Steering and suspension 38 www.aftermarketonline.net NOVEMBER 2024 Top tips to avoid replacement shocks Expert advice on installing key components to ensure optimal vehicle performance When replacing shock absorbers and coil springs, it is vital that they are replaced in pairs. A damping system with mismatched levels of wear will not be able to operate effectively. Why replace springs in pairs? Balanced ride height Replacing only one shock or spring can disrupt the balance of the vehicle, resulting in an uneven ride height. This imbalance exerts additional stress on the unreplaced spring, leading to premature wear and potential failure. Improved handling and stability When shocks and springs are mismatched, the damping forces on each side of the vehicle differ significantly, affecting handling and stability. The vehicle may exhibit abnormal behaviours, such as excessive body roll or uneven braking. Increased safety A failed shock or spring can diminish the effectiveness of the shock absorbers, compromising vehicle control and safety. If one spring has failed, it is likely that the other spring is also nearing the end of its lifespan, increasing the risk of failure. The benefits of replacing springs in pairs including ensuring balanced ride height and optimal vehicle handling, extending the life of both springs, improving shock absorber performance and enhancing vehicle safety. Replacing springs in pairs is an essential maintenance procedure to maintain the integrity and performance of a vehicle. Drivers can avoid handling abnormalities, ensure balanced ride height and extend the life of their suspension system. It is a small investment that pays significant dividends in terms of safety and driving experience. It is also recommended that any mounting kits (such as top mounts) and bearings are also replaced. Failure to replace these can accelerate the wear on the new components fitted. All NAPA components are manufactured to exacting OE specifications and benchmark tested against the original equipment. Only parts that are verified to meet or exceed the quality and performance of the OE make it into a NAPA box. In a recent durability benchmark test of a (NST8000) NAPA mounting bush against the OE, the NAPA part performed 300,000 cycles. The OE completed 171,000 cycles. NAPA steering and suspension parts are: O Seamless like-for-like replacements of the OE; O Manufactured for long-lasting durability and corrosion resistance; O Designed to enhance driver safety and improve handling and stability; O Backed by a three-year/36,000-mile warranty guarantee. All components are fashioned to fit the most popular applications for a full suite of parts tailored to the evolving needs of the automotive aftermarket. At NAPA, know-how is everything, and that is why NAPA is backed by expert support to give technicians the confidence to fit and forget. A dedicated team ensures that all NAPA products are accurately and comprehensively catalogued and crossreferenced, allowing purchasers to find the part they need in just a few clicks. Technical bulletins are available to address frequently asked questions. Meanwhile, the in-house technical team is on hand to provide support and guidance on the full NAPA range, including installation best practice, troubleshooting, and more. NAPA is partnered with TechMate, the direct technical support specialists with coverage of the entire UK. All TechMate specialists have an expert understanding of the NAPA product catalogue and the finer points of aftermarket installations. They offer NAPA customers a variety of services including garage workouts, classroom visits, installation demonstrations, and more. Delphi announced last summer that it had added more than 2,000 new parts to its portfolio in the first half of this year, including components related to steering and suspension. The PHINIA brand said it had added 696 new parts to its steering and suspension line and 602 new parts to its sensors line in the first half of 2024 — to boost Delphi’s presence in the aftermarket. In total, Delphi released 2,161 new parts in the first half of the year across its braking, steering and suspension, sensors, gas fuel systems, vehicle electronics and diagnostics lines. These product releases fit 632 million vehicles across both vehicle linkages and new-to-range parts, Delphi said. Delphi boosts steering and suspension line
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