Do you have the right tool?
Bearings from Schaeffler's FAG programme
Published: 04 March, 2014
If you have your bearings, you will know all about Generation 1 type single row ball and tapered roller bearings, oh and there's the double row ball too, you also have the double row tapered roller bearings known as Gen 1T and let's not forget hub units! The Gen 2 bearing from Schaeffler's FAG programme is used as original equipment in models made by Ford, Land Rover, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Smart, Volkswagen, the Audi Group and Volvo. Its simple construction combines a pre-assembled hub flange combined with a Gen 1 bearing but most applications require an encoder seal which sends a signal to the ECU to activate systems such as ABS, traction control and ESP. It is possible to damage them during fitment so specially designed tools are available to prevent this from happening. The two-piece collar comes in a range of sizes and sits in the space between the rear of the hub flange and the retaining ring - all of the force applied is then evenly distributed through the outer race. Tool kits specifically for Gen 2 bearings are available from Hazet, Klann and Sykes Pickavant.
- Original pulleys
A batch of original equipment INA tensioner parts for popular European and Far Eastern models have been released by Schaeffler and cover city cars, popular saloons and light commercials including the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. The new parts include six Over Running Alternator Pulleys (OAP) for models including the Lexus/Toyota IS II 200d and 220d, Auris Avensis, RAV 4 II, Land Cruiser 3.0D and the Hyundai/Kia i20, ix20, i30, Rio, Soul and Sportage. One in five cars driving on the world's roads is fitted with an OAP, an integral part of the front end auxiliary drive (FEAD) system as is absorbs vibrations. FEAD belt deflection pulleys have been released for nearly 180,000 vehicles including the Mercedes C and E Class variants, Sprinter, Vito and Viano.
- Parts to compete on price
The First Line range of wheel bearings includes over 1,000 part references and recent kits cover the Ford Focus III (2011 on), Nissan Juke (2010 on) and the Land Rover Evoque. The parts are backed by a two-year or 24,000 mile warranty. A full repair can be undertaken with these kits as they include all the necessary accessories such as locking nuts, stretch bolts and oil seals. The firm has also introduced a Key Parts brand for when price is the primary concern. The range includes over 150 bearing kits and hub units and covers most of the UKs popular applications including the Ford Transit and VW Golf.
- Unlimited mileage
The growing range of Blue Print's wheel bearing kits now encompasses over 900 references for 4,500 applications. The products are supported by a three year unlimited mileage warranty. Kits added this month are for the Toyota Auris 2010>2012, Nissan Sunny 1998>2004 and the Nissan Cabstar 2000>2007.
- From strength to strength
A further 62 part numbers, incorporating 25 brake discs, 21 filters and 16 hub assembly kits, join Comline's 7,500-strong product range. The products cover all major European, Japanese and Korean vehicles and include an air filter for Fiat 500, oil filter for Renault Master, Nissan Qashqai+2, Vauxhall Movano, a brake disc for BMW's 2, 3 and 4 Series and a hub assembly kit for the Nissan Qashqai.
- Flexible alignment
A mobile alignment product has been produced by Absolute Alignment, specialists in providing Rav 4 wheel alignment equipment. The Rav TD1760 WS Bluetooth wheel aligner runs on domestic power or a small generator. It has Bluetooth alignment heads and wheel clamps which fit most vehicles, turnplates and adjustable wheel stands - ideal for mobile mechanics and motorsport teams. Technical sales director Chris Dear says the advantage of this product is that it doesn't require a dedicated area to work in, "We've had our units in use in home garages and even outdoor driveways. As long as the area is reasonably flat the wheel stands can compensate for the basics, leaving the clever Rav software to do the rest."
