It's 'Spring Time' for GKN Aftermarket

ROESRATH, Germany, March 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Suspension springs are becoming increasingly important replacement parts for repair shops and service centers, with damage to coil springs rising steadily over the last few years. While corrosion previously was the main culprit, the causes in today's automotive world are many.

First, despite automakers' attempts at lightweighting, vehicles are getting heavier, causing higher spring loads. Because of the lightweighting dictum, engineers seldom specify more robust springs. Add to this optional larger-diameter wheels and lower-profile tires – popular with drivers – which pair poorly with increasingly bad road surfaces, and even more load is channelled through the springs.

When choosing a suitable spring supplier, repair shops definitely must pay close attention to the supplier's OE expertise. Optimal ride and handling characteristics only can be retained when the replacement parts match OE specifications. Specific criteria to heed include:

• Original dimensions such as length and wire diameter should comply with the exact OE specs (constant or varying diameter along the length of the spring).
• Response characteristics and hardness of the replacement springs should match those of the original component.
• The replacement spring should match the option requirements for the trim level.  For accuracy and speed in the assembly plant, automakers color code springs to their performance characteristics to avoid installation mix-ups. The color coding may confuse personnel in repair shops.

Spidan® coil springs offer exactly the same color markings as series-production springs, making life easier for repair shops. Because Spidan uses identical spring steels and complies with original design specifications, repair shops can achieve a 1:1 swap for ride and handling characteristics. Spidan springs also come with factory-fitted protective sheaths over the first coils, a frequently overlooked detail of most modern coil springs.

Protective sheaths provide effective noise insulation between the suspension and bodywork. Depending on axle and bodyshell designs, some springs make ideal sound bridges. If sheaths are missing, springs can transmit not only their own noise, but also noise from other suspension parts. Replacement springs missing their sheaths can become a source of new noise, which can very quickly lead to customer returns.

Together with multiple paint layers, protective sheaths also improve corrosion resistance in those areas particularly susceptible to mechanical load (e.g. wearing of the spring element on the spring plate) or stone chips. Where factory specification requires, Spidan springs are fitted with OE-quality protective sheaths.

GKN Driveline Service is confident in the quality of its Spidan springs, offering an extended five-year warranty if the springs are replaced in pairs – the best guarantee of safe handling characteristics.

About GKN Driveline Service

GKN Driveline Service is the world's leading supplier of original GKN driveline components and systems, covering demand for premium spare parts in the independent aftermarket. We offer the most comprehensive range of drive products through wholesalers and local parts dealers. Our product range includes side shafts, joint kits, boot kits and longitudinal shafts. In addition, we offer a wide range of suspension springs and steering components under the SPIDAN brand. More information can be found at: www.gkndriveline.com/aftermarket.

SOURCE GKN Driveline