the two, according to a Dana spokesperson. The model also uses some O-ring seals made from hydrogenated nitrile rubber.

Dana said in a press statement that its “innovative power-steering hose assembly includes the pressure and return lines, along with a single-point connection to the steering gear.” This not only reduces complexity and saves space, it also “decreases the number of potential leak paths by replacing brazed joints with formed tubing,” Dana claims. A second O-ring has been added to an initial O-ring to further improve sealing performance, said Dana.

Compared to traditional systems, the assembly “reduces noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels without adding cost,” Dana said, pointing out that it developed the assembly jointly with GM and Mando, the steering gear supplier to the H3.

"The HUMMER name demands a high level of respect for its rugged performance, and Dana is honoured that our technologies are part of this unique vehicle," commented Michael Burns, Dana's chairman and CEO, in the company statement.

Toledo-based Dana-which claims to be a pioneer in TAPS-also provided a three-layer exhaust manifold TAPS to manage heat and lower engine NVH. This shield's low-mass design consists of top and bottom steel layers, with fully hemmed edges for safe handling. A central insulating and damping layer gives improved NVH, Dana explained.

“The H3 required creative solutions, and Dana delivered,” said Mike Laisure, president of Dana's Automotive Systems Group. "Our depth of experience played an important role developing these technologies."