Steering your skills Steering and suspension repairs are profitable breadand-butter tasks, which is why Rob Marshall discovers that updating your knowledge is never wasted time There are times when even the most long-served aftermarket technician will analyse a new problem beneath the vehicle and ask rhetorically, "Why has the car manufacturer done things like that?" The question seems to have become more prolific in recent years, as the rate of technological change has accelerated, explained mainly by car manufacturers striving to shed as much cost and weight from their vehicles as possible. Understandably, as technology changes, replacement procedures must also evolve and it is very easy for the aftermarket to lag behind. Fortunately, the OE quality parts suppliers are helping us all, not only by supplying decent components but also by explaining how they can be installed and why.
On the job support Understanding that technicians can need extra help immediately, when faced with a particular vehicle, OE quality suppliers step in to provide the resource. Even so, AIC Germany Automotive Components reminds technicians to observe the OE manufacturer's repair instructions but also adds that its parts range supplements this data with extra information, where necessary.
DRiV's MOOG brand has brought together pertinent installation tips, all of which can be studied at leisure on https://eu.monroe.com/en-gb/support/installation-tips. html. The company also has a selection of more detailed technical advice and we hope the company will continue to update this section, especially as it contains vehicle-specific information: https://www.moogparts.co.uk/support/lightvehicles/technical-tips.html.
Interrelated steering and suspension repairs will not be disappearing but they will be evolving
ZF Aftermarket's brands, which include Lemförder (for steering components), Sachs (shock absorbers and associated parts) and TRW (steering & suspension) are covered by ZF [pro] Tech, the company's training and knowledge-based initiative that is aimed to help garages futureproof their businesses. ZF Aftermarket told us that, "A one-off affordable fee gives garages access to ZF [pro]Tech start: a personalised technical support & information hub. Membership includes access to ZF’s technical knowledge, discounted training courses and free access to OEM service campaign information across all systems, not just ZF. This operates via an online portal and technical helpline." KYB offers free support for its springs and dampers to make fitting easier and impart best practice techniques. Like many other suppliers, information is provided in the product boxes but technical bulletins are also added, where needed.
STEERING & SUSPENSION
MEYLE highlights its instruction leaflets and installation tips that are supplied in the box to the instructional videos on the Meyle TV YouTube channel. In addition to this, the Meyle service team is always available to provide on-demand advice and assistance when needed. febi, part of the bilstein group, also strives to provide as much information and support as possible with its extensive Steering and Suspension parts range. While these include bilstein group infos and Protips (more about which is covered in our clutch editorial), use the Product Highlights to expand your knowledge, because they focus on a specific part in the febi steering and suspension parts range, including the product functions and the most common failures. More in-depth technical articles look at how a specific component works, or details a real-life case diagnostic case study, including how the issue was resolved. The bilstein group also offers "How To" videos that also impart best practice tips.
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