Safety and comfort from Roadlink suspension range
Roadlink International has highlighted some of the advantages of its suspension components range, which includes parts from Weweler, Al-Ko and Koni.
“With suspension parts being such a critical aspect of road handling and grip and therefore safety and comfort, choosing a quality brand is essential,” said the company.
“Weweler, or VDL Weweler-Colaert to give them their proper name, are a world-renowned manufacturer who specialises in leaf springs (Multi & Parabolic) and trailing arms for air suspension. Operating globally, they produce components from their ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing facilities in Belgium and Holland.
“Through their process of reverse engineering, Weweler ensures their range of suspension leaf springs are the best around and equivalent to or better than OEM. That is why they are used as OEM products for a variety of manufacturers who put their trust and safety reputations in VDL Weweler-Colaert.”
Roadlink emphasises the durability of the Weweler springs.
“The manufacturing process of shotpeening and stresspeening undertaken by Weweler adds tensile strength and reduces the stress profile of the component,” said the firm.
“This simply translates as a leaf spring that can be up to x3 longer lasting and more durable than others – backed by a 2-year warranty from Roadlink.
“Shotpeening is a cold work process used to impart compressive residual stresses on to the surface of a component, which results in modified mechanical properties. The shotpeening process is used to add strength and reduce the stress profile of components.
“Stresspeening is a surface enhancement process used to impart compressive residual stresses into fatigue-prone metals. This process increases fatigue strength by delaying the initiation of cracking.”
Meanwhile a specially developed water-based paint, used in all of Weweler’s leaf springs, also ensures that Weweler springs remain corrosion free for longer, says Roadlink. It is said to be more effective against corrosion than many other traditionally used, zinc-based paints.
Complementing the Weweler leaf springs, Roadlink also offers Weweler trailing arms for air suspension trailers.
“Also benefiting from greater durability than other trailing arms, these are 3D shaped to ensure a better connecting fit on the axle as well as increased functional ability,” the company continued.
“The durability and quality of materials used is why Roadlink International exclusively offers Weweler springs and its range of U-Bolts and fitting kits. Distributor access to over 70,000 cross references ensures guarantee of correct part specification.”
Having a quality leaf spring will count for nothing if paired with a below par shock absorber on the axle, says Roadlink, adding that this informs its brand offering of shock absorbers for truck, trailer and bus applications.
“Al-Ko is one of the world’s most recognisable and well-known brands in the CV market,” said Roadlink.
“Part of the Al-Ko group, this Bilbao based company can proudly claim to have their shock absorbers fitted on over half of all new European-produced air suspended trailer axles…
“With such a reputation, Roadlink’s range of Al-Ko shock absorbers have to deliver on quality. Incorporating viton 
seals and pistons with a teflon band throughout the shock absorber ensures that oil leaks or weeps are extremely rare. These are designed to last.”
Roadlink offers a three-year warranty with all of its Al-Ko products.
The company also distributes another well-known shock absorber brand, Koni.
“With a prestigious history in Motorsport F1, Koni developed a range of shock absorbers with its revolutionary FSD (Frequency Selective Dampening) technology for the CV market,” added the firm.
“Koni Evo 99 bus shock absorber was one of the product ranges that incorporated this groundbreaking technology. In standard shock absorbers, the main dampening characteristics are defined by the oil going through the piston assembly…a sufficient amount of oil pressure will give you correct dampening, too much or too little could mean excessive discomfort and instability.
“With a FSD (Frequency Selective Dampening) absorber, Koni has added a special valve which controls an oil flow parallel to the one going through the piston. In effect, offering a ‘tuning feature’ for your shock absorber to get the best balance of comfort and ride stability.”
More information is available from Roadlink International or regional distributors.
