United States. Plews & Edelmann has introduced a new repair category for electric power steering (EPS) systems, developed to prevent complete rack and pinion replacement in millions of modern vehicles.
The line includes belt kits, torque sensors, couplings, and specialized tools that allow repairs to be performed for more than 50% less than the usual replacement cost.
According to the company, electric power steering systems are currently standard in most modern vehicles. In belt-driven EPS racks, a rubber component connects the electric motor to the steering mechanism. When this belt wears out or breaks, the system loses assistance and the steering returns to manual mode, generating a heavy and potentially unsafe ride.
Until now, the most common solution was to replace the entire zipper, a repair that can exceed $1,000 in parts alone, as well as requiring module reprogramming and system realignment.
The new Edelmann EPS Drive Belt Kits include all the components needed for repair in a single box: replacement belt, gaskets, O-rings, clamps and additional seals, along with application-specific video installation instructions. The company stressed that the procedure does not require module reprogramming, realignment, or specialized diagnostic tools.
"The industry treated EPS failures as a zipper problem," said Dan Billie, CEO of Plews & Edelmann. "While others talk about innovations in repair, we looked at the root cause and found that, in many cases, the problem was with the belt. That represents a completely different kind of repair and means that both professional technicians and do-it-yourself enthusiasts now have a cost-effective alternative that simply didn't exist before."
The new line also includes replacement couplings designed to extend repair coverage across different platforms. Among them are the 9700, 9701 and 9702 models, compatible with millions of vehicles from brands such as Buick, GMC, Chevrolet, Kia, Hyundai, Toyota and Lexus.
Additionally, the company incorporated replacement torque sensors for EPS systems. This component is key in electric power steering, as it measures the force and direction applied to the steering wheel and transmits the information to the control module. According to the company, a sensor failure can cause uneven steering, flashing warning lights or total loss of assistance.
The 9704 and 9705 sensors were developed for specific applications from Ford, Mercury, Chevrolet, Pontiac and Saturn, and include mounting hardware and alignment markings.
Plews & Edelmann also developed patented Chamfer Ring Removal Tools, specifically designed to facilitate the safe and efficient replacement of belts in electric rack and pinion systems.
"By developing a repair solution designed specifically for EPS systems, we are giving technicians the ability to work in a category that previously only allowed for complete replacement," said Anthony Holguin, director of category management at Plews & Edelmann. "These products offer opportunity and convenience by turning a replacement of more than US$1,000 into a repair that can be completed the same day with tools that are already available in the shop. In addition, auto parts stores can work with a much smaller inventory compared to stocking different zippers to achieve the same result."
Current kit, sensor and coupling coverage includes high-volume domestic and imported applications, offering an especially useful alternative in cases where replacement components are out of stock or with long lead times.
The products are part of Plews & Edelmann's Total Solution® strategy, which focuses on providing comprehensive solutions for power steering systems. The line is now available through authorized dealers in the automotive aftermarket.
