Shock Absorbers

Shock absorbers are a fundamental element of a suspension system and combined with TRW´s suspension linkage program, ensure the perfect interaction between all the related suspension components achieving the best performance and durability. TRW’s shock absorber program, combined with our complete steering and suspension program and prestigious braking program, allows TRW to provide the IAM with a “corner module solution”, with all the products a repairer needs to ensure that excellent fit, quality and total safety is obtained in a complete repair.

Range Coverage

TRW´s shock absorber range is different from all the rest for two fundamental reasons; twin packaging and range rationalization to OE fitment.

Twin packaging provides a series of benefits:

• Both shocks offer the same characteristics and quality.
• Easier to manage your stock – there are no worries of delivering different left or right handed part numbers and twin packs reduce the risk of receiving or delivering the wrong axle set.
• Twin packs allow for more efficient packaging. They takes up less space than two single boxes, optimizing your storage space with less volume to transport and ultimately greater cost and time savings.
• By selling the axle set, we always assure that both front or rear shocks are replaced. This provides maximum safety and stability control to the end user as new shocks are always mounted on the axle.

Range rationalization to OE fitment

The benefits of TRW’s new twin program go beyond efficient packaging.

Does it make sense in today’s market to offer two or three types of shocks for a vehicle application? In line with our policy, the standard is the OE fitment type and the aftermarket product needs to follow in terms of performance and technical characteristics.

With the new TRW twin range we have rationalized the range offering only the OE fitment. This enables you to reduce your range, stock and working capital, because you’ll reach the same car parc with a significant reduction in part numbers.

What does this mean in terms of range management?

Whereas other makes have between 1600 to 2700 part numbers in their range for 98% parc coverage, we cover the same car parc with just 1000 part numbers! This saves you time and money with a range which fully meets your customers’ needs.

In most cases, TRW offers the gas pressurized OE fitment with the aim of eliminating the duplicated hydraulic version. This rationalization will mean that we can offer the most competitive positioning and, of course, the TRW shocks program meets the most stringent quality standards.

Manufacturing

TRW is one of the worlds leading designers and manufacturers of steering and suspension systems. Our technological expertise enables us to provide different module solutions to our VM customers, like corner and axle modules, which includes shock absorbers. Each part number for IAM is developed according to the compression and rebound force and dumping characteristic standards as Original Equipment (OE) shock absorbers.

TRW shock absorber technology includes three technical innovations:

• Over-moulded Teflon piston ring - this creates a perfect cohesion between piston and ring reducing the wear and guaranteeing a prolonged driving comfort.
• Polish process technology for the rod - with a roughness level of below 0,08 microns enables a perfect seal and a great longevity.
• Valve discs technology. Precision is calibrated to 1/100 mm. Assures quicker response time and hence enhanced Safety.

Testing

The program meets TRW´s stringent quality standards offering OE and OES matching quality shocks. This ensures superior performance, ride and control in all driving conditions for any type of vehicle, whether it is for passenger cars, vans or 4x4s.

During the design and development processes of a new part number, a comprehensive testing schedule is carried out according to strict OE specifications, . Testing methods includes low and high velocity tests, where the damping settings and associated ride comfort are regulated, and endurance tests, to check the shock absorber for durability and behaviour during extensive period of operation.

All new part numbers are tuned to optimum handling performance in the course of road tests. The knowledge gained from the testing methods employed is supplemented by the driving feeling gained by our test drivers.

In the manufacturing process, all the dimensional critical points are gauged and produced according to specifications.