Control arms seated in MEYLE-HD full-rubber mounts keep Mazdas on the road for longer

Hamburg, 25.02.2014. One of the most frequent causes of unscheduled workshop visits is defective control arm bushings. This is why Wulf Gaertner Autoparts AG's experts have already re-engineered control arm bushings for a wide range of makes and models. Driven by a commitment to offering quality-enhanced components for as many applications as possible, Wulf Gaertner Autoparts AG is continually expanding its range of products, as of now featuring a newly designed control arm bushing for Mazda 3 and 5 series models. The most distinctive feature about the re-engineered MEYLE-HD part is the rugged full-rubber mount designed to easily outlast the hydro bushing used on the OE version and coming with a four-year warranty.

The Mazda 3 and 5 series models rank among the most popular Asian vehicles in Europe – though their popularity is tarnished by frequent control arm repairs. "Feedback from repair professionals has shown that the original control arm bushings, which are filled with fluid and therefore called hydro bushings, tend to fail prematurely", says Sven Nielsen, Technical Director at Wulf Gaertner Autoparts. The reason for this is quite simple: "The bushings offer advanced driving comfort, which is why they are also called comfort bushings.

However, driving comfort is achieved at the expense of durability. The bushing's structure is somewhat fragile and likely to be weakened if the car hits a pothole or the driver frequently slams the brake.

Eventually, the bushing can spring a leak", says Nielsen. And a leaking hydro bushing will gradually lose its damping performance, manifesting itself in increased vibration during operation. The steering feels unresponsive and the car's road-holding becomes poor.

Following frequent customer complaints about the original part, Wulf Gaertner Autoparts's engineers have redesigned the bushing for the Mazda 3 and 5 series models. "Unlike their OE counterparts, the MEYLE bushings are made from steel and high-grade natural rubber, dispensing with all fluid", Nielsen continues. The MEYLE-HD bushing is therefore immune to premature failure caused by fluid leakage. To ensure the part offers identical damping capabilities the forces acting on the components have been calculated using the finite element method (FEM), allowing the MEYLE bushing to provide for similar dynamic driving properties as the OE hydro bushing.

"This latest addition to our MEYLE Asia Line allows workshops to offer their professional services to a growing number of car owners and foster loyal customer relations", says Nielsen summing up how repair professionals benefit from the newly designed bushings for the Mazda 3 and 5 series models (MEYLE no. 35-14 610 0009/HD). Wulf Gaertner Autoparts AG gives a 4-year warranty on all MEYLE-HD parts.