Also known as an edging or bushing, a rubber grommet refers to a small tube covering a panel hole’s sharp edges. It grips and protects wires, cables, and other components that pass through the hole from snagging on the rough edges.
Most rubber grommets are made of synthetic rubbers, such as neoprene, nitrile rubber, and silicone. They come in different shapes and sizes, ensuring a perfect fit for a variety of parts.
Because they’re highly resistant to temperature, wear, and chemicals, rubber grommets are perfect for automotive use. Here are some examples:
Rubber grommets also protect electrical wiring and fluid hoses from extreme temperatures, moisture, and other contaminants that can cause wear. This helps each part function better as well as extend its lifespan, making rubber grommets a worthy investment.
Other parts that use rubber grommets include firewalls, washer tanks, A-pillars, and fuel pumps.
While automotive grommets are specifically designed to be heat resistant, they aren’t invincible. Extreme heat can gradually cause the synthetic rubber material to degrade or melt, leaving your spark plug wire unprotected. If this happens, you’ll have to remove the damaged grommet before replacing it with a new one. Here are some helpful tips:
You’ll save yourself a lot of time by preparing everything you need beforehand. To remove melted grommets, you’ll likely need a flathead screwdriver and a razor blade. You could also just use your fingers on most bulkhead grommets.
Tinkering under the hood when the engine’s still hot is a recipe for disaster (tinkering under the dash on the bulkhead, not so much). Even if you wear safety gloves, you can still risk burning your skin. Turn your engine off, and wait until it’s cool enough to touch.
In some cases, you might have to cut the rubber in order to dig it out. Carefully cut it with a razor blade until you can fish it out with your pliers or picks.
If you notice any other issues, you might have to replace other parts as well. Ask a mechanic to take a look before removing anything else. For example, you might need a new valve cover gasket if there’s an oil leak.
The exact price will vary depending on several factors, including your vehicle’s year, make, and model. In general, however, rubber grommets are relatively affordable. You can buy high-quality rubber grommets for $10 to $30.
Grommets play a huge role in increasing the lifespan of your vehicle’s auto parts. They prevent parts from snagging on the edges of holes, protecting wires, cables, and other components. Despite this, it can be tricky to find replacement grommet plugs.
Fortunately, finding high-quality yet affordable replacement grommet plugs designed to work with your vehicle is easy with the help of CarParts.com.
The best part? You won’t even have to step outside your door to shop for auto parts. Simply visit our website, search for the part you need, fill out the vehicle selector, and use the search filters. These steps will help you narrow down our extensive catalog and find compatible plugs that match your preferred brand, price, and specs.
We make it a point to source our grommet plugs from some of the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. Because our warehouses are strategically located all over the US, you can expect to receive your order in as fast as two business days.
Don’t hold off on replacing your grommet plugs. Browse our catalog today!
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.