Aftermarket November 2022

C olin Cottrell, Marketing Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts said: “While the fundamental mechanics of steering and suspension have remained consistent for many years, individual parts and components are increasingly developed using lighter materials to improve fuel efficiency, and with much finer tolerances to boost their lifespan. This means that technicians must ensure they have the necessary training and equipment to fit an ever- expanding range of bespoke parts.” Issues with steering and suspension systems will have a knock-on effect. Colin observed: “Technicians must also be aware of the ADAS technologies at risk of being disturbed by adjustments to steering and suspension. Any change to a vehicle’s geometry means full recalibration must be conducted before it leaves the garage, otherwise technicians risk sending cars out onto the road with key safety systems working incorrectly. This is especially the case throughout the winter months. Corrosion in the steering system can lead to hydraulic fluid leaks, which in turn can lead to a reduction or complete loss of assistance for the driver. This presents a safety risk at the best of times, but is especially dangerous in hazardous wintry conditions. Electrically-driven systems, mandatory on new cars for their compatibility with ADAS, can also malfunction due to corrosion-related wear and tear, leading to noise in the cabin and an unpredictable response to turning the steering wheel.” Colin added: “For this reason, we would recommend that 40 AFTERMARKET NOVEMBER 2022 STEERING & SUSPENSION www.aftermarketonline.net Steering and suspension systems are changing, with greater responsiveness and the specific demands of EVs and hybrids driving the change from two ends technicians brush up on their diagnostics and servicing skills. By preventing these issues from arising before they present themselves, garages can help ensure that their customers are as safe as possible on the roads – which is key in building trust and securing repeat custom.” For more information, visit omnipart.eurocarparts.com Inevitable According to Shaftec, no UK motorist should drive into winter without having a full check of their car’s steering and suspension systems carried out, as Marketing Manager Adrian Kitchen observed: “Far too many people leave it until the inevitable onset of the UK winter to book their vehicles in for a check. This is when garages get busy, and with the steering and suspension systems being pivotal to vehicle safety, an unchecked car combined with wet, cold icy weather means the driver could well be chancing his luck.” Adrian said that the following areas will need attention before winter really kicks in: “A common fail on a traditional steering rack is due to original fitment of thermos-plastic boot kits which get brittle over a period then crack and split allowing water and contaminant ingress. This can get worse over the winter months because of rock salt used on roads. Electric steering racks often suffer the same fate and if the boots are not replaced. The rack can seize, or the motor can burn out. In addition, if water gets into the electrics, it can cause corrosion of terminals, or damage circuit boards causing Above: Electric power steering pumps from Shaftec STRAIGHT LINE TO SUCCESS?