April 2020

I t’s worth reminding ourselves about the extent of the systems in question: “Up to 70 steering and chassis components may be installed in a typical passenger car,” said Richard Adgey, Head of Product Management, ZF Aftermarket, “each fulfilling a vital role in retaining and guiding the wheels. As they effectively connect the vehicle to the road, these parts are critical to safety and driving comfort. ZF Aftermarket is ideally placed to support the independent aftermarket in this respect, continually expanding its Lemförder and TRW product brand portfolios to meet demand.” Certain replacement operations require specialist tools. Richard explained: “Correct press tools are needed rather than a vice and sockets to remove and replace control arm bushes, and appropriate tensioning and crimping tools are recommended to secure steering boot clamps. “Steering boots and gaiters ensure that no moisture or particulate contaminants enter the steering gear or tie rod ball joints. The smallest crack can allow damp, dirt and winter road salts into the moving parts of the steering gear and cause corrosion. “In a hydraulic steering system, corrosion on the steering rack will tear its seals, causing fluid loss and a potential failure of steering assistance. In an electrically driven steering system, the sensitive inner electrical and mechanical components can be compromised, leading to noise, sluggish response and other malfunctions. 40 AFTERMARKET APRIL 2020 STEERING AND SUSPENSION www.aftermarketonline.net MEETING THE ROAD HALFWAY Steering and suspension helps the driver meet the road halfway: Find out what’s changing as new ideas and challenges enter the mix Above: Special tool for steering gaiter clamps “If replacement of a steering boot is necessary, the workshop must pay particular attention to the quality of seal achieved, the correct tools to fasten the clamps, and applying silicone grease to enhance sealing where recommended by the manufacturer.” Pre-assembled Richard continued: “Workshops can save time and effort by installing TRW steering gear with pre-assembled tie rods and steering boots, ZF Aftermarket markets steering systems under the TRW brand for over 98% of European passenger car models. “With TRW steering racks, pumps and column drives fitted to a third of European vehicles, and a quarter of vehicles throughout the world, ZF Aftermarket can offer a broad