First, it retained a 14-year contract to supply Arriva Bus UK with OEM air braking components from manufacturers including Knorr-Bremse and Wabco. Second, it has regained a contract to supply the major operator with OEM air dryer and compressor parts in place of remanufactured products.
As a result, all the ‘Big 5’ bus companies in the UK – Arriva, First Group, Go Ahead, National Express and Stagecoach – are all now fitting genuine OEM air braking parts for the first time in over 15 years, it reports.
Arriva’s decision to revert to OEM air dryer and compressor components, away from remanufactured parts, is of significance due to the problem of oil carry-over in the air compressor.Oil carry-over typically occurs when the mechanical parts in the compressor start to suffer from excessive wear, causing the compressor’s lubricating oil to enter the air system. This can ultimately result in the air compressor failing, as well as damage to valves and seals throughout the air braking system.
Imperial Engineering is a primary distributor for Dana, Knorr-Bremse, Wabco, Haldex and Meritor products, offering PSV parts including braking and friction products, propshafts, steering components, water pumps and turbochargers. The company’s own van delivery service covers the whole of the UK and will collect old core upon delivery of the parts ordered.