manufacturers are constantly developing
their trailer axles, components and
parts, building on the latest science and
technology, to deliver the highest levels of
performance in their systems.
The vehicle manufacturers and OE
suppliers invest millions each year in R&D
and testing to ensure that the components
offer the highest levels of performance
and safety.
run significant risks to life and limb.
Even the use of non-OE accessories –
including non-approved tyres, rims and
wheel hub covers – can increase the risk of
accident. Should the worst happen, when
the finger of blame is inevitably pointed,
legally the driver, the maintenance
manager and the fleet owner/manager all
bear the burden of responsibility.
These components are designed-in from
the outset, the manufacturers specify
exact parameters for materials, torque
values and permissible load limits. The quality of non-OE components
can vary wildly. There is no way of
knowing where or how a part has been
manufactured, and no information on the
quality of the materials used.
They do not, and cannot, assess
replacement parts from external
sources, so there is no guarantee that
the aftermarket suppliers will meet the
specifications for these critical parameters. Even if the part is of high quality, it
won't have been designed-in from the
start. Using an OE part is the only way to
guarantee suitability and the only way to
maintain any outstanding warranty.
Significant deviations from the original
specification are not only possible, but,
in fact, likely. If you deviate from the
permissible or required tightening
processes and torque values, then you So how can the fleet operator ensure that
he is getting approved OE replacement
parts? The simple answer is to source
parts directly from the manufacturer or an
approved dealer.
This information should usually be readily
available on the manufacturer's website,
but if you can't find it then most OE parts
are supplied with QR codes or hologram
stickers to indicate their OE status.
Do be careful when specifying parts and
remember, just because a part says it's
suitable for a system it doesn't make it OE
approved. For example, genuine parts for
legacy Mercedas-Benz axle systems are
only available in the UK from JOST Axle
Systems and Mercedes-Benz.
There are many aftermarket parts on the
market that are advertised as Mercedes-
Benz Trailer Axle Systems, but, unless
those parts come from one of these two
companies, they are not OE parts.
The problems that can accrue from the use
of non-OE parts can quickly hit the bottom
line; failing time and again to deliver the
performance, durability, reliability and
ultimate longevity of genuine OE parts.
Not only that, use of these non-OE parts
can invalidate warranty and compromise
safety.
Issue 28 PECM
119