INA adds to tensioner parts range
Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket (UK) Ltd has introduced a number of significant new original equipment (OE) INA tensioner parts into the UK and Irish automotive aftermarket.
Fifty-five new part numbers have been added for Front End Auxiliary Drive (FEAD) systems, 26 Primary Drive Components and two Over Running Alternator Pulleys (OAPs), resulting in INA servicing the requirements of almost nine million additional vehicles.
New to range is a FEAD belt idler pulley for vehicles that include the Ford B-Max, Fiesta, C-Max, Grand C-Max, Focus II, III, Transit, 1.0 EcoBoost, 1.25, 1.4, 1.6Ti, 1.8 and 2.0, 2008-, and FEAD kits for the VAG A3, Alta, Leon, Toledo, Octavia, Superb, Caddy III, Golf, Golf Plus, Jetta, Passat and Touran 1.9TDi and 2.0TDi, 2003-, and Ford Galaxy, plus the Ford Focus 1.4 16v, 1.6 16v 2002-2004 (with air-con).
There’s also FEAD kits for BMW 1 and 3 Series models including the 116d, 118d, 120d, 123d and 330d (with air-con/electric PAS), 2003-, 118d, 120d, 318d and 320d (M47) (air-con/manual transmission) 2003-, (with air-con/manual transmission and air-con/automatic transmission).
A new OAP has been introduced to cater for models that include the Citroen C-Elysee 1.2 Vti, C3 II 1.0 Vti, 1.2 Vti, DS3 1.2 Vti, 208 1.0, 1.2, 301 1.2 Vti, and 2008, 1.2 Vti, 2012-
Every fifth car driving on the world’s roads is fitted with an OAP, which is an integral part of the Front End Auxiliary Drive (FEAD), designed to absorb vibrations and fluctuations in the belt system.
Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket (UK) Ltd says that auxiliary belt tensioners are notorious for being ignored and vehicle manufacturers give little or no advice about replacing them apart from merely suggesting “check the condition” on recommended service intervals.
INA engineers suggest reminding customers that the FEAD tensioners and pulleys that maintain the belt tension driving all of the safety critical components, such as belt driven PAS or brake vacuum pumps, will have done the same mileage as the timing belt tensioners and pulleys which are now routinely changed as a kit. They may also been subjected to worse conditions than the timing belt system, as they are usually exposed and not covered.
Probably the most obvious reason not to ignore the FEAD is that in most vehicle applications you have to remove the FEAD belt and tensioner to replace the timing belt, so renewing it will incur a minimum cost to the vehicle owner. The failure of any component on the FEAD system could also lead to complete and sometimes catastrophic engine failure if the FEAD belt wraps around the crank pulley and enters the timing system.
Malcolm Short, Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket (UK) Ltd Technical Services Manager, said: “With two million FEAD belt replacements per year the profit opportunity in replacing FEAD tensioners, idler pulleys and OAPs is there for all to see and as the largest OE supplier of FEAD components with more than 800 references, INA can offer the best and most up-to-date original equipment content range in the aftermarket.”
Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket (UK) Ltd is renowned for its INA brand, together with LuK clutches and FAG wheel bearings; all of which are backed by technical support and repair installation tips through the RepXpert website (www.RepXpert.com) and a technical hotline – Tel: 08457 001100, Ireland Tel: +44 (0)1432 264264.
