Integral to its ride, handling and safety, a vehicle's steering and suspension system is an intricate network of linked components. Since this system is also typically one of the first affected when it comes to road abuse, those same parts can be the first to wear out or even fail - accelerating wear and tear on other parts, and compromising the vehicle’s stability, control and ultimately safety. That’s why Delphi leave no stone unturned when it comes they steering and suspensions parts. Each and everyone undergoes rigorous dimension, material, durability and performance tests, helping to ensure they perform just like the OE. No matter what the conditions.
Ball Joints
A safety-critical part, the ball joint acts as a Block 1 pivot between the wheels and suspension, allowing the vehicle to be steered, whilst also ensuring a comfortable ride. Since it constantly pivots through multiple planes and angles, it is subject to significant stress and wear. So, you’ll want to fit a high-quality ball joint that has been designed, engineered and manufactured to the same standards as OE.
Manufactured to OE standards for control, comfort and durability
Superior ball-pin finish and nylon seat coating for smooth movement and long lifetime
High specification grease for reduced friction, and smooth operation in all temperatures and conditions
Cataphoretic coating where required provides longer lasting corrosion protection
Access to technical hotline and support
Control Arms and Wishbones
Connecting the spindle, hub or knuckle and wheel to the vehicle’s chassis, the control arm or wishbone - depending on the type of suspension - is a critical part of any vehicle’s steering and suspension system. Also known as an A arm, it allows the wheels to move up and down, while preventing forward and rearward movement and maintaining directional input from the driver. So, when the steering wheel is turned, the wheels follow suit. That’s pretty important, so you’ll want to fit a quality steering brand that always performs to the same standard as OE. Just like Delphi Technologies.
Quality counts
As well as affecting the vehicle’s handling, comfort and safety, lower quality steering and suspension parts can accelerate wear and tear on other parts of the vehicle, causing unnecessary expense. That’s why every one of Delphi control arms and wishbones is designed, engineered and manufactured to meet exacting OE standards at Delphi state-of-the-art production facilities.
Proven performance
All Delphi control arms and wishbones undergo rigorous dimensional, material, durability and performance tests, designed to replicate the very same stresses the part will experience on the road. For example, every part is tested on Delphi three axis test rig so all three forces can be analysed simultaneously; braking force, cornering force and suspension travel movement. And up to 250,000 cycles. Just to be sure.
Tested to the extreme
Delphi also test their resilience to extreme environmental conditions and corrosive materials. Delphi purpose-built environmental chamber tests to temperatures as low -40°C and up to 120°C. And Delphi control arms are exposed to 720 hours of salt spray, to evaluate the effect of salt on rubber-to-metal adhesion. So, you can fit with confidence, knowing they’ll perform, even under the harshest conditions.
Link Stabilizers
A link stabilizer, otherwise known as a sway bar, anti-roll bar or even stabilizer link, connects the vehicles left and right wheels through short links, reducing body roll whilst cornering, and absorbing shocks from potholes and uneven road surfaces. Fitting a strong, durable part is therefore a must. With an enlarged ball bin made from surface-hardened steel, a top-grade rubber boot and a high-performance grease, Delphi link stabilizers deliver a safe and comfortable ride, time and time again.
Delphi link stabilizers come in either steel, aluminium or reinforced plastic as per the OE. The lightweight property of Delphi plastic link stabilizers , helps to reduce weight and dampen vibrations, whereas the corrosion-resistant steel makes for a stronger, longer-lasting part. Whichever material you fit, you can be assured it’s been manufactured to the very latest OE specifications.
Engineered for a stronger, durable part
Because they’re subject to extremely high stresses, Delphi link stabilizers feature a larger, surface-hardened steel ball pin, wear-resistant plastic clip-on socket, reinforced link rod and a temperature-resistant, high-performance grease. Together they offer improve load carrying capacity and service life.
Rubber-to-Metal Parts
Designed to reduce vibrations and structure-borne noise, rubber-to-metal plays an important role in the steering and suspension set-up of modern vehicles. Thanks to their good damping properties and excellent load carrying capabilities, Delphi rubber-to-metal components absorb unwanted vibrations and sound, providing a comfortable and quiet ride, as well as improving vehicle stability and safety.
Broad range
Today’s modern vehicles contain many different rubber-to-metal components, which is why Delphi focused on the continued development of Delphi range. Delphi current line-up includes control arm and suspension mount bushes, anti-roll bar bushes and engine mounts … with more to come.
The right material
Rubber-to-metal components are subject to high dynamic stresses day-in, day-out. And is why Delphi only ever use the highest quality materials. By carefully balancing the precise quantities of steel and rubber, Delphi rubber-to-metal parts provide the optimum combination of strength, flexibility and noise reduction, tailored to the application they fit.
Preparation is key
To ensure a perfect bond between rubber and metal, both materials go through a rigorous cleaning process. All bonding surfaces are washed, sanded, degreased and painted. And that’s just the start.
Super strong bond
For superior mechanical properties, Delphi chemically bond the rubber to a pre-coated metal surface. Under high temperatures and pressure, the adhesive reacts to provide a powerful bond between the rubber and metal part – so much so, that the rubber should tear before the bond breaks.
Pushed to the limit
Delphi know Delphi parts are strong and durable, but just to be sure, Delphi subject them to extensive fatigue testing. Delphi also conduct push tests to check the cohesion of the rubber to metal. As a rule, OE push out levels for bushes are 1000 Nm of pressure minimum.