To assist automotive workshops stay aggressive on this increasing market, ZF Aftermarket has expanded its spare components program for digital dampers. With a spread extension of 33 new half numbers by the tip July, the enterprise has doubled the variety of Sachs authentic spare components obtainable to the unbiased aftermarket (IAM).
Luxurious autos and sports activities vehicles, in addition to many mid-range autos and SUVs are additionally geared up with electronically adjustable dampers, such because the Sachs CDC (Steady Damping Management).
The CDC digital damper system has been in large-scale manufacturing because the mid-2000s and is obtainable for a lot of autos in collection proper right down to the compact automotive class. So far, ZF has produced in extra of 34 million CDC dampers. In step with this, unbiased automobile dealerships may be assured that digital dampers shall be put in within the autos of a rising share of their buyer fleets.
ZF Aftermarket has responded to this pattern by including 33 new half numbers by finish of July to double its aftermarket provide of CDC dampers. The brand new to vary extension covers a wide range of makes and fashions together with Audi A6, BMW 5, 6 and seven fashions, and the Porsche Macan.
However earlier than any restore may be carried out, the workshop should first deduce if digital dampers are put in on the automobile, so they should understand how to do that. In some circumstances, the automobile proprietor himself or herself could not even find out about this tools function, for instance if she or he purchased the automotive second-hand.
If the automobile is fitted with a CDC which has an exterior valve, it’s straightforward. Right here, the proportional valve, which is answerable for adjusting the damping forces, is situated externally within the decrease part of the damper tube.
If nonetheless, it’s fitted with dampers with inner valves, these can solely be recognized by the cable that protrudes from the piston rod. And that is housed in an space of the automobile which is, normally, unfamiliar to the technician as they gained’t go to this space even when altering the wheel, for instance. Subsequently, they should search for different issues which point out the presence of an digital damper system. These may be discovered within the type of switches or buttons with a damper image within the cockpit or show space and there can even be dashboard warning lights to point out defects.
Since shock absorber put on is gradual, typically drivers both don’t discover the altering driving conduct of their automobile, or over time merely get used to it. Digital elements make it tougher for workshop personnel to detect indicators of damage on these components, as a result of to a sure extent the variable valves can compensate for the consequences. Moreover, digital dampers can’t be precisely examined utilizing standard shock absorber take a look at strategies.
However the put on is there nonetheless. For instance, if the sealing tape across the damper piston is worn away then an oil bypass will type at this level which the management system can’t compensate for. The sturdiness of variable dampers is subsequently not per se better than that of standard, purely hydraulic designs. On the finish of the service life, subsequently, the identical destructive results on driving security happen: better physique actions and lack of contact between tyre and street can result in longer braking distances and subsequently unsafe driving conduct.
As well as, a brand new class of injury is rising, to {the electrical} and digital methods. This ranges from kinked cables, corroded plugs and sensor impairment to break brought on by animals, significantly martens that are infamous for damaging {the electrical} methods by chewing on uncovered wires and tubes beneath a automotive’s bonnet/hood. Any harm of this type is indicated by a dashboard warning gentle. And in some autos, the engine will even robotically change to emergency mode if the damper adjustment fails.