October 2019

OCTOBER 2019 AFTERMARKET 45 www.aftermarketonline.net INA KITs contain absolutely everything required to replace the system, such as tensioner, deflection and guide pulleys, right down to the last nut, bolt and washer. As belt-driven water pumps are also affected by service wear, there are also more than 230 ‘KIT+’ references available, all of which include a water pump, plus the thermostat, if necessary. When faced with a chain drive repair, most technicians will want a simple solution, which is why INA’s timing chain KITs are ‘perfectly linked’ – with every element perfectly matched to fit first time, every time.” Tim added: “The INA chain drive range also includes individual timing chains, tensioning and guide rails, hydraulic and mechanical chain tensioners, sprocket wheels and seals.” FEAD On the march of technology, Tim observed: “More vehicle systems are being introduced – air conditioning, steering pumps and Stop/Start are good examples – which draw their power from the FEAD drive, via highly complex belt routes featuring multiple tensioners and deflection pulleys. As technology continues to evolve, the load placed on the components increases. “Replacing a single defective FEAD component can help in the short- term; however, in most cases, the genuine cause of failure will most likely rest with another component that is more difficult to diagnose. INA engineers, therefore, recommend the replacement of all system components during a FEAD repair, similar to a timing belt service. This makes sense considering that both systems are very similar in design, subjected to the same hours, mileage and forces, but the FEAD belt drive is usually unprotected within the engine bay, unlike a timing belt. “With INA’s complete solution philosophy, every FEAD kit is bespoke to specific model and engine combinations, so every relevant part needed for a complete repair is in the box, like tensioning and deflection pulleys and a multi-ribbed belt. Depending on the vehicle, an overrunning alternator pulley, torsional vibration damper, water pump and other ancillaries may also be included. Tim added: “FEAD systems in older vehicles can be much less complex, as, generally, fewer components are driven, so a complete KIT may be less appropriate; therefore, technicians can take advantage of the 1,600-strong range of individual parts that cover 97% of the UK parc.” Valve train Commenting on valve train components, Tim said: “INA remains the world’s leading producer of valve train components, and as a driver of innovation that also offers switchable product solutions, it’s imperative that a high level of precision is maintained during production and installation. INA’s intelligent aftermarket valve train solutions include both hydraulic and electric variable camshaft phasers and valves, which are used to maintain optimum engine timing, increasing efficiency. Bucket tappets, finger followers and swing arms are also included in the range, as well as rocker arms and bridges. INA camshaft KITs and KITs with variable camshaft phasers have also recently been added to the product portfolio.” INA cooling systems On cooling systems, Tim observed: “Reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are the key targets of engine system designers around the world. INA are experts at providing VMs with ‘cooling on demand’ solutions; i.e. intelligently controlling engine heat flow using a thermal management module (TMM). The TMM is designed and produced by Schaeffler for OE fitment but is also exclusively distributed to the aftermarket under the INA brand. A TMM uses sensor-controlled rotary vanes to accurately regulate the temperature balance throughout the powertrain, which means that an optimal temperature can be reached quickly in up to three additional controlled circuits, such as the gearbox, engine oil and turbocharger. The TMM also controls engine temperature from start-up, resulting in a significantly quicker ‘warm-up’ phase, leading to a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 4%. For the VM, a TMM is literally a ‘bolt-on’ cooling system, including an integrated water pump, which to date has already been originally installed to more than 1.5 million Volkswagen Audi Group vehicles.” Tim concluded: “INA also offers a range of mechanical, switchable and electric water pumps, which can also be found inside relevant INA KIT+ boxes.” www.aftermarketonline.net