ZF Aftermarket supercharges TRW braking programme for electric vehicles
The hydraulic system is the centrepiece of the braking system in electric cars. In the event of repairs, workshops should always use spare parts of original quality to ensure the usual performance of the brake system. ZF Aftermarket is therefore supplementing its range of TRW-brand brake components with master cylinders and wheel brake cylinders as well as brake calipers for electric vehicles. The programme is completed by brake hoses.
The brake is the most important safety system in a car. This means, garages should not compromise on parts quality when repairing the brake system. Especially in electric cars, because their brake system has been designed by the manufacturer for the special operating conditions in EVs. The hydraulic brake system must be particularly sensitive so that the driver does not feel the transition between electric (recuperation) and hydraulic braking. And it must be able to cope with prolonged periods of non-use, as only electric braking is used during moderate deceleration.
For the independent aftermarket, ZF Aftermarket supplies a wide range of hydraulic components in original quality under its TRW brand, which can be used to repair many current electric cars. New on the market, for example, is the brake master cylinder for models based on Volkswagen’s Modular Electric Toolkit (MEB) (VW ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, Audi Q4 e-tron and e-tron Sportback, Skoda Enyaq and Cupra Born). The brake master cylinder works perfectly with the electronic brake booster from TRW (EBB, Electronic Brake Booster).
A further addition to the TRW programme is wheel brake cylinders, which the company provides for numerous models with drum brakes. The latest additions for electric vehicles are for models such as the Opel Rocks-E, the Renault Zoe and Twingo III, the Skoda E-Citigo, the VW E-Up, the Peugeot 208 II as well as the Smart Fourtwo and Forfour. In total, the TRW brand covers almost the entire European vehicle fleet with over 600-part numbers. TRW wheel brake cylinders are available in both cast iron and aluminium versions and are manufactured according to OE specifications.
The TRW programme of hydraulic parts for the brake system is rounded off by an extensive portfolio of brake calipers. New additions include those for electric cars such as the Audi e-tron, BMW i3 and iX3 as well as numerous models from the Stellantis Group, including the vans and high-roof estate cars from Citroën and Peugeot, the Opel Corsa E and Peugeot E-2008 small cars and the Citroën ë-C4. There are also electrically powered models from Ford, Fiat and Iveco.
ZF Aftermarket recommends that garages always replace the brake hoses when replacing brake calipers. In the experience of the ZF experts, these important components are often not given the same attention as the wearing parts brake pads and discs. However, new brake hoses ensure the volume flow of brake fluid specified by the car manufacturer, guarantee the ideal brake pressure, prevent the newly installed spare parts from becoming contaminated with deposits from the old hoses and bring the brake system into a uniform and optimum condition. TRW brake hoses are available for practically all vehicles on the European market, which, together with its range of brake pads, shoes, discs and brake fluid, makes the brand a complete supplier for the brake system.
