Optimal - Steering and Suspension 2021

Steering and Suspension

Call your local branch now!

About Optimal

For 30 years the Optimal brand has gained a reputation for quality German engineering. The parts are manufactured in line with OE specifications using quality materials and equipment.

A majority of the references also carry the highly sought after TÜV SÜD certification. TÜV SÜD is an internationally renowned independent organisation for undertaking safety, testing, certification, auditing and advisory services. The Optimal Steering and Suspension range, which covers ball joints, tie rods, track control arms, stabiliser links, bushes and mountings is accredited to ISO/TS 16949.

Optimal Quality Construction

Ball studs (precisely fitting and manufactured to meet the tightest tolerances) Clamping ring (for a high, permanent preload and a closed sealing of the sleeve)

Housing (precision-manufactured, partly electrophoretically coated) CFW sleeve (CR sealing bellow, OEM quality, excellent bending strength and sealing, resistant to ozone and grease)

Grease (lifetime lubricated with high-performance lubricant, -40°C to +110°C; reduced stick-slip effect, minimised breakaway torque, high corrosion protection)

Ball socket (very low friction and wear values, very high load capacity, dimensionally stable, designed for high temperatures)

Cover (batch code with product information)

2

ABOUT STEERING AND SUSPENSION

STEERING & SUSPENSION LINKAGE 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 the ever changing road surfaces, 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.

3

STABILISER LINKS

A stabiliser link, otherwise known as a sway bar, anti- roll bar or even link stabiliser, 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.

CONTROL ARMS

A control arm is the hinged suspension link that connects the chassis and the suspension that carries the wheel. Attached with a single pivot, normally a rubber bushing, the control arm can adjust the position of the outboard end while sustaining the radial distance from the inboard mount. A control arm is one of the most mechanically critical parts of the suspension system, which means it is important to replace them when they become worn or broken. Often the reason a replacement is required is due to the ball joint or bushing being worn out, but it can be very difficult and expensive to replace these components separately.

4

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.

BUSHES

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.

Anti-Roll bar Bush

Control Arm Bush

PROPSHAFT COUPLING

A shaft coupling is a mechanical component that connects the drive shaft and driven shaft of a motor, etc., in order to transmit power. Shaft couplings introduce mechanical flexibility, providing tolerance for shaft misalignment. As a result, this coupling flexibility can reduce uneven wear on the bearing, equipment vibration, and other mechanical troubles due to misalignment.

5

LATERAL LINKS

Lateral links are located at the rear of the vehicle. They are hollow metal tubes with connection points on either end and they connect the hub to the midpoint of the body which keeps the wheel/hub assembly upright and centred while driving.

INNER TIE ROD

The inner and outer tie rods connect to the steering arm in order to move the wheels of your vehicle. In the common rack-and- pinion steering system, the inner tie rods connect to the steering rack while the outer tie rods connect to the steering arms.

TIE ROD ENDS

Tie rod ends are a part of the steering system. Tie rods connect the spindle, on which your front wheel is mounted on one end, to the steering gear mechanism on the other end.

6

CENTRE DRAG LINKS

A crucial part of a vehicle’s steering system, is the centre drag link (also known as the centre link). This is connected to both the Pitman and idler arms at either end, the centre drag link is joined to the inner tie rods. The job of centre drag links is to manoeuvre inner tie rod ends such that a vehicle’s wheels turn properly when the steering wheel is moved.

IDLER ARM AND PITMAN ARMS

The idler arm and pitman arm sit at opposite sides of the steering box. The pitman arm converts motion from the steering wheel into the energy that wheels need to turn. The idler arm pivots in parallel on the passenger side of a vehicle. The arms work together to keep both sides of the vehicle at the right height. This helps the wheels to rotate at the same speed. Due to its pivotal function, the idler arm tends to suffer greater wear than the pitman arm, but both of these vital parts can become less effective with age.

7

REAR AXLE CARRIERS

Also known as the ‘rear subframe’, the rear axle carrier usually consists of pressed steel panels that are much thicker than the body shell. By supporting the relatively thin area at the back, the carrier makes the whole car more stable. This also reduces vibrations for your comfort. By helping to align the back and front of the car, the axle carrier also gives more control at the wheel.

REAR SUSPENSION ARMS

Suspension arms and joints are the workhorses of a suspension system, which helps to support the weight of the vehicle and absorb road forces. Suspension arms and joints play an important role in keeping vehicles stable, keeping the wheels aligned with the body and connecting them to your steering system. While usually built to last, suspension arms and joints can wear out over time.

Call your local branch now!