Aftermarket March 2023

MARCH 2023 AFTERMARKET 41 governed by strict tolerances, with facilities operating to ISO 9001 certified standards and in compliance with TÜV regulations. Lightweight, high-carbon steel for a robust, heat resistant and long-lasting service life, combined with stringent and extensive in-house testing, ensures motor factors can be 100% confident in the product they are selling, and technicians can be similarly assured of a simple and quality fit.” Pivotal Pete continued: “Wheel bearings play a pivotal role in mobilising all vehicle types; therefore, technicians require the support of a supplier that offers a wide-ranging portfolio – Comline has a range of 600 that spans across European, Japanese and Korean applications. Depending on the required application, technicians will note Comline wheel bearings that stretch from generation to generation: from the humble, single row ball Gen 0 options, to more complex, dual flange with double row ball Gen 3 variants that are typically found in more contemporary vehicles.” Comline has produced a video detailing what to look out for in terms of failing wheel bearings. To view the video, go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEX-hRv9Bkk To download the supporting literature, visit: https://mcusercontent.com/9ed67411e65881804ec d20848/files/8d4eb30e-2678-d98a-f808- 6b6aad877232/Comline_Diagnostics_Wheel_Bearing s.pdf Tips and tricks Offering tips on working with wheel bearings, starting with adjustment, Mayur Chauhan, Senior Product Manager at FAI Automotive observed: “Incorrectly adjusted bearings will reduce product life expectancy. End play should always be adjusted to manufacturer specifications, as if it’s too loose or too tight, it can cause the bearing to fail prematurely. For vehicles with disc brakes, the bearing adjustment can also affect the brake caliper, which is mounted directly to the steering knuckle. Too much end play can result in piston knock back on the caliper, resulting in too much pedal travel.” On what tools are essential, Mayur continued: “Most bearings have about 0.001” of interference-fit built into an axle shaft or bearing bore, which means that these types of bearings must be pressed or driven into place. To avoid damaging the new bearing, the bearing inner race must be carefully pressed onto a shaft and the outer race pressed into its bore. Hammering a bearing in place can result in the rollers or balls dimpling the bearing races and causing premature failure. Tapered bearing cups or outer races should be driven in place using a special aluminium driver. Special tools are also available for pressing bearings into a steering knuckle. Lastly, always adjust a tapered roller bearing by torquing to 15-20 ft.-lbs. and spinning the hub to centre the rollers in the races. Back this initial adjustment off an 1/8 or 1/4 turn and retorque the bearing to manufacturers’ specifications. Whether installing a ball, roller or sealed bearing assembly, using correct procedures and tools will ensure a comeback-free wheel bearing installation.” Mayur added: “FAI Automotive has over 400 of the most popular wheel bearings and hub bearings in its product portfolio, which covers over 42,000 modern vehicle applications. To help technicians with fitment, relevant parts have fitment accessories included in the box.” Propshaft bearings Moving over to propshaft bearings, First Line Global Marketing Director Jon Roughley observed: “First Line is pointing to the importance of opting for quality when it comes to Propshaft Bearings to avoid wear and tear of the rubber mounting and additional strain on the propshaft. As many technicians will know, a worn bearing can lead to vibration, damage to other components within the drivetrain, and can potentially cause premature failure to the propshaft. Drive Couplings absorb vibration from the propshaft, which not only reduces noise, vibration and harshness in the passenger compartment, but also protects the other driveline components. Propshaft Centre Bearings support the Propshaft, ensuring correct alignment within the drivetrain is maintained. It is therefore important to opt for quality, to ensure durability and consistent performance.” Jon continued: “First Line, via its Borg & Beck brand, has recently updated its comprehensive drivetrain offering, which now consists of over 50 Propshaft Couplings and Centre Support Bearings references, all of which are available from stock today. These additions follow the launch of Borg & Beck’s extensive range of premium-quality Constant Velocity (CV) Joints and Driveshafts, complementing its broad range of CV Boot Kits, as the company continues to meet aftermarket demand for a wide range of parts.” He added: “With more than 420 CV Joints and over 530 Driveshafts now available from the aftermarket specialist, including in excess of 720 CV Boot Kits covering over 26,000 applications, customers can rest assured that they can access a comprehensive drivetrain solution from First Line.” Above: Wheel bearing kits from FAI Automotive