The Garage 353
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NEWS<br />
MAHLE Aftermarket issues<br />
fitment advice on EV and<br />
hybrid A/C compressors<br />
Textar<br />
launches<br />
new premium<br />
brake pad and<br />
disc references<br />
MAHLE Aftermarket UK has issued best-practice advice when<br />
servicing and replacing electric air conditioning compressors<br />
for hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs).<br />
MAHLE recognises that the thermal management system<br />
on these alternatively fueled vehicles can be complex, as the<br />
temperature control of the battery and power electronics<br />
play just as an important role in the heating and cooling of the<br />
vehicle cabin, in turn, meaning servicing and maintenance will<br />
also play an important role.<br />
Air conditioning compressors for electric and hybrid vehicles<br />
differ from belt-driven models in many ways and it’s therefore<br />
important to follow best-practice tips to ensure maintenance<br />
is carried out efficiently, says Alan Povey Quality, Warranty &<br />
Technical Representative at MAHLE Aftermarket.<br />
Selecting the correct oil<br />
As electrically driven compressors are hermetically sealed,<br />
the absence of a drive shaft for the belt drive means that<br />
refrigerant cannot escape via the shaft seals.<br />
<strong>The</strong> electric motor for the drive is located within the<br />
compressor housing. Since the motor encounters refrigerant<br />
and refrigerant oil, only oil with insulating properties may be<br />
used. <strong>The</strong>re is a risk of short circuit if moisture enters the<br />
refrigerant circuit. PAO multigrade oils are therefore preferred<br />
due to their non-hygroscopic properties.<br />
However, technicians should always follow the vehicle<br />
manufacturer’s specifications when selecting the refrigerant<br />
and compressor oil. Choosing the correct refrigerant oil, as<br />
well as regular air conditioning services, are crucial to the safe<br />
operation of electric air conditioning compressors.<br />
Electric compressors generally do not have an oil drain plug,<br />
so it is not possible to adjust the system oil quantity via the<br />
compressor. <strong>The</strong> air conditioning system must therefore be<br />
flushed before installing a new compressor. This is the only way<br />
to ensure that the system is free of oil residues and to avoid<br />
overfilling.<br />
All nonflushable components must be replaced, as must the<br />
drier.<br />
Many vehicle manufacturers use special programmes when<br />
commissioning a new air conditioning compressor. By means of<br />
a diagnostic tester, these programmes ensure a slow start-up<br />
and therefore prevent a sudden intake of compressor oil from<br />
causing consequential damage such as a hydraulic shock.<br />
Braking specialist TMD Friction UK has introduced three<br />
new brake discs and one new brake pad to its premium<br />
Textar brand range.<br />
TMD Friction UK constantly monitors the aftermarket<br />
to develop high quality braking products and extend its<br />
product offering to cover a wider selection of vehicles<br />
than ever before.<br />
Within the Textar premium brake pad product line, a<br />
new reference with part number 2628701 is now available,<br />
fitting Audi Q2, Q3 and Sportback, TT Roadster, Skoda<br />
Superb and Volkswagen Tiguan 2016- models, plus brandnew<br />
Seat Tarraco and Volkswagen Atlas cars.<br />
New premium Textar brake discs are now available for<br />
Range Rover (L405) and Range Rover Sport (L320 and L494<br />
models) with part number 92235605, plus Ford Tourneo<br />
Connect, Transit Connect MPVs and vans (2013-), with new<br />
reference 92326103.<br />
<strong>The</strong> final brake disc reference launched in the latest<br />
premium range expansion, part 92342803, fits Hyundai<br />
Santa Fe car and van models (2015-), plus KIA Sorento<br />
cars.<br />
Customers can be assured of high-end braking quality<br />
with Textar products, with each new part going through<br />
extensive testing and quality assurance over a three-year<br />
development cycle before being released. Knowledge<br />
gained from its original equipment development is<br />
cascaded to its aftermarket product lines, so customers<br />
know they’re getting the very best.<br />
Technicians and workshops can find out more about<br />
the latest TMD Friction UK products online via the Textar<br />
Brakebook online catalogue. Customers can also use the<br />
Textar Brakebook app to view Textar’s product range onthe-go.<br />
THE GARAGE 23<br />
23,News Textar AND MAHAL 2.indd 1 27/07/2023 12:31