Aftermarket June 2023

JUNE 2023 AFTERMARKET 45 Below: Dayco BIO system on Ford’s Fox engine “One of the key messages shared by all clutch manufacturers is the importance of correct engine to gearbox alignment. Before offering up the gearbox, the Borg & Beck engineers advise technicians to align the input shaft with the hub spline of the clutch disc and not allow the weight of the gearbox to hang off the spline, as this could cause the drive plate to break apart.” Another potential problem to consider is over lubrication: “Lubrication of the spline shaft should be kept to a fine film, using the sachet supplied with your Borg & Beck clutch kit. Alternatively, any high-performance, highmelting point, non-copper-based grease can be used. Excessive greasing can affect the performance of the new clutch, so always remove the excess. “If the vehicle has a Concentric Slave Cylinder (CSC) fitted and it is being replaced, it is also vital that you avoid the temptation to compress the new CSC, as this can cause damage because out of the box the seal is dry. You must ensure that the CSC mounting face is clean and any seals, gaskets or sealant should be used as per the vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines.” To request a free poster, visit: www.firstlineltd.com/posters Reman market Commenting on the latest trends in the reman transmission market, Ivor Searle Commercial Director David Eszenyi said: “The market for remanufactured gearboxes continues to be strong in 2023 with particularly robust demand for LCV applications. According to the latest SMMT data, vans now make up almost one in eight vehicles in use, the largest proportion recorded, while the average age for a van on the road is nine years old. This has translated into a growing number of higher mileage vehicles in the LCV parc needing OEM standard transmissions to replace failed units. “Price is the main advantage remanufactured gearboxes offer to workshops, with Ivor Searle quality replacement units costing around 40% less than a brand-new OEM transmission. This helps to reduce the replacement cost for customers and provides garages with a competitive edge. While it is more economical to source a remanufactured transmission, quality is a key factor that also needs to be considered when choosing a supplier.“ Automatic gearbox oil change Advising on changing the oil in automatic gearboxes, Innovations Manager at MEYLE Michael Grimm said: “Transmission oil undergoes a natural ageing process, with the oil wearing out and additives diminishing over time. So it’s all the more important to change the oil. This prevents damage to the transmission and maintains transmission function and driving comfort. MEYLE offers over 115 automatic transmission service kits, which come with all the filters, seals, screws, drain/intake plugs, magnets and the quantity of transmission oil the application calls for. The range is very popular, which is why it is being significantly extended to cover more than 11,000 vehicle applications. In addition, MEYLE’s advice makes changing the oil even easier.” 1. Before you change the oil, read the manufacturer’s instructions, and the transmission oil specifications, and be sure to follow them. This is because disallowed gearbox oil can cause implausible changing operations and major gearbox damage. 2. Scan the fault memory using the diagnostic interface and, ideally, print out saved faults. This will help you identify any existing damage and avoid unnecessary servicing. 3. Lift the vehicle as horizontally as possible on the lift. That way you can measure the oil level accurately. 4. Check the external mechatronic plug-in connector for leaks. If necessary, replace the plug casing and seal, tighten it with the prescribed torque, or check that the plug catch is positioned correctly. All the seals and plug casings you need are included in the MEYLE kit. 5. You should always replace the sump screw, as once-off stress bolts are often used. New oil sump screws are included in the MEYLE kit. 6. Drain any remaining oil from the torque converter if you can. To do so, turn the torque converter to the right position. With some gearboxes you have to remove the additional oil pump to get to the torque converter’s outlet screw. 7. Run the engine at raised revs of between around 1,500 and 2,000 RPM, under no load, in neutral, for 20 seconds to fill the torque converter. The same applies to a gearbox that does not have an outlet screw on its torque converter. 8. Measure the correct oil level once the transmission oil has reached the prescribed temperature. Again, comply with manufacturer instructions. 9. Reset adaption values. With some vehicles, the manufacturer stipulates transmission adaption after changing the oil, which is done on a suitable test bed or while driving, using the menus on the diagnostic device. For more advise, check out the range of video tutorials on MEYLE’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/MEYLETV

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