First Line continues to expand its range of Steering and Suspension components and now offers over 8,000 references. New-to-range additions are also constantly being introduced which reflect developments made by the vehicle manufacturers when they change the design of a particular component, such as Hybrid Link Bars and Hydraulic Bushes.
A current example is the latest Stabiliser Link Bar used on several VAG models, including the VW Golf and Audi A3. This Link Bar utilises hybrid technology and has a fairly radical appearance, as it combines a hollow twisted bar with a carbon fibre reinforced plastic ball joint body, which returns weight-saving benefits over the part it supersedes.
Although both versions are completely interchangeable, in order to provide the independent garage with the specific solution for each vehicle application, First Line offers both the original design (First Line part number FDL6732) and the new hybrid version (FDL7441). However, First Line advises that the versions are not mixed on the same vehicle and best practice recommends that they are replaced in pairs.
Although solid rubber bushes are still the most common solution for vehicle manufacturers, Hydraulic Bushes are increasing in popularity, as they provide more comfort and control. First Line offers more than 20 references that are Hydraulic Bushes all of which manufactured to original equipment quality and therefore reflect the same noise, vibration and harshness properties. The company says non-matching OE quality alternatives can have an adverse effect on vehicle comfort and handling, which can also result in wear to other suspension components.
To underpin this level of quality, First Line Steering & Suspension components come with a 2 year/24,000 mile warranty.