Gold star for clutch data
Clutches from Comline
Published: 04 November, 2014
Over 7,500 part numbers are available from British distributor Comline, including braking products, CV joint kits, water pumps, oils, wipers, steering & suspension parts and clutch kits. The firm focuses on single mass flywheel clutch kits as it believes these are more reliable than dual mass flywheel variants. Ensuring customers have all the relevant data they need to source parts is a big undertaking and a large team of data handlers at Comline compile the extensive application and cross-referencing data. This effort has been recognised as the brand has again been classified as an 'A' rated Certified Data Supplier by TecDoc.
- 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.
- Don't forget the tube
The Borg & Beck range of clutch products from First Line has reached 2,000 part numbers, covering traditional 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 clutch kits, concentric slave cylinder and solid flywheel kits and a growing range of clutch master and slave cylinders. The manufacturer offers the single mass flywheel replacement kit for models that have suffered a worn or failed DMF. This uses a long travel clutch damper technology to give similar performance to that of the original DMF but with an increased lifespan. More than 50 kits are available, the latest of which replace the DMF and clutch on the Vauxhall 1.3 CDTi diesel engine, used in the Corsa Mk II and II, Meriva, Tigra and Combo vans. A number of clutch master cylinders and clutch slave cylinders also join its clutch programme. The firm says that although the clutch guide tube is not officially part of the clutch kit, it recommends replacing the guide tube when a replacement clutch is installed. If not, it can cause the release bearing to become misaligned which can cause slipping or clutch control issues.
- Original material
The AP brand of clutch parts from SMPE covers 95% of the aftermarket, offering clutch systems, solid flywheels, clutch cover assemblies, drive/friction plates, concentric slave cylinders and clutch/cylinder kits. The range is made up of over 1,300 kits for more than 80 vehicle manufacturers. During the manufacturing process, only original equipment-approved suppliers are used for materials, for facings, castings etc. to ensure high quality parts that are interchangeable with original equipment fitted to the vehicle by the VM.
- New tech for aftermarket
Long Travel Damper (LTD) Dual Mass Flywheel technology is being introduced into the aftermarket by Valeo which divides acceleration input to the gearbox by more than two at all engine speeds. This technology is important for fuel-saving engines which have a higher torque so generate more vibrations, especially at low speed. The LTD DMF absorbs these, making for a more comfortable ride. It can be adapted on manual, hybrid and wet dual clutch transmission applications. Valeo's OE quality range includes more than 1,900 references and comprises traditional clutch kits, high-efficiency kits, self-adjusting clutch kits, dual mass flywheels, master cylinders and concentric slave cylinders. The parts are supplied under a film to prevent components from moving during carriage.
- All set for increased demand
Comline's filter range provides over 1,400 part numbers providing air, oil, fuel and cabin filters for over 95% of the European, Japanese and Korean car parc. Recent additions cover vehicles introduced in 2012 and after to cater for imminent demand in the aftermarket and include an air filter for the Fiat 500/Panda, oil filter for the Audi A3, VW Golf, Seat Leon and Skoda Octavia and an air filter for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The firm says each filter is manufactured using the latest ISO production procedures to ensure reliability and the price is kept down due to the company's lean structure - no field-based reps, no company cars, electric-only catalogues etc). With a broad, up-to-date range of high-quality filters available at competitive prices, it's easy to see why Comline has become one of the foremost filter suppliers in the aftermarket.
