Powerflex silent blocks for the VW T3

One of the main things that needs replacing during a restoration is usually the silent blocks, as they tend to be quite worn. Fortunately, there are Powerflex silent blocks available for the VW T3, so I’ll explain what they are and which ones to fit in our van.

What are silent blocks?

Silent blocks are components used in a vehicle’s chassis to reduce vibrations and noise. It’s important to bear in mind that all the mechanical components are anchored to the chassis using these parts. So the engine, gearbox, stabiliser bars, tie rods, control arms, A-arms, power steering… are all attached to the chassis using silent blocks, which are responsible for providing flexibility and absorbing vibrations and impacts.

Standard silent blocks are usually made of very soft rubber, which means they give way too much; as a result, the suspension geometry is not maintained correctly, causing excessive changes to the vehicle’s camber, toe and caster, and directly contributing to poor handling.

Powerflex silent blocks for the VW T3

Powerflex is a British company specialising in the development and manufacture of high-quality silent blocks for the motoring world; these are used in a wide range of vehicles, including racing cars, road cars and off-road vehicles. The company was founded in 1993 and has since grown to become one of the leading brands in the silent block market.

The main advantage of Powerflex silent blocks is that they are made from polyurethane, a material characterised by the following:

• Absorbs vibrations with minimal elasticity
• It has high resistance to deformation and fatigue, making it very durable.
• They have good resistance to abrasion, which can extend their service life.
• It is unaffected by temperature changes
• It is fully compatible with oil and grease

Furthermore, another advantage of these silent blocks is that they come with a lifetime guarantee on all products in the standard range.

Which Powerflex silent blocks for the VW T3 are essential?

For our VW T3 Syncro models, we’ll be fitting the standard series, which are the purple and yellow ones.

As you can see in the diagram, there are plenty of them. So far, I’ve replaced the power steering mounts (number 3) along with the stabiliser bar mounts (number 2), which are the essential ones.

However, there are others that we do not recommend fitting, as it seems they do not perform well. These are the ones for the gearbox and front differential.

Where can I buy Powerflex silent blocks for the VW T3?

To buy Powerflex silent blocks for the VW T3, I recommend purchasing them through Powerflex Spain or from Areacamper.

I took advantage of Black Friday as Powerflex Spain were offering a discount. If you want them quickly so you can fit them, then Areacamper is the website for you.