Schaeffler adds to FAG wheel bearing range
Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket (UK) Ltd FAG wheel bearings’ range has grown dramatically over the past 12 months with parts for more than 3.16 million additional vehicles being introduced in 2012.
The FAG brand’s expansion has seen significant increases in both its passenger car and light commercial vehicle (LCV) offering.
Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket (UK) Ltd Technical Services Manager Malcolm Short said: “We consistently grew our range of FAG wheel bearings throughout 2012 which has significantly increased our coverage of both the car and LCV vehicle parc.
“We introduced new FAG part numbers for nearly three-and-a-quarter million additional vehicles last year and will continue to grow the FAG range throughout 2013 to make our proposition for independent garages even stronger.”
A significant recent initiative was the introduction of the Gen 2 RIU repair solution which reduces the time it takes to remove and reinstall the wheel bearing unit by up to 60 percent.
Conceived especially for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Vito and Viano models, and for the VW Crafter, it offers garage owners a real benefit because if an LCV needs new wheel bearings, only the wheel bearing unit itself needs to be replaced, and not the complete knuckle.
The core element of the new repair solution for LCVs is a Generation 2.1 wheel bearing unit with double-row angular contact ball bearings – all components in the same OEM quality FAG is renowned for.
This compact wheel bearing unit also possesses defined and pre-set bearing play, plus life-long lubrication and sealing. Integrated as well are the wheel hub, ABS encoder and an innovative snap ring on the wheel hub side.
Because of its design and the way it’s mounted on the van, this wheel bearing unit cannot be removed and reinstalled using standard tooling.
This is why Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket (UK) Ltd offers a special removal/reassembly tool (Part No 400619910) to enable repairers to apply pressure evenly on the wheel bearing outer race during installation, so that the snap ring securely latches into the groove.
Malcolm Short added: “Solutions that minimise repair times are an important factor in a customer’s purchase decision and in customer loyalty. This is because – for companies and fleet operators – longer repair times don’t just mean major delays, but also a loss of revenue.
“The Gen 2 RIU repair solution further demonstrates the lengths we go to enable our garage customers to successfully carry out wheel bearing replacement.”
The company has also produced new posters and leaflets which set out the market-leading attributes of its 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation FAG wheel bearings.
More information for exact applications for these new FAG LCV wheel bearings is available at www.schaeffler-aftermarket.com while the new fitting tool is available from the company’s stockists.
Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket (UK)’s FAG, LuK clutch and INA tensioner brands are supported by technical support and repair installation tips through the RepXpert website (www.RepXpert.com) and a technical hotline; UK Tel: 08457 001100, Ireland Tel: +44 (0)1432 264264.