REPLACEMENT PARTS
NEW KYB STRUT KIT GATES LAUNCHES ‘PROTECT THE RIDE’ CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED You want to keep your customers happy and keep Everything you need, in one box
KYB has introduced an all-new Strut Kit range which it says provides a simplified product offering for customers, with everything they need in one box. KYB says the new kit is perfect for customers who want longer lasting components, reduced fitting costs and the confidence of a perfect fit. “The strut is a crucial part of the vehicle’s steering system and greatly affects alignment angles, so it is important to ensure this part is in optimum condition for vehicle safety,” KYB Senior Product Manager, Larry Coulthard, said. “If you are in the situation where a strut has failed, it is highly likely the strut mount, dust boot and bump stop will have worn out as well.
their cars on the road
However, replacing one part of the serpentine, cooling, or timing systems isn’t enough and can result in unhappy customers returning with additional repairs sooner rather than later. When you have a vehicle in your workshop, Gates Australia encourages you to be system smart and avoid comebacks by doing a complete repair. The new ‘Protect The Ride’ campaign from Gates Australia focuses on this complete system repair message to ensure more profitable jobs for workshops and less customer comebacks.
Working on an Alternator? Gates Australia says you can protect against a dead battery by ordering a belt, tensioner and pulley every time. It says that according to alternator manufacturers, up to 70 percent of the alternators that are returned to the factory are for a “no charge” situation and lack of belt tension was the main problem.
Working on an AC Compressor? Gates Australia says you can protect against the heat by ordering a belt, tensioner and pulley every time, stating that a slipping belt reduces the performance of the compressor and creates heat for the compressor bearings. “Because of this, we recommend all related components be replaced at the same time to avoid further problems and optimal performance. “While replacing struts will restore the vehicle’s suspension to like new condition, replacing the strut mount, dust boot and bump stop at the same time will ensure the prolonging of the strut’s life by providing enhanced protection and support. “Replacing these parts all at the same time will also allow you to save on labour time, with the kits coming complete with everything you need in the one box. “And thanks to the fact that the kits are vehiclespecific by design, you can rest assured each part is ideal for its corresponding make and model for a perfect fit.” Sixteen vehicle-specific Strut Kits have been released in this initial new product launch from KYB with kits for additional vehicles set to be introduced in the future. KYB Shock Absorbers are distributed by NGK Spark Plugs Australia. For more information, please visit www.kyb.com.au/product/strut-kit/ 78
Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine June 2021
Replacing a Serpentine Belt? Gates Australia says that when it comes to replacing a Serpentine Belt, you should also order a tensioner and pulley every time. It says 99.8 percent of serpentine belts are forced to fail by another worn component and states here is no real test to know if the idler pulleys have enough grease or to make sure your tensioner is not wearing out. (Source: Reasons for replacement according to IMR INC. Automotive Research.)
Working on a Water Pump? To protect against overheating, Gates Australia says that when working on a water pump, a belt, tensioner and pulley should also be ordered each time. It explains that a failed damper in the
tensioner will transfer engine torsional vibration through the belt and into the water pump shaft, forcing premature failure of the bearings.
Working on a Radiator? Gates Australia says you can protect against roadside breakdowns by ordering an upper and lower radiator hose every time you are working on a radiator. It says this will allow you to preempt your customers’ roadside breakdown from radiator hose failure.
150,000 kilometers? Replace today! Gates Australia recommends that you protect against system failure by replacing belts and tensioners at 150,000kms every time. Failure modes are hard to determine, so it says you should go beyond visual inspection and base your replacement recommendations on mileage. As part of the Protect Your Ride campaign Gates Australia has launched an overview of the program with a video on the importance of complete system maintenance targeted at the automotive consumer. This video is available to view at https://info.gatesaustralia.com.au/PTR.html The second phase of the program is the launch of the ‘Protect The Ride’ cooling system maintenance campaign. A dedicated web page has been setup and includes a detailed training video around the importance of cooling system maintenance and around modular hoses. Mechanics are encouraged to visit the page at https://info.gatesaustralia.com.au/ptr-cooling.html After watching the training video, mechanics can then complete the form on the page including a question relating to the video to go into the draw for a $500 EFTPOS/VISA card or a runners-up prize of one of fifty ‘Protect The Ride’ merchandise packs. In the coming months Gates Australia will also release new components of the campaign covering the Accessory Belt Drive System (ABDS) and Synchronous Belt Drive System (SBDS). For more from Gates Australia, visit www.gatesaustralia.com.au
