By Hans de Boer
Owner, De Boer Transmissies
Why is it that some transmission manufacturers don't sell spare parts to the aftermarket at all, while others not only sell any part you like, but also support the installer with things like parts catalogues and detailed instructions with every part they sell?
Genuine Aisin-Warner parts are not available to the aftermarket. Instead, Aisin Warner would suggest replacing a transmission with a broken C1 clutch - aftermarket price 300-500 euro - with a new one at a cost of 4,000 euro. On the other hand ZF is all too happy to provide us rebuilders with a replacement clutch for one of their transmissions at an average price of 80 euro. ZF also offers complete kits with everything you need for a specific repair - a comprehensive set of installation instructions included.
Is the difference in stance towards the transmission repair market between transmission manufacturers a result of agreements with the OEMs they serve? Hardly likely, since for instance the Volkswagen Group uses transmissions from both ZF and Aisin Warner in its cars. ZF transmission parts for VAG cars are freely available for the repair market, while Aisin Warner parts are not.
Transmission rebuilders will always find a way to repair or remanufacture a transmission. Parts that are not available from the OES will become available from aftermarket suppliers in due course - at a price, of course - and with experience, rebuilders become quite apt at 'reverse engineering' newly developed transmissions.
Handling aftermarket sales the ZF way, however, not only has a benefit to the rebuilder but also to the manufacturer themselves: a ZF transmission will likely be rebuilt with genuine ZF parts, as they are available at reasonable prices and rebuilders get full support. It's no secret that ZF Aftermarket Services is a net contributor to ZF's bottom line.
As an aside, Mercedes-Benz, too, is happy to supply spare parts for their transmissions... except when those transmissions happen to be in a Porsche.
No comments:
Post a Comment