New MEYLE-HD tie rod ends for Opel models

Hamburg, 11. February 2014. Spare part life is ultimately dependent on a combination of various factors. The latest addition to the MEYLE-HD range of suspension parts is a particularly ingenious example: Hamburg-based manufacturer Wulf Gaertner Autoparts now offers a quality-enhanced MEYLE-HD tie rod end to fit a wide range of Opel applications. To enhance part durability MEYLE has been using a bespoke MEYLE high-performance grease on all MEYLE joints since 2013. Specially formulated to match the materials in use, it offers even better anti-wear protection. The re-engineered MEYLE-HD tie rod end for Opel models also features a larger ball pin designed to reduce surface pressure while increasing overall part durability. This is why Wulf Gaertner Autoparts gives an extended four-year warranty on its entire Meyle-HD range.

Under its MEYLE-HD brand Wulf Gaertner Autoparts already offers a comprehensive range of tie rod end assemblies with extended ball pin diameters for a wide array of vehicle models. This significantly increases part durability since load is distributed across approximately 25% more surface area thereby minimising the surface pressure acting on the ball joint's plastic socket. The next logical step was to extend the ball pin also on tie rod end assemblies for popular Opel models such as the Astra, Zafira or Meriva from 22mm to 25mm.

To further improve the anti-wear protection of these highly stressed parts Wulf Gaertner Autoparts employs a pioneering high-performance grease developed in joint collaboration with Fuchs Lubritech GmbH, an industry-leading specialist in high-performance lubrication. The objective was to reduce breakaway torque which can lead to unpleasant noise. Compatibility of the grease's compounds with the steel, plastic and rubber materials which make up the joint has been further improved, thereby ensuring uniform friction distribution across the entire load range. The fully-synthetic calcium/lithium-based complex grease features a specially formulated blend of additives offering excellent anti-oxidation and anti-corrosion properties not to mention very low friction and breakaway torque.

Thanks to all of these refinements the MEYLE-HD tie rod end assembly lasts considerably longer than its OE equivalent. The parts are available for the Astra H, Zafira B, Meriva A/B, Vauxhall Astra Mk V, Zafira Mk II, Meriva and Meriva Mk II models under part numbers 616 020 0005/HD and 616 020 0011/HD. As with all products of the MEYLE-HD range, Wulf Gaertner Autoparts also gives a full four-year warranty on these HD parts.