Steering and suspension 26 www.aftermarketonline.net APRIL 2025 Constant companions that stay the course Despite the rise of electric powertrains trend, Dayco says steering and suspension parts remain a constant Steering and suspension components remain a constant for the aftermarket, despite the growing trend for electric powertrains — and Dayco has a range of OE products and advice to make the most of opportunities in this developing sector of the market. While independent workshops should be ready to meet demand for EVspecific replacement parts, regardless of the final outcome from an engine perspective, steering and suspension components are one of the few product groups that are not threatened by the growth in sales of hybrids and EVs. Whatever the powertrain and irrespective of how the vehicle is driven, vehicles will still need to absorb a road’s bumps and imperfections and steer around corners. This means that demand for replacement components will be one of the few constants for the long term. In common with many other parts, steering and suspension components will need replacing over time as a result of the vehicle’s usage. Aging of the vehicle will be another factor that will work in favour of the independents, especially as the average age of a car is now around 10 years-old — a milestone not seen for many years. However, what distinguishes this product group is that demand is further driven by the generally poor state of the roads. Remember, it is these parts that isolate a vehicle’s occupants from the ‘daily demons’ faced by every road user — including potholes, speed humps and negotiating those aggressive kerb stones — all of which conspire to put components under strain. Motor factors and the independent workshops they supply have no shortage of options when it comes to replacement steering and suspension parts as the market is awash with them. However, recognising the importance of fitting parts that are of OE quality and fundamentally safety-critical component, should be their priority. As Dayco is an OE supply partner to many of the world’s vehicle manufacturers, steering and suspension parts are equivalent in appearance, material composition, weight and construction, and possess the same handling and performance characteristics as OE components, which ensures the safety and security of the vehicle’s occupants. Additional benefits of the 3,300 strong Dayco steering and suspension range, which covers 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 anti-corrosion resistance. In addition, they have a two-year unlimited mileage warranty, plus the convenience that all the necessary auxiliary items, such as fastenings and clips, come with the kit. It has long been a Dayco priority to raise awareness of best practice methods when replacing components, so the company always reminds workshops that after the new steering and suspension parts have been fitted, but before the vehicle is returned to the owner, it is important that a wheel alignment and tracking check is carried out. The steering geometry, handling characteristics, as well as the correct functioning of ADAS systems, rely on these being set to the vehicle maker’s specific tolerances. For vehicles being repaired following a collision, Dayco also allows factors to offer bodyshops complete kits that include the replacement components for both sides of the vehicle — to ensure it is returned to its best possible, preaccident condition. Visit www.dayco.com or email info. uk@dayco.com to find out more.
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