Experts warn about the true cost of cheap products

Unreliably sourced components can lead to disaster, say Corteco

Experts warn about the true cost of cheap products
Typical shortcuts taken by the manufacturers of inadequate TVD substitutes are to omit the damping element and the viscous oil layer.

A Torsional Vibration Damper that failed prematurely after just 1,000 miles and left a garage facing a bill of up to £4,000 for remedial engine repairs, was not fit for purpose, a report by Corteco has found.

Made the subject of a claim and returned to the local motor factor as a ‘manufacturing fault’, Corteco was called in to investigate.

Corteco is the aftermarket distribution arm of Freudenberg Group, which is the world’s leading manufacturer of TVDs and vibration control products for the automotive industry.

Corteco sales and marketing manager, Steve Jarnet said: “It’s not clear where this part came from but the investigation proved conclusively that the TVD could not have been supplied as an OE quality product.”

He urges garages not to assume product credibility just because it fits the appropriate application.

“It’s what’s inside that counts. This TVD was not fit for purpose. It was always going to cause the drive system to fail.”

The report found that key internal elements of an OE quality TVD were absent.

With the help of the Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association (OESAA), Corteco has been advising garages that they can be deceived and that suppliers with an OE connection are the only reliable source.

Typical shortcuts taken by the manufacturers of inadequate TVD substitutes are to omit the damping element and the viscous oil layer, which actually provide the vibration control.

Steve Jarnet adds: “The affect on the garage’s reputation is probably the most serious consequence in this particular case, which proves that installing cheaper parts of unknown origin can be very expensive indeed.

“Peace of mind and the support of an OE supplier makes all the difference.”

To find out more about Corteco, select the ‘More Details’ link below.

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