The original equipment INA tensioner parts range has been significantly expanded by Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket with many new products added including in demand FEAD v belt deflection pulleys for many popular applications.

More than 46 new INA products have been introduced so far this year, including 21 Front End Auxiliary Drive (FEAD) components, 17 Primary Drive and 6 Over Running Alternator Pulleys (OAPs).

The new releases include FEAD v belt deflection pulleys for vehicles that such as the Mini One, Clubman, Countryman, Paceman and Roadster 1.6 D, 2007-, Toyota Verso 1.6 D4-D, 11/2013, the PSA Berlingo, C3, C3 Picasso, C4, C4 Cactus, C5, DS3, DS4, DS5, 208, 308, 508, 2008, 3008, 5008 and Partner 1.6HDi, 11/2009-.

Malcolm Short, Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket Technical Services Manager, says, “There is a significant profit opportunity in replacing FEAD tensioners, idler pulleys and OAPs and as the largest OE supplier of FEAD components with more than 800 references, we continue to offer the best and most up-to-date OE content range in the aftermarket.”

Malcolm points out that FEAD tensioners and pulleys maintain the belt tension driving all of the safety critical components, such as belt driven PAS or brake vacuum pumps. They will have done the same mileage as the timing belt tensioners and pulleys which are now routinely changed as a kit. They may also have been subjected to worse conditions than the timing belt system, as they are usually exposed and not covered.

Probably the most obvious reason not to ignore the FEAD is that in most vehicle applications technicians have to remove the FEAD belt and tensioner to replace the timing belt, so renewing it will incur a minimum cost to the vehicle owner.  The failure of any component on the FEAD system could also lead to complete and sometimes catastrophic engine failure if the FEAD belt wraps around the crank pulley and enters the timing system.

Also added to the INA range are V belt tensioners for important KIA AND Mercedes models and OAPs for many BMW and Ford models.