MEYLE Electronics.

An uncompromisingly perfect fit.

We offer reliable support for day-to-day workshop activities with perfectly fitting electronic spare parts for the majority of vehicle models. Our product portfolio doesn’t just offer components in OE quality – valuable time is also saved through MEYLE Electronics data management. All the spare parts you need can be found accurately and reliably plus your stock management is simplified thanks to the practical bundling of several OE numbers under one MEYLE number. You can depend on MEYLE Electronics.

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LKQ Euro Car Parts reasons that, because debris is the most common cause of fluid overheating, regular fluid changes are the solution. A problem with this occurs when the customer is unprepared to bear the cost of this preventative maintenance, especially if the manufacturer service schedule omits any such requirement, or states that the system is ‘sealed for life.’

Does going electric pose a solution?

Unfortunately, pure electric power steering (EPS) also suffers from heat-related failures, due mainly to its high current requirements. Thankfully, an ECU-controlled EPS system will possess heat monitoring sensors that will not just create a fault code and illuminate a warming light but the system may operate in a reduced-current limp-home mode.

LKQ Euro Car Parts finds that an overheating power steering motor can be caused by a component failure, such as failed windings. Where brushes have worn excessively, or there is an excessive build of conductive carbon dust within the motor housing, the unit can warm to such an extent that it could pose a fire risk. There may also be a problem with the controlling ECU. For instance, the solder is the softest item on the printed circuit board (PCB), often with the lowest melting point. When higher than expected temperatures are experienced, this tends to be the first item to melt, resulting in dry joints on the PCB, resulting in EPS failure.

The harm of hot air

Like conventional spring and dampers, air suspension systems utilise conventional dampers. Arnott reports, therefore, that the oil will not cause overheating within the damper in normal use. While inflatable bags replace conventional metal springs, they also do not produce much heat at all, although a poorlypositioned exhaust pipe is known to cause the rubber bladder to degrade prematurely.

Logically, the air compressor is the only component that can be damaged by overheating. This explains why the unit is designed not to be run continually and how its temperature is controlled either by monitoring its running time, or by a realtime temperature sensor. Arnott explains that a sticking relay (which it advises should be renewed whenever a compressor is replaced), or leaky air springs, are the most common reasons why compressors have to work harder and hotter.

Pairing up

MOOG told us that its recommendation to replace suspension arms, flexible axle mounts and ball joints in pairs is to ensure consistency and balanced postrepair performance. Doing everything at once also means that the owner pays for wheel geometry adjustment fees.

KYB agrees, stating that not replacing axle sets can place other components under additional stress, including not just the other half of the axle pair but also additional components. For instance, not replacing coil springs in pairs can result in an uneven ride height, a situation that wears tyres faster, prejudicing the handing and braking distances.

As wear within the damper reduces the damping effectiveness, reducing compression and rebound control, Monroe says that a new like-for-like replacement will be stiffer. This will not only create a damping imbalance but also the new part must compensate for the worn item on the other side. This, Monroe says, can overload the new damper, risking internal overheating and, therefore, reducing its lifespan. This emphasises the importance of replacing dampers in axle pairs, along with any ancillary parts.

While all companies that we spoke with appreciate the challenges on owner finances, KYB places emphasis on the garage to spend time talking with the customer about the consequences of replacing just a single component at a time. This way, the company argues, if the instruction is still to replace a single component, at least the decision has been an informed one.

First Line reasons that a garage can recommend to their customers that replacing axle sets is important for not just safety but also practical reasons, because it saves the cost of returning to the garage to have other parts replaced.

Comline reasons that, if a damper bush has failed, it may be worth replacing the bush rather than the complete component. It argues that, while the part is less valuable, the labour rate will be slightly more, because the bush replacement could take longer. This could make the task more profitable for the workshop but save the customer money, overall. Comline explains that this is why it chooses to supply such parts independently to give workshops flexibility, while providing the technician with repair options.