March 2018 | VehicleServicePros.com 9
2018
Which sales outlet is your primary
source for purchasing brake parts?
35%
When replacing
brake linings, brake
chambers or brake
adjusters, are you
sure to specify the
same as was originally
spec’d on the vehicle?
Assessing
quality parts
Proper parts selection can
have a major impact on
vehicle performance.
By Erica Schueller, Editor-in-chief
Not all parts are created equal. To get the
best performance and longevity of parts
and components, it is important that they
meet stringent specifications for optimal
performance.
To determine the best part for the application,
it is important to review the different
types of parts available to the aftermarket.
Considerations can be made based on a
scale of parts options available ranging from
all-makes aftermarket parts, to aftermarket
parts manufactured to OE specifications, to
genuine OE parts. Standardized remanufactured
parts may also be a suitable option.
The evaluation process involves determining
the expectations of the part you look to
purchase, and at what price point. This means
determining at what point in the full life cycle
of the vehicle you’re currently operating and/
or servicing. The original owner of the vehicle
would likely opt for genuine OE parts or parts
manufactured to OE specs, while a second or
third owner of the vehicle would find an allmakes
aftermarket part suitable.
When verifying the quality of an aftermarket
part and corresponding supplier, consider
the following:
• Standardization and consistency of
manufactured product
• Responsive customer support after
purchase
• Speed of delivery
• Available training
• Warranty
While there is no industry-wide standard
in place when it comes to aftermarket parts
manufacturing as a whole, looking to the processes
of the intended parts manufacturer
to gain insights on the anticipated value and
performance.
FleetPride
HDA Truck Pride
Independent repair
garage/contract
maintenance provider
Online websites
Retail parts stores
Truck and trailer
dealerships
VIPAR HD
Warehouse
distributors
Other*
10%
4%
6%
0%
18%
0%
15%
13%
*Of those who indicated ‘Other,’ parts were mostly purchased
directly from the OEM or at local aftermarket suppliers.
72%
29%
The majority of
respondents use
primarily drum
(66 percent) or disc (26
percent) brakes in their
fleet. Three percent use
hydraulic brakes, and 5
percent use all types, or
a combination of them.
YES
NO
1%
22%
48%
*Of those who indicated
Performance Friction.
30%
‘Other’ half use
33%
4%
TMD Friction
TRW
Wabco
Wagner
Webb Wheel
Other*
/VehicleServicePros.com