Gates turbocharger parts range reaches major milestone
Gates has increased its Turbocharger Hoses range by 90 part numbers, bringing the total number it now manufactures and distributes through the independent motor factor network in Ireland to exactly 1,000.
An increasing number of vehicles outside their warranty periods are now showing up at independent garages with Turbocharger hose issues. The good news is that the extended range from Gates will cover most of them and that further extensions are planned during 2022.
Not dealer only parts
Turbocharger hose replacement is usually a straightforward procedure, with little technical support required, so the addition of Turbocharger hoses to the Gates range has changed the view that they are dealer only parts.
That’s because the materials used to make these parts match all the specifications for OE Turbocharger hoses, while the assemblies are also fitted with OE-exact quick connectors, plus all other standard application-specific components. Consequently, the Gates range is a source of OE quality parts from a brand with a long history as an OE supplier of parts and systems to most of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers.
Rising demand
Gates reports that sales of Turbocharger hose replacement units for Opel (Vauxhall) Insignia (2.0TD), Mercedes-Benz C and E Class (2.2TD) and Nissan Qashqai (1.5DCI) are among the top five sellers in this market. As well as reflecting a broad range of coverage, these figures suggest that these replacement parts are adding real value to job cards in a repair market that’s on the rise.
Developing Trends in Modern Cooling Systems
A new series of webinars from Gates is recommending a thorough inspection of every modular coolant hose assembly being removed or reinstalled as part of a timing belt system overhaul.
That’s because the evidence is that more than half of the European car parc is fitted with the latest cooling system hose designs and that after 8-12 years (or 60,000-95,000 miles), the plastic connectors – as well as the plastics in the T and Y-shaped branches that are part of many of the latest designs – are failing.
A look at the top selling modular hoses is a strong indicator of the latest developing cooling system repair trends. Gates points out that the figures for this market show that the big sellers to independent garages are:
- Molded Heater Hoses: Opel (Vauxhall) Corsa (1.2/1.4L), Fiat Ducato/Ford Transit/Peugeot Boxer (2.2HDI)
- Lower Coolant Radiator Hoses: Opel (Vauxhall) Astra and Zafira (1.6/1.8L)
- Upper Coolant Radiator Hoses: Opel (Vauxhall) Corsa (1.0/1.2/1.4L)
What’s happening
Sealed joints that ensure 360 degree connections are now integral parts of many OE coolant hose designs. Correspondingly, branched modular coolant hoses, with T-shaped or Y-shaped fittings and plastic quick connectors feature on most of the latest models. Adverse high temperatures cause the plastics in these parts to fail.
Other contributing issues in engine compartments are:
- Engine vibration
- Poor/incorrect maintenance
- Low coolant levels that cause air locks/overheating
- Excessive expansion of hoses/overheating
- Oil and coolant spillages that accelerate deterioration of hose covers
Removal/refitting of connectors, or the use of incorrect worm drive clips/clamps, also compromise the quality of the sealed joints, causing subsequent leaks and comebacks.
Repair solutions
The good news is that common replacements for Modular Coolant Hoses are no longer ‘dealer only’ parts because they are available from Gates. In 2021 alone, 330 new part numbers were added and the range is now almost 3,000 strong.
Fuel Systems and Associated Parts Ranges
A new series of webinars from Gates is drawing the attention of mechanics and their workshop managers for several good reasons. They are signing up to learn more about fast and efficient solutions to developing maintenance issues, but are also discovering new product ranges.
For example, Gates has enhanced its reputation as a major supplier of fuel systems parts with the extension in 2021 of product ranges for Molded Fuel Line Hoses (60 new part numbers). It’s a Gates package that adds up to new solutions, new opportunities and fresh revenue streams.