Schaeffler’s REPXPERT team has spent the last few months making sure technicians are keeping the front-end auxiliary drive (FEAD) system at the forefront of their minds. We spoke to Schaeffler REPXPERT Alistair Mason, who explained why taking the time to assess this critical system is so important: “If the FEAD system or belt should fail, that’s bad in itself, but it could potentially cause a lot more damage. The risk is that if the belt gets behind the pulley it can actually get drawn into the timing belt system. If that then affects or derails the timing belt, then it can cause catastrophic engine damage. “A lot of vehicle manufacturers are now putting a service 34 AFTERMARKET SEPTEMBER 2023 TECHNICAL www.aftermarketonline.net Schaeffler’s REPXPERTs are highlighting to garages to the importance of best practice around timing systems, so customers don’t end up coming unstuck schedule on the auxiliary drive belt on the front of the engine, either for time or mileage, whichever comes first. The trouble is that every manufacturer is different. “A timing belt replacement is quite a common job. In many cases, part of that procedure is that you have to remove the auxiliary drive belt. What we always advise is that you replace both belts at the same time. You've got to take it off, it's part of the job, and you have to put it back on, again because it's part of the job. So why not put a fresh one on? There's no real additional labour involved.” Preventative maintenance Through the INA brand, the entire FEAD kit is available, as Above: When a garage has a car in for a FEAD system replacement, you need the right parts CAN YOU FEEL THE TENSION?
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