APRIL 2023 AFTERMARKET 47 will be one of the few constants for independent workshops, for the long term.” Replacement Steve continued: “In common with many other parts, the requirement for replacement steering and suspension components occurs automatically due to wear generated by using the vehicle, is also exaggerated by its age, which is another factor moving in the favour of the independent sector, as the average age of a car in the UK is now around 10 years old, a figure it hasn’t been at for many years. However, what distinguishes this product group is that the demand is further stimulated by the generally poor state of the country’s road network, as it’s these parts that must isolate the vehicle’s occupants from the consequences of driving through potholes, over speed humps and up aggressive curb stones, and they often suffer as a result.” He continued: “Although, as the market is awash with them, workshops have no shortage of options when it comes to replacement steering and suspension components, recognising the importance of fitting parts that are of OE quality, for what is a fundamentally safety critical component, should be their priority. Components of OE quality, such as those supplied by DAYCO, an OE supply partner to many of the world’s vehicle manufacturers, will be equivalent in appearance, material composition, weight and construction, and possess the same handling and performance characteristics as the OE component, which ensures the safety and security of the vehicle’s occupants. Additional benefits of the 3,300 strong Dayco steering and suspension range, which encompasses axle joints, tie rod ends/assemblies and steering boots, as well as track control arms, ball joints, stabiliser links and bushes, include a premium quality protective coating for maximum anticorrosion resistance, a two-year unlimited mileage warranty and the convenience that all the necessary auxiliary items, such as fastenings and clips, that are required for their fitment, come within the Dayco kit.” How you work with the kit is as important as its quality, as Steve observed: “It has long been a Dayco priority to raise awareness of best practice methods when replacing components, so is keen to remind technicians that after the new steering and suspension parts have been fitted, but before the vehicle is passed back to the owner, it’s important that a wheel alignment and tracking check is carried out, as the vehicle’s steering geometry, handling characteristics, as well as the correct functioning of its ADAS systems, rely on these being set to the VM’s specific tolerances.For vehicles being repaired following a collision, Dayco also to offers complete kits that include the replacement components for both sides of the vehicle to ensure that it is returned to its best possible, pre-accident condition.” Steve added: “Naturally, as would be expected of a company that consistently demonstrates such high levels of technical competence, a supporting catalogue, with comprehensive cross-reference data and imagery, is instantly accessible through the Dayco website and app, as well as via TecDoc.” For more information, visit:www.dayco.com Stress and strain As Luke Garratt, UK & Nordics Technical Services Manager at Delphi Technologies, a brand of BorgWarner, explained, Delphi Technologies are looking to enhance their EV steering and suspension offering: “Steering and suspension parts for these vehicles are subject to high levels of stress and strain thanks to the added weight of battery packs. A global programme was launched late in 2021 to support the Tesla Model S with aftermarket parts designed to the latest manufacturer specifications. The steering and suspension parts form the beginnings of a full chassis solution covering a range of models.The product range includes control arms, link stabilisers, tie rod ends and ball joints to support workshops repairing the popular Tesla Model S. In testing the Delphi suspension arms showed better strength performance under safety tests compared to the OE equivalent.” Luke continued: “The heat-treatment in the design of Below: Control arms for the Tesla Model S, from FAI
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