Aftermarket November 2022

T he move towards lower emissions and better fuel efficiency has meant more strain being put on transmission systems, and this needs to be dealt with. Commenting on Dayco’s range of OE damper pulleys, Dayco National Sales Manager, Steve Carolan said: “Modern powerplants are highly engineered to deliver the optimum combination of power and torque, alongside fuel efficiency and minimal exhaust emissions. This objective often comes at the cost of high levels of engine vibration, which is generally intensified by the significant pressures present in the engine’s combustion chambers, an occurrence especially prevalent with diesel units. This vibration is transmitted through the crankshaft and therefore has a significant impact on the engine’s power transmission systems, and the front-end auxiliary drive (FEAD) in particular. Dayco has subsequently developed a range of damper pulleys to help absorb this vibration. “Generally installed directly to the crankshaft, the damper reduces the circular vibrations that cause the primary problem, decreasing wear on many of the engine’s components. Naturally, the FEAD system is a principal beneficiary, which increases the durability of the entire powerplant, but they also improve comfort for the vehicle’s occupants. Naturally, as with every wearing part, over the course of time and as the vehicle’s mileage increases, 46 AFTERMARKET NOVEMBER 2022 CLUTCH AND TRANSMISSION www.aftermarketonline.net Engines are changing, so the clutch and transmission system is being adapted too. All the latest on technology and methods problems can occur and the damper can lose its efficiency or sometimes even break, increasing the risk of failure in other parts of the engine’s drive systems, which is why workshops should regularly check them for signs of wear, such as abnormal noises and unpleasant vibrations, at 40,000-mile intervals or when replacing the auxiliary belt. “Technicians must be aware however, that to check the damper correctly, it needs to be removed from the engine because the back, as well as the front, needs to be examined to fully assess its condition, particularly the visible rubber elements. In addition, whether it needs to be replaced or not, if its fixing bolts are designed to stretch on initial fitment, these must be changed, as, if reused, they will no longer meet their VM design tolerances.” Helpful Steve continued: “In common with all the products that Dayco manufactures, its damper pulleys are produced in the same facilities, to identical standards, so whether the damper is destined for OE or aftermarket supply, where it has the part number prefix DPV it is of the highest quality, which provides peace-of-mind to both the workshop and its customers. Each Dayco damper that has a VM specified instruction to replace its bolts also comes complete with the correct specification bolts in the kit.” He added: “As a further helpful means of identification, Above: Gearbox from Ivor Searle GOOD VIBRATIONS?