First Line Highlights The Changes In Steering & Suspension Components
Vehicle manufacturers (VMs) are constantly driven by the need to reduce emissions and improve the efficiency of their models, as well as increasing the percentage of the car that can be recycled. To achieve this, VMs have developed vehicle aerodynamics, lowered rolling resistance and introduced a large scale programme of vehicle light-weighting. The combined effects of these changes have also improved the handling characteristics and performance of their products.
These alterations are most evident in steering & suspension components where, although the basic function may not have changed much over the years, advances in technology have seen a change in both the design and materials used.
Steering systems have evolved from traditional manual steering gear or hydraulic power assisted systems, to electrical power assisted steering (EPAS) systems. As the move towards lower emission vehicles continues, these EPAS systems offer weight saving advantages over traditional hydraulic systems, helping to reduce the overall vehicle weight and subsequently improve handling and efficiency.
Electric systems are also favoured by VMs, as the initial set up and ongoing development time is reduced because, unlike hydraulic power assisted systems, electric versions can be quickly and easily modified and tuned to specific vehicle requirements.
Also, as the investment in and advancement of EPAS systems has increased, many luxury and sports car manufacturers have now successfully managed to develop EPAS that has as much, if not more, ‘feel’ than traditional hydraulic steering, with the added advantage of allowing the possible adjustment of steering weight/assistance, providing the driver with designated settings for comfort, sport, for instance.
As is expected from a leading supplier of steering & suspension components, First Line are constantly reviewing and adding to the range, ensuring that the programme is up to date with all the latest technologies, for example tie rod ends (FTR5998/FTR5999) for the Renault Megane IV 2016, which follow the original equipment specification, being manufactured from aluminium, again highlighting the importance of light weight materials.
By reducing the weight of individual components, there has been an increase in the use of materials such as aluminium and composite plastics. Many multi-link suspension systems now incorporate aluminium control arms and newer design suspension bushings, stabiliser links and top strut mountings now include composite plastics, instead of traditional metal components, providing not only a lighter component, but one that is easier to manufacture, as well as being less susceptible to wear and corrosion.
A specific example of this new component design is the hybrid link, a stabiliser link that comprises a steel bar with composite plastic ball joint housings. The new design can weigh up to 200g less than the original, and as the part is used on both sides of the vehicle it decreases the vehicles weight by almost half a kg, making it easy to see why VMs are putting such an emphasis on new light weight technology. This is highlighted by the fact that these new design links are fitted as standard on all BMW i3 models.
To accommodate for these changes, First Line is leading the market by offering a range of 12 hybrid links, including the latest models, such as Vauxhall Insignia B 2017> (FDL7579, FDL7580).
With these new developments, it is likely that technicians will start to see components that perform a function that they are familiar with, but look different in design, so it’s imperative that workshops keep themselves abreast of these changes and educate their staff in the differences these components may have.
Another advance is that many vehicles are now fitted with ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems), which controlsmany safety functions, such as ESC, ABS, and lane departure warning systems. Many manufacturers recommend that ADAS technology is tested and reset after mechanical alignment of the steering & suspension system.
Likewise, it’s particularly important with safety critical steering & suspension items to understand that traditionally it may have been possible to re-use a nut or bolt, but nowadays as component designs change, so do the relevant fittings and fixings. Many are of a specific design and incorporate unique locking features and most are single use, so it’s crucial that new fittings are used each time the relevant part is replaced.
First Line has a range of more than 8,500 steering & suspension parts and adds in excess of 200 references annually. This is so workshops can be assured that they are sourcing parts from a supplier that continually updates its range, with parts for the most popular applications, incorporating the latest design and technologies.
First Line also offers ‘all inclusive’ fitting kits wherever possible, ensuring that technicians have all the relevant fitting components required to complete the job first time, without any hassle.
For more information about the premium quality products available from First Line Ltd, please call the sales team on: 01869 248484 or visit: www.firstlineltd.com
