Don’t forget steering and suspension best practice says Dayco
Despite the ongoing publicity brought about by the slump in the sales of petrol and diesel powered vehicles and the surge in the sales of electric vehicles (EV), which has seen a very obvious shift in industry focus towards the topic of hybrid and EV technology in the workshop, Dayco, a leading engine products and drive systems supplier for vehicle manufacturers (VM) and the aftermarket, is reminding factors that the changing landscape will have little effect on the steering & suspension market.
“Recognising the global shift from traditional internal combustion towards hybrid and electric powertrains, we constantly assess our product portfolio to reflect the needs of the independent service and repair sector,” says Dayco’s National Sales Manager, Steve Carolan.
“As a result, following the introduction of wheel bearings, Dayco now offers a comprehensive range of more than 3,300 original equipment (OE) equivalent steering & suspension components, which include axle joints, tie rod ends/assemblies and steering boots, as well as track control arms, ball joints, stabiliser links and bushes.
“With all the publicity surrounding the growth of EVs, it’s worth remembering the fact that irrespective of the powertrain, all vehicles rely on steering & suspension components to drive smoothly and safely. In addition, due to the generally poor state of the UK’s road network, damage due to potholes, speed humps and aggressive curbs, is an ongoing issue, as it’s these parts that generally take the brunt of an impact with any of these obstacles. “It has long been a Dayco priority to raise awareness of best practice methods when replacing components and although that often comes in the form of advice to installers, we also encourage our immediate customers, the factors, to bang the same drum when they can influence the installer too. Therefore, we’re keen to highlight the importance of replacing steering & suspension components in pairs.
“This is an important safety message, because even though these items wear continuously in normal use, they also wear in unison and although that does gradually affect steering performance and ride quality, it’s obviously not noticeable to the occupants day-to-day. However, if a wishbone or stabiliser for example, is replaced on just one side of the vehicle, it can have an adverse effect on the vehicle’s handling as, in effect, its geometry has been altered on one side and not the other, which can potentially cause problems.
“Naturally, as an OE manufacturer and supply partner to many VMs around the world, the quality of our steering & suspension range is paramount. On a practical level this means that the range has been manufactured to OE equivalent standards for both performance and durability and has therefore been tested and verified during its production to stringent certified quality control protocols.
“Alongside these confidence inspiring features, additional benefits from both a factor and installer perspective, include the fact that where ancillary items such as fastenings and clips also need to be replaced when a component is fitted, the Dayco kit comes with all the necessary replacement items, which makes life easier for technicians and provides factors with the ideal one-box solution for their workshop customers.
“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 regarding Dayco’s OEM quality products, please visit: www.dayco.com
