A decoupling vibration isolator comprising a driver member, a driven member, a retaining member immovably- attached to the driver member and having a sliding engagement with the driven member to allow predetermined rotational movement of the driven member with respect to the driving member, an energy absorbing member disposed between the driver member and the driven member, the energy absorbing member compressed between the driver member and the driven member in a driving direction, and the driven member temporarily decoupleable from the driver member by decompression of the energy absorbing member whereby substantially no torque is transmitted from the driver member to the driven member for a predetermined angular range.