ZF Aftermarket has produced some useful information on the plentiful work available for garages in the light commercial vehicle chassis sector and how its Lemförder brand has the right parts to meet demand.

High mileage, heavy loads and constant use means light commercial vehicles are subjected to considerable pressure and stress. Also with the average age of LCVs in the EU being 10.9 years, this segment of the vehicle parc offers significant service and repair opportunities for workshops. Failure rates for LCV vehicle safety inspections are higher in all age categories than for passenger cars. For example, the failure rate for LCVs over ten years old is 30 percent.

Many LCVs frequently operate at maximum payload and while the chassis itself may be designed for this kind of usage, compression ball and tie rod joints, stabilizer links and other steering and chassis parts suffer considerably under this permanent load. ZF Aftermarket therefore recommends garages visually inspect the chassis and test it for height clearance each time an LCV comes in, replacing damaged and worn components as applicable. This is the only way of guaranteeing safe vehicle handling and ensuring the vehicle passes the next vehicle safety inspection as test centres have hydraulic joint play detectors that ruthlessly pinpoint faults within the chassis system.

The Lemförder chassis range is frequently updated to meet latest LCV demand patterns. Recent new additions include; 

• Axle boot and steering system for the Ford Transit/Tourneo Custom

• Inner tie rod, tie rod and tie-rod end for Citroën/Jumpy/Peugeot Expert/Toyota Proace

• Rear-axle mount and stabilizer mount for VW T5/T6 and Crafter

• Front-axle mount and control arm for VW Crafter

• Front-axle control arm and steering knuckle for Renault Kangoo and Mercedes Citan

The complete range of Lemförder chassis products is available from stockists nationwide.