27 minute read
Steering & Suspension: All the latest on improving ride and handling
AUNGER SHOCKS AT COOLDRIVE
Aunger shock absorbers and suspension struts are available exclusively through CoolDrive Auto Parts. Developed and manufactured to original equipment standards, CoolDrive Auto Parts says the affordable range of Aunger shock absorbers are aimed at popular older model cars.
Sourced from original equipment suppliers, the Aunger shock absorber range comes with a standard three-year 60,000 kilometre warranty, in line with similar OEM products. All Aunger shocks are said to feature top quality NOK oil seals and upgraded piston rods to ensure smooth, trouble-free operation, while the suspension struts include all mounting hardware such as bump stops and dust covers/boot kits where applicable, avoiding the need to source these separately. Popular models covered include VR-VE Holden Commodores, BA-FG Ford Falcons, SX & SY Ford Territory, BK-model Mazda3, Toyota’s Camry and Aurion, and Holden’s Apollo. A range of 4WD heavy duty shock absorbers are available for the Toyota HiLux and LandCruiser, and the Nissan Patrol and Navara. Aunger also offers OEM-quality replacement radius and control arms at competitive prices. CoolDrive Auto Parts explains that Aunger is an iconic Australian automotive accessories brand, with a rich history spanning more than 50 years. Its current range includes over 120 individual products, including shock absorbers, suspension components and car care products. CoolDrive Auto Parts is one of Australasia’s largest automotive parts distributors and is 100 percent family owned and operated. For further information on the Aunger range, visit www.cooldrive.com.au
NEED REPLACEMENT SUSPENSION PARTS?
Sterling Parts says it is one of Australia’s key players in new automotive aftermarket replacement parts
From humble beginnings in 1997, Sterling Parts says it has grown to become one of the leaders in the industry, ensuring customers can access “premium quality parts and service at affordable prices.” The team at Sterling Parts explains that the company is a specialist in suspension parts and states that whether you are looking for control arms, strut mounts, power steering racks, power steering pumps, ball joints or wheel hubs, you can be assured it will have it available in one of its five distribution centres nationwide. Sterling Parts says you can find all the parts you need on its easy-to-use website, but just in case you can’t, it explains its professional staff are also available from 8:00am to 5:00pm to help you find the part you want. It says its premium MECHS Control Arm range encompasses more than double any other supplier in Australia, with over 1800 SKUs and backed up by a 12-month/20,000km warranty. Sterling Parts Australia services the greater Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide metro areas with full time dedicated courier networks. Its delivery teams provide two delivery runs per day to the metro area, with live GPS tracking and comprehensive WMS systems to track and trace all orders and courier movements. Sterling Parts says it also supports those outside the metro area by providing freight to anywhere in Australia and other countries using its extensive logistics network. For more information, visit www.sterlingparts.com.au
NEW TOUGH DOG LEAF SPRINGS
The leaf springs are designed for the 4x2 N80 Hilux
The Toyota 4x2 N80 Hilux has developed a reputation for being a tough and reliable truck. This workhorse appears to be up to even the most demanding task. Its owners may load up the bed with any number of items like machinery, heavy tools, canopies, or anything else that needs to get from here to there. However, Tough Dog suspension states that for the most part OEM suspension components are not designed with the goal of maintaining comfort under load. It says OEM leaf springs are not usually rated for heavy loads and as a result, the rear of the vehicle will drop, which will negatively affect the breaking and handling of the vehicle. Tough Dog Suspension further explains that ride comfort is also affected, as the OEM shock valving is likely not able to effectively control the spring under heavy loads. To address this problem, Tough Dog says it has developed a new range of standard height heavyduty 0-1000kg leaf springs that pair with its award-winning twin tube 41mm foam cell shocks to improve the suspension of the 4x2 Hilux. Once combined with supplied bushes and U-bolts, Tough Dog says the upgrade will assist with load carrying applications while maintaining a high standard of comfort and driveability. Tough Dog aims to help owners get the most out of its 4x2 Hilux without compromising safety. It says that it recognises that a one size fits all mentality just won’t cut it when it comes to suspension components. Top Dog offers a four-year unlimited kilometre warranty for recreational use. It also provides a three-year unlimited kilometre warranty for fleet and commercial use, giving its customers some additional peace of mind. For additional information, contact a local Tough Dog dealer or visit www.toughdog.com.au
THE IMPORTANCE OF STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT
JAX Tyres and Auto says the trade has a big role to play in educating consumers
While Australian drivers are becoming more familiar with identifying vehicle issues, industry professionals have a huge role in ensuring this awareness is translated into action to encourage safety and peace of mind. Findings from the JAX Tyres and Auto Road Safety Report 2021 showed that despite a nine percentage point increase from 2020, only 40 percent of Aussie drivers take their car for a check-up every six months and just over half (54 percent) say they carry out specific checks before a long drive. One necessary maintenance procedure that only trained technicians can provide is a wheel alignment. Misaligned wheels can cause issues with fuel efficiency, increased tyre wear, and impact on safety and handling. It may seem trivial but improper handling could cause serious safety risks if drivers need to make an emergency manoeuvre and their car doesn’t respond accordingly. The correct settings for wheel alignment are very precise so there’s a noticeable difference in the feel and function of a car. Here are the symptoms that mechanics encourage people to look out for: • The car pulls to one side • Tyres are worn excessively or unevenly • The steering wheel is not centred when driving straight • Squealing tyres or unusual sounds when driving Concerningly, JAX Tyres and Auto’s recent study also found 39 percent of Australians claimed that even if their car drove fine, an unidentified noise wouldn’t prevent them from going on a long road trip. Only 50 percent of respondents take the right precautions by checking their tyre health at least once a month. Beyond conducting a wheel alignment during regular servicing, JAX Tyres and Auto encourages members of the trade to have a conversation and encourage customers to consider it when they get new tyres, replace a part of their steering or suspension or experience a sudden jolt or accident while on the road. JAX Tyres and Auto says its industry expertise means it is best placed to help these drivers to take action when noticing bad wheel alignment symptoms. These actions are essential for safety and peace of mind, both for the driver and others on the road. To discuss the importance and benefits of wheel alignment with qualified technicians, JAX Tyres and Auto encourages you to contact its team via www.jax.com.au
SHERPA SIX PLATE BRAKE AND SUSPENSION TEST LANE
Available from Karmot
For 36 years, Karmot says it has been at the forefront of the Hydraulic Workshop Equipment industry, offering leading insight into the products most essential to running a successful, efficient and safe workshop. It says this dedication to the industry over the last three and a half decades has meant the Karmot brand has become synonymous with the highest quality of products. Amongst the range is the SPBT4000 Sherpa six plate brake and suspension test lane. Key features of this test lane include: • Measures four-wheel braking forces left and right as well as front to back realistically as on the road. • Slip plate test allows a fast check of toe in and toe out. • Weight cells show total weight with four-wheel distribution. • Shock absorber test evaluates shock absorber condition. • Provides a full test report including, a picture of the vehicle for test authentication. • Pedal force reader is supplied for NSW registration purposes. • Low profile. • Low running costs. • European NMI Standards approved. • Made in Germany. Karmot is currently looking for a major distributing partner for the Sherpa plate brake and suspension tester. Karmot says working closely with the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association, Australian Standards and now the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator allows it to keep its finger on the pulse of the industry, and enact improvements for all of the users of the equipment available for sale. The company is headed by David Hutchins, a founding member of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association, who brings to the industry a wealth of knowledge and guidance from his 50 plus years of experience. David’s dedication has taken him across the globe to choose the right products to offer the Australian market, ensuring that each and every single product is tested and meets stringent and exacting Standards and quality. Amongst Karmot’s offering are the Liftech, Ritch, Masada, Autopstenhoj and Sherpa brands. For more information, visit www.karmot.com
TRACTION + ATTRACTION
The Eibach PRO KIT reportedly retains ride quality, improves suspension performance and achieves better aesthetics
A big part of suspension performance is the appearance that comes with it. Fit a passenger vehicle with larger-diameter rims wrapped in lowerprofile tyres and the first thing you get is a greater gap between the tyre tread and wheel arch. Eibach says its Eibach PRO KIT, the most popular among numerous Eibach options, reduces that extra real estate by 25 to 35mm depending on make and model to transform it into a nice, sleek, lowered vehicle that is tastefully done – and not overdone. It says a popular analogy is this: when a motorist buys a sports model variant, it comes with sports suspension. The Eibach PRO KIT provides sports suspension to a vehicle that has not come from the factory with sports suspension. On the one hand, the spring system should be compliant and soft enough to compensate for bumpy roads or tracks. This compliance assures permanent road-contact of wheel and tyre and therefore guarantees grip and traction. On the other hand, the spring system must be firm enough to reduce body roll, squat and dive of the vehicle body during cornering, acceleration and braking. Eibach says its revised spring rates lower the vehicle’s centre of gravity without sacrificing ride quality; improving the suspension performance and achieving “far better aesthetics.” The lower, more muscular, more athletic stance makes the recipient vehicle stand out from stock and in addition to the “no more wheelarch gap” appearance, Eibach says its owner will instantly notice the significant performanceoriented improvement in handling, braking and responsiveness. Retaining ride quality is particularly important here in Australia given our quality of driving surfaces in contrast to those more common in Europe. Eibach is engineered in and meets the strict criteria of Germany per TUV certification and works in close collaboration with vehicle manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, and Audi — plus premium tuning houses such as AMG and AC Schnitzer. In addition to the German brands, Eibach offers products for vehicles manufactured in North America, Asia, Australia and the other European countries. In contrast to so-called pop-up businesses here in Australia which bring in their own suspension products from overseas, Eibach states it is a global brand with a rich history spanning more than 70 years. Eibach Australia is part of the Eibach Federn GmbH global group, providing local technical support for its products, and has direct access to all data files and drawings. Eibach says its springs are engineered and tested to work perfectly with original equipment shock absorbers and come with a five-year warranty for faulty workmanship. Workshops, tyre dealerships, and car and SUV servicing centres are encouraged to contact Eibach Australia directly with trade enquiries. For more information, go to www.eibach.com.au or call 02 9999 3655 or email sales@eibach.com.au
FORGED RADIUS ARMS
From Roadsafe
Roadsafe says it is constantly increasing its range of products and new releases, and the last twelve months has been no exception. More recently, Roadsafe has expanded its Blackhawk product range to include an innovative range of forged radius arms. Roadsafe has been an Australian specialist in steering and suspension products for over 40 years. It says it is “renowned for its industry leading on and off-road product development expertise and innovation which continues to lead the way in quality replacement parts for Australia’s highly specific and discerning 4WD market.” The company states that its new range of Blackhawk Forged Radius Arms sets “a new benchmark in innovation.” Hot on the heels of the recent release of Nissan Patrol Y61 and Toyota Landcruiser 80 and 105 series, and pre-DPF 76-79 Series compatible applications, are the new 76,78,79 series DPF arms. The Blackhawk forged radius arms are intended for increased strength and improved lifted vehicle drivability. Suitable for lifts 60mm and over, the new DPF arms are designed for ADR compliance including GVM applications with front axle up to 1660kg. Featuring the Blackhawk Australian made hybrid rubber bushings, Roadsafe guarantees a lifetime of value on the forged radius arms by offering a Lifetime Warranty for the original purchaser. Comprehensively tested and weighing just 700 grams more than OE, the Blackhawk arms also reportedly offer increased clearance to tie rod arm, increased caster, increased ground clearance compared to OE and 15mm increased length to correct wheelbase on lifted vehicles. A comprehensive range
Roadsafe says it provides one of the largest 4WD parts ranges across a number of key product groups, including: • rated recovery tow points • diff drops • upper control arms • trailing arms • driveline spacers • strut mounts • battery trays • underbody protection For more information, visit www.roadsafe.com.au
BORGESON’S COMPLETE STEERING SELECTION
The brand has been in operation since 1914 and continues to grow
For more than 100 years, Borgeson has been manufacturing steering universal joints for the industrial, automotive, military, and aerospace industries. The brand’s original needle bearing U-joint has been refined over time, and Borgeson says it is the strongest joint available for high performance automotive applications. In 2001, Borgeson expanded its range of steering components by acquiring Mullins steering gears. Today, the brand has an expansive inventory that includes steering boxes, columns, shafts and bearings. It also has a complete selection of power steering parts, including power steering pumps, reservoirs, brackets, pulleys, and complete conversion kits. Borgeson says that its steering components are ideal for all types of upgrade or custom-built street or race vehicles. These components make it possible to customise the steering for a vehicle to come through or around headers and chassis rails. The brand’s portfolio includes single and double U-joints, vibration reducers and rag joints, steering shafts, support bearings, couplers and adapters, pin and block racing u-joints, column drops, and floor mounts. Borgeson recommends using only needle bearing U-joints on street vehicles. The brand says they last much longer, outlasting non-needle bearing joints by a factor of 10 to one. The brand’s U-joints are made of specially selected steel and stainless steel for strength and longevity, and they are machined in Borgeson’s factory on state-of-the-art CNC equipment. It says the sealed precision needle bearings never require maintenance, stating that the needle bearing joints have zero backlash (radial play), providing for more precise steering and a better feel for the road. Any of its four Double D (a round shaft with two flats) sizes, 14 different spline size yokes, and the ‘94 and later Mustang V style can be combined to mate components from many different manufacturers. Borgeson also offers two telescoping shaft assemblies in 24” and 36” overall lengths, 3/4” double D shafts in steel and stainless steel, vibration reducers made with urethane, and splined shafts in steel, stainless steel and polished stainless steel. Rocket Industries is the Australian distributor for all your Borgeson steering component requirements. For more information, contact Rocket Industries on 02 88251 900 or visit www.rocketind.com
MASERATI USES BILSTEIN
The Maserati MC20 supercar uses Bilstein DampTronic X technology
Innovation, passion and uniqueness are the guiding values that Maserati has adopted as part of its strategic renewal. The Maserati MC20 is representative of the new era of Maserati – ravishingly beautiful and fast-asan-arrow; a true technological jewel that combines craftsmanship and engineering, elegance and performance. The 630hp twin-turbo V6 engine is the first to be produced by Maserati after a hiatus of more than 20 years. With a kerb weight of less than 1,500 kilograms, the Italian super sports car is also an extremely lightweight vehicle that boasts the best power-toweight ratio in its class at just 2.33 kg/hp. Maserati is also particularly proud of its sophisticated aerodynamics. The right state-of-the-art suspension was needed for this much potential and that’s where Bilstein says it came in. The MC20 has been fitted with a suspension featuring the Bilstein DampTronic X system. This latest technology from Bilstein is said to be a perfect match for the requirements profile of Maserati’s developers. Bilstein explains that the high adjustment dynamics of the Bilstein DampTronic X shock absorber enable the required damping forces to be adapted in just a few milliseconds to the damping requirements determined by the central control unit. Further, the control concept calculates and adjusts the damping several hundred times per second, depending on the driving situation and wheel selectivity. This allows the agility as well as the ride comfort and safety to be increased. The Bilstein plant in Mandern produced the prototype dampers for the first road test in July 2020. Bilstein says the pressing question was is the first theoretical characteristic design heading in the right direction and states the redeeming answer is yes, with the first set of shock absorbers already working amazingly well in the MC20. “We met expectations right from the start,” Bilstein Technical Project Manager, Marc-Raphael Stratmann, said. “The performance in terms of both handling and comfort was already at a good level. At the
CORGHI EXPANDS RANGE
The range of PROADAS solutions at Corghi has grown
Corghi – which says it is renowned the world over for innovation, quality and precision – has recently announced that it will expand its product range with the launch of the new PROADAS START equipment. PROADAS is a universal modular system developed for the verification and calibration of driver assistance systems or front sensors, the verification of the alignment status and the complete wheel alignment service on multi-brand cars and commercial vehicles. The system allows the calibration of front sensors, including Camera, Radar and Lidar. “Our new PROADAS START offering is specifically designed for all those who want to get to know the ADAS world through an easy-to-use solution, as all the key features of the RS configuration are included,” Corghi Australia General Manager, Andrew Cornwell, said. “Special grips enable accurate system positioning, 76 while information provided by the integrated wireless devices make it all really intuitive to operate.” Corghi’s new PROADAS START includes an integrated patented software system that controls positioning in real time. It can also be upgraded to PROADAS RS configuration to include Toe Control and Wheel Aligner Service. “PROADAS is compatible with most of the wheel aligners produced by Nexion Group,” Andrew said. “Using the cameras or the CCD sensors on the wheel aligner, it is possible to align the PROADAS system with the vehicle to be calibrated.” When the alignment is complete, the software checks for the presence of ADAS sensors and transfers any data on the vehicle to the PROADAS software over Wi-Fi. “This avoids increases productivity by saving the operator from having to select the vehicle again in the database,” Andrew said. following road test in Nardo a few weeks later, we were already able to fine-tune it.” As a result, the project team was able to perfect the system together with Maserati, making it ready for production. “Our DampTronic X system works perfectly in the car,” Marc-Raphael said. “It is a very good system that offers a wide spread between comfort and taut sporty tuning. “We have the only inboard system on the market that works with pilot-operated pressure relief valves in both the rebound and compression stages. The excellent control combined with very high dynamics is impressive.” Marc-Raphael looks back on the project with pride. “It was a very, very open, fair, almost friendly collaboration with Maserati, and I’m still totally impressed by it.” “It is spectacular what we have achieved with our great team together with Maserati, despite the challenging conditions.” For more information, visit www.bilstein.com
In addition to PROADAS START, Corghi has launched the new SCE 700 equipment for the calibration of ADAS sensors, AVM Cameras (360°), Rear Camera and Blind Spot Detection (BSD) radar sensors on VAG Group vehicles. “With the PROADAS software it is possible to check the system alignment status, thus making the positioning process easy, accurate and fast,” Andrew said. For more information, visit www.proadas.corghi.com
STEERING TIPS FROM ZF AFTERMARKET
Suspension and steering parts must be checked regularly, as they play a decisive role in the safe handling of a car
The experts at ZF Aftermarket have shared some useful tips when it comes to inspecting, diagnosing and replacing common steering and suspension components. Strut Mounts
The top fastening of the suspension strut is attached to the chassis via the strut mount. As the strut mount must have both a damping force and a rotatable mounting for unhindered steering resetting, there are strict requirements for its function and wear resistance. A worn or defective strut mount can be recognised by various symptoms, including: • Squeaking during spring movements of the chassis • Poor cornering • Crackling noises during steering wheel movements • Restricted resetting of the steering after cornering • Knocking sounds when driving over uneven surfaces If the suspension strut mount has been checked and a defect has been detected, ZF Aftermarket recommends that it should be replaced as follows: 1. Remove the wheels. 2. Remove the suspension strut and clamp it in an appropriate fixture. 3. Compress the suspension spring using a spring tensioner until it is released from the seat of the suspension strut mount 4. Remove the nut on the damper connecting rod. 5. Position the new strut mount in its installation position. In doing so, check that the lower part of the mount is seated correctly on the suspension spring. 6. Fit the bolts and fastening components and tighten the lock nuts to the torque specified by the vehicle manufacturer. 7. Carefully release the spring tensioner. In the process, continue to check that the suspension spring is placed on the strut mount and on the suspension strut plate correctly. 8. Refit the suspension strut in the vehicle. 9. Refit the wheels and perform a full wheel alignment. Finally carry out a test drive.
TIP: Like other chassis components, suspension strut mounts should always be replaced in pairs. Control Arms
Control arms are installed as pairs on the front and rear axle, connecting the chassis to the wheels. A defective control arm can manifest in the following ways: • Noise (squeaking, creaking, rumbling) • Deteriorating drivability • Increasingly woolly and imprecise steering • Uneven tyre wear The exact steps are set by the relevant vehicle manufacturer, with the below steps from ZF Aftermarket a guide for workshops to follow: 1. Lift the vehicle using a car lift, which makes it easier to correctly tighten the control arm fixing screws.
TIP: Depending on the axle design, the control arm may need to be secured against falling with a suitable device, eg. a transmission lifter. 2. Treat the fixing screws and nuts of the control arm with rust solvent for a few minutes to loosen the components. 3. On vehicles with automotive headlight levelling, it may be necessary to detach the levelling sensor from the control arm. 4. If the stabiliser is connected to the control arm, loosen and remove the corresponding stabiliser fixing screws. 5. Loosen and remove the control arm fixing screws. 6. Loosen the ball joint at the steering knuckle with a suitable tool, such as a puller. 7. Remove the old control arm. 8. Clean the mounting flange of the ball joint on the steering knuckle with sandpaper and then brake cleaner. This is to prevent single rust particles entering the new control arm joint via the ball pin, potentially leading to premature failure of the joint. 9. Fit the new control arm with the supplied accessories and attach new fixing screws and nuts. 10. Reattach the stabiliser and, if applicable, the levelling senor for the headlight levelling to the control arm. 11. Lower the vehicle until the suspension is compressed. 12. Tighten the fixing screws with the torque specified by the vehicle manufacturer. 13. Lower the vehicle entirely. 14. Measure the chassis and adjust if necessary. 15. Check and, if necessary, adjust the headlight settings on vehicles with automotive headlight levelling where the levelling sensor is attached to the control arm. 16. To conclude, test-drive the vehicle.
TIP: If the control arm is in working order, it is possible to only replace the defective bearings and joints; however, replacing bearings, bushings and ball joints can be complex and costly. Replacing the entire arm is generally safer and often less expensive. Replacement Parts from ZF Aftermarket
ZF says LEMFÖRDER is one of the world’s leading brands in suspension and steering technology in the automotive sector. Part of ZF’s global portfolio of premium brands, LEMFÖRDER products are fitted as original equipment and available to the aftermarket for passenger cars, light trucks and larger commercial vehicles. Passenger car steering and chassis parts from LEMFÖRDER include stabiliser mounts and links, rubber-to-metal components like axle bearings and suspension and strut mounts, control arms and bearings, tie rods and suspension joints. Also available from ZF in Oceania are OEM-quality SACHS shock absorbers and TRW steering and suspension components. For additional information on LEMFÖRDER steering and suspension components and more workshop tips, visit www.aftermarket.zf.com
SACHS SHOCK ABSORBERS RANK NUMBER ONE IN EUROPE
This brand from ZF Aftermarket is being recognised internationally
ZF Aftermarket says SACHS shock absorbers are trusted by automotive manufacturers worldwide. In fact, it explains that more than 10 million newly manufactured cars are fitted with SACHS shock absorbers each year. SACHS is a brand of ZF Aftermarket, a division of the ZF Group, with a range of over 3,000 shock absorber products. The entire range features a combination of mono-tube and twin-tube gas pressurised shock technology. There are also more than 385 strut mounts and bearings available. Additionally, SACHS sells more than 220 bump stop and boot kits. ZF explains that SACHS is now recognised as the number one shock absorber in European car parc coverage. It states that SACHS focuses on innovative technology and original equipment quality in its shock absorbers, with its shock absorbers “offering perfect road grip and cornering behaviour no matter what challenges the road may present.” The SACHS MAX range includes shock absorbers for four-wheel-drives, off-road and utility vehicles. These shock absorbers have been designed to support vehicles with up to a two-inch lift. They come with larger pistons and cylinders, and the increased bore size results in more durable shock absorbers, with ZF stating the SACHS shock absorbers also make safety a priority. Additionally, the SACHS clutch catalogue offers over 1,500 components, including clutch covers and discs, flywheels and clutch release systems. The SACHS clutch replacement kit for passenger cars includes all the necessary components, including the pressure plate, disc and release bearing along with a special assembly grease. For more information, visit www.aftermarket.zf.com/au or call 1800 ZF SALES (93 72537).
HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING VS ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS)
Where is the Automotive repair industry heading to service power steering into the future?
Power Steering Parts of Australia explains that hydraulic steering will still be around for many years but the type of EPS units in most modern vehicles can only be repaired by an experienced specialist Power Steering workshop as opposed to a general mechanical workshop. The tools to do these overhauls are not cheap and if you try to repair a unit without these tools, Power Steering Parts of Australia warns that you have a high probability of damaging the housing and then you will need to buy a complete new unit as a housing on its own is generally not sold separately by most OE manufacturers. “Years ago, when the VT Commodore and AU Falcon were popular, the power steering units were being repaired as often as McDonalds sold a Big Mac burger and virtually anyone with a spanner and a screwdriver could repair the them, but this is not the case anymore,” Power Steering Parts of Australia Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Peter McMahon, said. “Just to replace an inner seal means you may have to cut the piston from the rack shaft without damaging it and then correctly line up and roll in place a new piston,” “Rarely have we seen anyone get this right on the first and sometimes multiple repairs. This becomes very expensive especially when you quote before you start. Add to this the cost of R&R each time and you will well and truly be in the red. “With the EPS units it will be many years before many of the experienced specialists are even able to completely repair/service these vehicles. There are a few dedicated specialists working in this field now. “You now need to be not only a Power steering specialist but also an auto electrician as well. The diagnosis will take time that is an expense only to find that you may have to replace the complete electric motor driving the steering unit. “In some cases, if you remove the steering unit assembly and do any work on it you will have to repair it with the vehicle’s computer. Generally, only the dealers have the computer programs to do this. Some scan tools can be of some help. “The previous popular sourcing of exchange hydraulic units will not be the same for EPS units. This will not happen for many years as core units are not making any appearances in volumes to make this happen. “Again, putting a unit into another vehicle will in most cases need them to be re-paired with the computer. Not all are suitable to accept this. “Some equipment is now available to reprogram the EPS unit before it is re-installed but the cost of suitable equipment is now well above $30k plus ongoing computer program support costs to suit specific vehicles.” For more from Power Steering Parts of Australia, please visit www.pspa.com.au
