Borg & Beck: quality is key for steering and suspension
First Line Ltd, which supplies components under the Borg & Beck brand, has emphasised the safety-critical nature of steering and suspension systems and the consequent importance of selecting quality parts.
Kevin Neaverson, global sales director for First Line Ltd, is urging the aftermarket to opt for quality for added reassurance on UK roads.
When it comes to replacement steering and suspension components, any alternative option has to safeguard the independent garage in terms of its quality, reliability and dependability, the company contends; potential supply partners need to demonstrate that the components in their range are developed, and production parts routinely tested, at a level above and beyond the specifications of the original equipment (OE) items that they replace.
For the Borg & Beck steering and suspension programme offered by First Line, the company implements more than 18 different product assessments including metallurgical analysis, dynamic load testing, destructive fatigue testing and product specific tests, such as ball pin pull load tests and radial movement measurement.
The entire range is produced to OE specification by its manufacturing partners, who operate under ISO9001 and TS16949 certification.
“Borg & Beck suspension parts also feature a forged ball in the housings of its torque rods and V-stay bars, to ensure increased longevity in comparison to the cast parts that are increasingly common in the marketplace,” said the firm.
“As a result, all Borg & Beck CV components are supplied with a 24-month, unlimited mileage warranty against manufacturing defects for total peace of mind.
“As well as being branded and batch-coded for full traceability, all Borg & Beck steering and suspension parts are fully E-coated using a process called electrophoresis. This is an organic, water-based process that uses positively charged paint to coat the part and is commonly used throughout the automotive industry for parts that operate in hostile conditions.
“The key advantages of this process including the fact that it coats all forms of metal, offers exceptional corrosion resistance in all weather conditions and provides a uniform coating across the entire surface of the product. In addition, it is environmentally friendly, has a high resistance to stone chips and other debris and provides excellent protection from chemical degeneration by oil/brake fluid etc.
“With an established OE heritage and a reputation for providing premium quality CV programmes, Borg & Beck offers the independent a credible alternative to OE derived parts for DAF, Scania, Renault, Volvo, Mercedes- Benz, MAN and Iveco applications and the steering and suspension range is therefore comprehensive and now consists of more than 420 part numbers.”
