Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket Ltd has introduced a range of new FAG wheel bearings for light commercial vehicles.

New arrivals to the range include an FAG Gen 2 RIU wheel bearing for a vehicles including the Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter 30-35, 30-50 up to 1850kg, 2006, front, plus bearings for  the Mercedes Viano, Vito 3.2, 3.5 CDi 09/2003-, front, and for the Mercedes Sprinter 3.5t 4x4 03/2009-, front. There is also a range of Gen 1 FAG bearings for vehicles including the Iveco Daily II, 2002-, rear, the Iveco Daily II 2002-, front  and the Iveco Daily II, III 1999-, front.

Conceived especially for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Vito and Viano models, and for the VW Crafter, the new Gen 2 RIU repair solution reduces the time it takes to remove and reinstall the wheel bearing unit by up to 60 percent.  This offers garage owners a real benefit because if a light commercial vehicle needs new wheel bearings, only the wheel bearing unit itself needs to be replaced, and not the complete knuckle.

The core element of the new repair solution for light commercial vehicles is a Generation 2.1 wheel bearing unit with double-row angular contact ball bearings. This compact wheel bearing unit also possesses defined and pre-set bearing play, plus life-long lubrication and sealing. Integrated as well are the wheel hub, ABS encoder and an innovative snap ring on the wheel hub side.

Because of its design and the way it’s mounted on the vehicle, this wheel bearing unit cannot be removed and reinstalled using standard tooling. Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket offers a special removal/reassembly tool (Part No 400619910) to enable repairers to apply pressure evenly on the wheel bearing outer face during installation, so that the snap ring securely latches into the groove.

Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket Technical Services Manager Malcolm Short says, “Solutions that minimise repair times are an important factor in a customer’s purchase decision and in customer loyalty. This is because, for companies and fleet operators, longer repair times don’t just mean major delays, but loss of revenue as well.”

New wheel bearings and fitting tools are available from FAG stockists. For more information on new applications visit www.schaeffler-aftermarket.com