Truckers warned against hazardous fake parts

A recent surge in the production and sale of counterfeit rocker, equaliser and radius or torque arm bushes in South Africa is posing a threat to truckers and road users as these fake parts can lead to catastrophic suspension failures.

“It seems the strong demand for polyurethane bushes has caught the attention of syndicates who have begun flooding the market with counterfeit or similar-looking inferior products,” said Rob Russell, MD of Polyflex Urethanes – the originator of the polyurethane suspension bushes.

Russell describes how the fake components are often marketed as durable polyurethane products at a cost far below market value.

In the most concerning instances, these components are made of PVC, which is suitable for the likes of gum boots and some static applications but is not made to withstand the level of stress caused by the mechanical suspension systems found on trucks.

Failed bushes could cause misalignment and increased rolling resistance, resulting in increased tyre wear and fuel consumption. They could also result in damage to the suspension and potentially the chassis, prompting the need to replace other components.

This type of damage is extremely costly and risky. If a truck breaks down on a remote road, it is difficult to undertake repairs and salvage cargo, posing a threat to truck drivers and other motorists.

The cheaper products look so similar to the genuine ones that they can easily deceive someone untrained in the various material types.

However, the materials used in these products lack memory, load-bearing capabilities, cut and tear, and other properties essential to proper performance.

With Black Friday looming, a significant stock of counterfeit bushings is reportedly being prepared for cash sales.

Consumers and distributors are advised to source bushes from trusted supplies only, to avoid falling victim to counterfeit product sales.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY