Timing belt replacement is a lucrative area of business for most independent garages, especially as drivers keep their cars for longer. However, many workshops continue to miss out on related areas of business potential, with a prime example being FEAD systems. 

Front end auxiliary drive systems (FEAD) are becoming more and more important in modern vehicles, as the  need to drive components such as air conditioning, power steering pumps, water pumps and start-stop systems becomes greater. 

Just like the timing belt, system components in the FEAD system, are subjected to great stresses and wear. Also, like the timing belt, the failure of an auxiliary drive belt can be catastrophic. 

Schaeffler brand, INA, is a leader in the supply of drive transmission systems and components, as both an OE manufacturer and aftermarket supplier. James Mainwaring, Territory Manager and National Trading Group Manager with Schaeffler, is keen to explain to garages, both the dangers of not checking and replacing FEAD components in a timely manner and the huge extra business this area can offer a workshop. 

James says, “Technicians will be aware of set manufacturer replacement intervals on timing belts, but there are generally not set replacement recommendations on FEAD systems. This often means that FEAD checking and replacing goes under the radar with a garage, and this not only means they are missing out on business, but also putting customer vehicles at risk.”

James adds, “Especially with people currently keeping their vehicles for longer and doing higher mileages, the importance of checking the FEAD system takes on a new significance. In Ireland, you also have the issue of lots of imported cars with little service history, so a technician is not aware of any previous work.”  

With FEAD systems working for prolonged periods of time under significant loads, wear is inevitable. Damage or wear to one component, can also have a knock-on effect to the rest of the system, so complete replacement is generally recommended. James says, “We would recommend changing the FEAD system along with timing belt replacement, as this is the best practice solution that offers complete peace of mind to both the garage and the driver.”

When it comes to replacement FEAD components and kits, INA is able to draw on its huge expertise to offer a complete range of the highest quality, covering cars, LCVs and tractors. 

James says that the best way to approach the repair, is to replace all relevant components of the front end auxiliary drive in one go. This is because, even if a certain component looks damaged or worn, it can often be the result of the failure of another component. For example, if the clamping arm breaks, the cause may be a worn torsional vibration damper, or overrunning alternator pulley. If the core reason for the damage is not eliminated, the same damage can occur again after a short time, if only a single component is replaced. 

For this reason, Schaeffler has developed a range of INA FEAD KITs that contain exactly the components recommended, for optimum repair in front end auxiliary drives. The composition of the INA FEAD KITs is based on analysis of the individual load situation, of the respective systems and will contains components such as; Tensioner pulley, Idler pulley, V-ribbed belt, fitting accessories and depending on the vehicle, overrunning alternator pulley, Crankshaft vibration damper and Water Pump. The kit also contains fitting instructions and a diagram of the vehicle-specific belt routing. 

James says, “These kits can save a garage valuable time in the search for the necessary components and provide the optimum repair solution, all in OEM quality.”  

James adds, “Independent workshops are now seeing more and more mild hybrid vehicles and the FEAD systems on these vehicles have to work even harder. Often technicians become aware of problems with FEAD on certain models, but problems can occur on any car at any time, so checks are vital. Replacement is also a great up-sell for garages, especially when they are replacing the timing belt.”

James concludes, “As well as OE product, INA can also offer a huge range of technical support when it comes to FEAD systems. We have vast experience in this field and can provide technical information through our REPXPERT portal, on-line and in-person training and a technical hotline.”