Fitment Centre Feature
Gabriel Releases
4x4 Suspension
Tester
Gabriel has upgraded its passenger vehicle suspension tester
range to include vehicles with a maximum axle weight of 2.5 tons.
T
he Gabriel tester differentiates itself
from similar competitive products in
that the software is fully adapted to
the local market. The tester covers a total
of 17 000 vehicles in the South African car
parc and warns operators to check the
vehicle’s tyre pressure as part of the test,
a first for the country. The system also
provides comprehensive reports of the
vehicle’s shock absorber status as well
as recommendations on the required part
number needed.
Gabriel began investigating the
suspension testing market over three
years ago, but was unable to find a
solution that exactly fitted the South
African environment. “In 2011 we
narrowed our search down to two
international companies and solutions,”
says Sean Staley, Control InstrumentsAutomotive divisional head – Ride
Control. “After an extensive evaluation
we selected one of the world’s most
advanced systems and have, over the
past 12 months, worked with local retail
stores and overseas engineers to deliver
an effective retail solution, including
customised software and reporting
capabilities.”
As part of the next phase of the
programme, the suspension tester
upgrade is now available for 4x4 vehicles
and SUVs.
The customer and fitment centre reports
have also been upgraded, allowing for ease
of retail review and interpretation.
“In addition, in what is believed to be a first,
Gabriel has incorporated its entire parts
list for the South African car park into the
system’s database, recommending the
vehicle’s part number as well as alternate
Gabriel part numbers. This, coupled with
the quotation format, enables retail staff t o
easily quote on the correct part and help
conclude the sale quicker,” he says.
Beware of shock
tester imitations
Gabriel warns that imported versions
of shock testers could present risks to
consumers.
“Gabriel’s Actia Muller shock tester has
been adapted by Control InstrumentsAutomotive to meet local market
conditions. The test results provide a true
reflection of the vehicle’s shocks, based
on extensive software modifications made
by our company to the basic product,”
says Sean Staley, Control InstrumentsAutomotive divisional head – Drive Control.
“Gabriel spent over 12 months developing
and adapting the Actia Muller system for
the SA market.
“Gabriel’s aim is to make shock and
suspension testing easy for its
workshop and fitment centre
clients. It will provide a
comprehensive and
accurate alternative to
the current equipment on
the market, that utilises the
traditional “bounce” test or testers,
which are not suited to the local
market,” he continues.
We have been alerted by some clients and
fitment centres that certain competitive
products give suspect results such as
recommending new shocks on almost brand
new vehicles.”
Mr Staley says incorrect interpretation of
shock tester results can also be a problem.
That is why the Gabriel shock tester
produces a printed report that cannot be
altered. “What stops the fitment centre from
misrepresenting the results to generate
a sale?” he asks. “Our system cannot be
manipulated to do this.”
There is also a problem with handwritten
test reports, says Staley. “This lowers
the integrity of the test by removing the
connection between the test data and the
mechanical test. In adapting the system,
there needs to be compensation for
lower road adherence for light-rear axle
configuration vehicles.”
Gabriel’s shock tester measures CAP (Phase
Damping Coefficient). On the test screen it
shows the road adherence factors but this
does not form part of pass/fail criteria. It
is this technology which distinguishes the
Gabriel shock tester from other machines.
Road adherence is influenced by axle mass
and tyre pressure which makes testing of
light axle vehicles difficult.
CAP is not affected as much by mass or tyre
pressure and allows light axle vehicles to be
tested on the same pass/fail criteria. Front
and rear-axle compensation on the Gabriel
test bench also allows for front and rear axle
pass/fail criteria on the same CAP
scale, overall giving a significantly
more accurate reading.
“As a shock absorber
manufacturer, we have an
obligation to the public to ensure that our
product is suitable for the local market,”
he motivates.
| words in action
42
may 2014