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By Counterman
Plews & Edelmann has introduced a complete Electric Power Steering (EPS) repair category—Edelmann EPS drive belt kits, torque sensor replacements, couplings, and proprietary service tools—that eliminate the need for expensive full rack replacement on millions of modern vehicles. The company said the product line delivers more than 50 percent cost savings compared with rack replacement while restoring full power steering assist with a straightforward installation using common hand tools.
Electric power steering is now standard on most modern vehicles. Inside every belt-driven EPS rack is a rubber belt connecting the electric motor to the steering gear. When that belt wears or breaks, steering reverts to manual mode—heavy, unresponsive, and unsafe. Until now, the only fix was complete rack replacement: a repair that routinely exceeds $1,000 in parts alone, requires module reprogramming and realignment, and can leave vehicles out of commission for days.
Edelmann EPS Drive Belt Kits
According to the company, Edelmann EPS Drive Belt Kits provide everything needed for a complete repair in a single box, including a replacement drive belt, belt housing gasket, O-rings, inner and outer boot clamps, additional seals as needed and rack-specific video installation instructions. No module re-flash is required, no realignment and no specialized diagnostic equipment.
“The industry treated EPS failure as a rack problem,” said Dan Billie, CEO of Plews & Edelmann. “While others claim repair innovations, we looked at the root cause and realized, in many cases, it was a belt problem. That’s a fundamentally different repair—and it means professional technicians and DIYers now have a cost-effective option where one simply didn’t exist before.”
Couplings Expand Vehicle Coverage
Replacement couplings extend this repair-first philosophy to even broader vehicle coverage. The 9700 Pinion Driven Motor Coupling covers over 5.8 million vehicles in operation across Buick, GMC, and Chevrolet vehicles—where the alternative rack replacement costs average $1,750. The 9701 and 9702 Column Driven Motor Couplings cover 7.6 million Kia and Hyundai vehicles and Toyota and Lexus vehicles respectively—where unit replacement runs $1,100.
Torque Sensor Replacements
link hidden, please login to viewhas further expanded the EPS repair category with Edelmann Torque Sensor Replacements. The torque sensor is one of the most critical components in an electric power steering system—it measures steering wheel force and direction, sending real-time data to the EPS control module. When a torque sensor fails, drivers experience uneven steering effort, intermittent warning lights, or complete loss of power assist. Part 9704 covers some Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles, while part 9705 covers some Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6, and Saturn Aura applications. Both feature OEM-replacement design with mounting hardware and alignment marks, backed by U.S.-based ASE-certified technical support.
Chamfer Ring Removal Tools
link hidden, please login to viewsaid it also developed proprietary Chamfer Ring Removal Tools designed specifically for electric rack and pinion systems, ensuring safe, efficient belt replacement on the highest-volume applications. “By developing a purpose-built repair solution for EPS systems, we’re giving technicians the ability to service a category that was previously replace-only,” said Anthony Holguin, director of category management at Plews & Edelmann. “These products provide opportunity and convenience by turning a $1,000-plus replacement into a repair that can be completed the same day with tools already in the shop. Plus, part stores can rely on a much smaller inventory footprint than stocking several different racks to achieve the same end.”
Coverage and Availability
Current EPS kits, couplings, and torque sensor coverage spans high-volume domestic and import applications, providing a critical service option where replacement components are scarce or backordered, getting vehicles back on the road quickly.
Edelmann EPS Drive Belt Kits and replacement components are part of the Plews & Edelmann broader Total Solution strategy—the philosophy that a complete power steering repair addresses every component in the system: pump, rack, hoses, cooler, filter, and fluid. With over 100,000 application-specific power steering bundles, all-new manufactured hard parts (not remanufactured), and a 100-year/1,000,000-mile warranty on Edelmann Elite products, Plews & Edelmann has built a portfolio designed to eliminate warranty returns by ensuring the repair is done right the first time.
Edelmann EPS Drive Belt Kits, Couplings, Torque Sensors, and Chamfer Ring Tools are available now through authorized aftermarket distributors. To learn more or find kits for specific applications, visit the
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view‘s digital commerce platform Transend Auto Tech announced a new promotion designed to reward repair shops that leverage online ordering for their automotive parts needs. For a limited time, qualifying customers who place orders through Transend will receive 5% off all orders plus free local delivery, providing repair facilities with immediate cost savings while streamlining their parts procurement process.
The initiative reflects NexaMotion Group’s continued investment in digital solutions that help independent repair shops operate more efficiently while gaining faster access to the parts they need.
“Transend is designed to make ordering parts faster, easier, and more transparent for repair professionals,” said Kevin Rozsa, EVP, Transtar & M&A at NexaMotion Group. “By placing orders through Transend, shops can instantly access our extensive inventory network, see real-time availability and pricing, and now take advantage of additional savings through this promotion. It’s another step in helping our customers run more efficient and profitable businesses.”
Unlike traditional phone ordering, Transend allows repair professionals to:
Instantly locate parts across NexaMotion Group’s extensive distribution network View real-time availability and pricing Order at any time without waiting on hold Improve shop productivity and technician efficiency By shifting ordering to digital channels, repair shops gain both speed and cost advantages, while NexaMotion Group continues advancing its mission of simplifying complex vehicle repair to keep the world moving.
The promotion is available to qualifying customers and applies to orders placed through the
link hidden, please login to view platform. *For qualifying customers only. Other restrictions may apply.
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By Counterman
Schaeffler’s Vehicle Lifetime Solutions division announced the launch of repair solutions for Stellantis vehicles with an EMR3 axle.
The company explained that until now, when electric vehicles such as the Opel Mokka or Peugeot 208e experienced issues with the electric motor, reduction gearbox, or peripheral components of the power electronics, the only option was an expensive replacement of the complete e-axle. With the Schaeffler E-Axle RepSystem-M, the Schaeffler E-Axle RepSystem-G, and the Schaeffler Vitesco E-Axle PEU KIT, distributors and workshops now have access to repair solutions for the EMR3 axle, which is found in many Stellantis vehicles.
Repairing the e-axle: now also for Stellantis vehicles
The Schaeffler E-Axle RepSystem-G and E-Axle RepSystem-M, which are now available, enable workshops to repair the gearbox unit and the electric motor of the EMR3 axle. The kits contain bearings and seals specifically assembled for this application in original-equipment quality, as well as detailed repair instructions.
Complementing these, the Schaeffler E-Axle Repair Tool supports technicians in the contact-free disassembly and assembly of the rotor and stator. This allows workshop staff to carry out the repair with minimal physical effort and without having to work against the strong magnetic forces of the rotor. The tool also prevents any damage from occurring during the process.
“The workshop receives everything from a single source: the required spare parts, the repair instructions developed by our REPXPERT specialists, and the optimal tool for safe installation,” said Stephan Niese, director of global product management for e-mobility at Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions.
New: solution for the power electronics
The Schaeffler Vitesco E-Axle PEU KIT will be available at the end of February. PEU stands for Power Electronics Unit, which is responsible for converting and controlling electrical energy.
“Failures of the PEU are caused by damage to supply lines or connecting parts – for example, as a result of animal bites,” said Niese. “Up to now, there have been no spare parts available for such damage around the EMR3 axle. A defective coolant hose could lead to replacement of the entire axle. With our new kits, workshops can now carry out these simple repairs around the PEU themselves.”
The first of the two available Schaeffler Vitesco E-Axle PEU KITs contains, among other things, a hose connector and clamps for repairing the cooling circuit. The other kit includes the shielding plate, screws, the signal wiring harness, and a sealing element, allowing these components to be replaced in the event of damage. As with the Schaeffler E-Axle RepSystems, these kits also come with detailed repair instructions that include all essential information required for OE-accurate installation – including bolt tightening sequence and torque specifications.
All core modules of the EMR3 axle covered
With the Schaeffler E-Axle RepSystem-M and G, as well as the Schaeffler Vitesco E-Axle PEU KIT, the
link hidden, please login to view division now offers repair solutions for all three core modules of the EMR3 axle: motor, gearbox, and power electronics. “The EMR3 has been used in Stellantis vehicles since 2019, and these vehicles are now mostly out of warranty and increasingly appearing in independent workshops. With our solutions, these workshops can now repair defective e-axles instead of replacing them completely,” Niese said.
The Schaeffler E-Axle RepSystems and the power electronics solution for Stellantis cover more than half a million vehicles registered worldwide.
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By Counterman
Every parts store is unique. Among independents, the differences are more obvious, with varied locations and floorplans, specialized product mixes and a diverse cast of characters behind each particular counter. Even among the large retail chains, where familiarity and consistency are paramount to building a strong brand identity, each location still maintains a distinct personality.
The “feel” of the parts store experience is due in large part to the customer base each store serves. In decades past, many parts counters were the domain of commercial customers, with a strong focus on wholesale operations. A more “casual” atmosphere (for better or worse) and a focus on function over form reflected this customer base. Locations relied primarily on establishing long-term relationships with professional service providers rather than attracting foot traffic from the general public. Modern jobbers still maintain strong ties to their commercial clientele, with a strong business-to-business (B2B) marketing style, but have warmed to the DIY market and their growing expectations of what a parts store provides.
When it comes to the retail side of aftermarket sales, marketing your business directly to the consumer (B2C) requires casting a much broader net. Uniformity is a key factor in the success of the DIY retail market. While the ownership and operations of a corporate store and a franchised business are markedly different behind the scenes, both rely heavily on the familiarity and uniformity of their brands. Independent stores may use their individuality to differentiate themselves from competitive businesses, but retail chains firmly embrace the principles of standardization. Having a consistent product offering at each location, combined with familiar floorplans and planograms, as well as uniform policies and standards make each location a part of something much bigger than itself. Ray Kroc built a fast-food empire from a single McDonald’s location on these principles, and they allow for a scalability that would be difficult for even the most aggressive independent to duplicate.
The biggest variable in either type of business comes from their customer base. As retailers entered their markets, independents devoted more effort into attracting the attention (and resources) of the DIY crowd, with varying levels of success. Those who leveraged their expertise and individuality were rewarded with a client base hungry for something more fulfilling than fast food. While DIYers readily embraced the “big box” offerings, wholesale commercial buyers were much slower to accept the mass-market nature of retailers. For jobber stores, the DIYer had often been an afterthought, and retailers had previously overlooked commercial opportunities in favor of the weekend warrior.
The personality of any parts store ultimately comes down to the people on both sides of the counter. Despite any designed-in continuity between locations, one major variable will always be people. Differences in demographics may influence consumer buying habits as well as determine the product mix required to maximize inventory turns for an individual location. It also dictates the expected ratio of commercial to retail engagement with your store. Affluent or older drivers may rarely come to a store seeking parts for their own vehicles, but the shops providing service to these people still rely on us daily. Enthusiasts with a more hands-on attitude may spend their time and money with you specifically for the product lines you carry, the personnel behind your counter or a combination of factors that they have failed to find anywhere else. People buy from people, and unless we can clone all our best employees, no two stores, no matter how well-stocked, will ever be quite identical. Wholesale, retail or a combination of the two, it’s variety that keeps the aftermarket flourishing!
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By Counterman
Every parts store is unique. Among independents, the differences are more obvious, with varied locations and floorplans, specialized product mixes and a diverse cast of characters behind each particular counter. Even among the large retail chains, where familiarity and consistency are paramount to building a strong brand identity, each location still maintains a distinct personality.
The “feel” of the parts store experience is due in large part to the customer base each store serves. In decades past, many parts counters were the domain of commercial customers, with a strong focus on wholesale operations. A more “casual” atmosphere (for better or worse) and a focus on function over form reflected this customer base. Locations relied primarily on establishing long-term relationships with professional service providers rather than attracting foot traffic from the general public. Modern jobbers still maintain strong ties to their commercial clientele, with a strong business-to-business (B2B) marketing style, but have warmed to the DIY market and their growing expectations of what a parts store provides.
When it comes to the retail side of aftermarket sales, marketing your business directly to the consumer (B2C) requires casting a much broader net. Uniformity is a key factor in the success of the DIY retail market. While the ownership and operations of a corporate store and a franchised business are markedly different behind the scenes, both rely heavily on the familiarity and uniformity of their brands. Independent stores may use their individuality to differentiate themselves from competitive businesses, but retail chains firmly embrace the principles of standardization. Having a consistent product offering at each location, combined with familiar floorplans and planograms, as well as uniform policies and standards make each location a part of something much bigger than itself. Ray Kroc built a fast-food empire from a single McDonald’s location on these principles, and they allow for a scalability that would be difficult for even the most aggressive independent to duplicate.
The biggest variable in either type of business comes from their customer base. As retailers entered their markets, independents devoted more effort into attracting the attention (and resources) of the DIY crowd, with varying levels of success. Those who leveraged their expertise and individuality were rewarded with a client base hungry for something more fulfilling than fast food. While DIYers readily embraced the “big box” offerings, wholesale commercial buyers were much slower to accept the mass-market nature of retailers. For jobber stores, the DIYer had often been an afterthought, and retailers had previously overlooked commercial opportunities in favor of the weekend warrior.
The personality of any parts store ultimately comes down to the people on both sides of the counter. Despite any designed-in continuity between locations, one major variable will always be people. Differences in demographics may influence consumer buying habits as well as determine the product mix required to maximize inventory turns for an individual location. It also dictates the expected ratio of commercial to retail engagement with your store. Affluent or older drivers may rarely come to a store seeking parts for their own vehicles, but the shops providing service to these people still rely on us daily. Enthusiasts with a more hands-on attitude may spend their time and money with you specifically for the product lines you carry, the personnel behind your counter or a combination of factors that they have failed to find anywhere else. People buy from people, and unless we can clone all our best employees, no two stores, no matter how well-stocked, will ever be quite identical. Wholesale, retail or a combination of the two, it’s variety that keeps the aftermarket flourishing!
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