Quality Comparison of SH Auto Parts Jeep Patriot Suspension Components

Let’s take a look at an example of how SH Auto Parts suspension component manufacturing is superior to the work of our competitors. The case study we’ll look at is the SH Auto Parts front lower control arm (FLCA) for the Jeep Patriot MY 2007-2017, OE number 5105041AC. This is a standard suspension component, available in many aftermarket versions, but as we will demonstrate, our version is clearly of the highest quality and reliability.

Case study analysis of OEM & aftermarket FLCA engineering for the Jeep Patriot 2007-2017

In this case study we’re going to discuss what we discovered when we evaluated the FLCA engineering for the Jeep Patriot 2007-2017, a popular model for which a wide range of aftermarket components are available, of varying cost and quality. We will look at the quality of stamping and forming, welding and management of known fatigue issues with the OEM component.

SH Auto Parts is an OEM, ODM and aftermarket manufacturer of suspension components for global markets, we undertake case study analysis and destructive testing of our own, OEM and competitor suspension components as part of our quality control and product innovation program. We have a fully equipped engineering design and testing laboratory at our vertically integrated Smart Factory in Taiwan, which is where we conducted this analysis.

Sheet metal stamping, forming & engineering design features of the Jeep Patriot FLCA

When comparing any OEM and alternate aftermarket automotive suspension components that have been manufactured for the same vehicle, the quality of stamping and forming is the first indicator of the reliability and suitability of the design. When comparing the stamping, forming and engineering features of the Jeep Patriot FLCA we found clear differences between the three examples we were testing.

Material differences between different versions of the Jeep Patriot FLCA

Although sheet metal thickness of the main body of the FLCA designs for all three versions were the same, at 3.2mm, there was a variation in the metal composition. SH Auto Parts uses JIS G3131 SHPE steel for our stamping and forming, which allows for deep drawing and progressive forming without loss of integrity. The competitor aftermarket component is made from JIS G3131 SHPC steel, which has inferior formability.

Forming analysis for the three examples of Jeep Patriot FLCA engineering design

When we look at the profiles of the OEM Jeep Patriot FLCA (shown above), SH Auto Parts FLCA (below) and aftermarket competitor design, we can see that the OEM and SH Auto Parts versions have almost identical sectional profiles, and are built to the same engineering design principles. The aftermarket competitor version does not have the recurved edges of the OEM design, limited by the use of lower grade materials, and although this saves on manufacturing costs it compromises component performance.

Failure to match the OE component profile reduces strength and may compromise installation

We can see the effect of using the lower grade SHPC steel in the shape of the main body molding. The curvature of the SH Auto Parts Jeep Patriot FLCA is equivalent to OE part manufacturing, whereas the forming arc of the SHPE steel aftermarket component is much larger, due to the limitations of the steel used, and to save on the number of forming processes used. This reduces the cost to manufacture the aftermarket competitor component, but compromises on strength and ease of installation.

Comparing weld quality between OEM & aftermarket Jeep Patriot FLCA

When we examined the welding of the OEM FLCA for the Jeep Patriot 2007-2017 and compared it with both a competitor’s design and our own aftermarket version we found significant differences. The number of welds, length of welds and depth of penetration of the competitor design were fewer and less substantial than the OEM original. The SH autoparts Jeep Patriot FLCA has twice the number of welds that are found in the OEM version and three times the penetration of the aftermarket competitor.

Robotic 10-axis welding enables SH Auto Parts to make ODM improvements to the original design

SH Auto Parts uses computer controlled 10-axis robotic welding at our Smart Factory in Taiwan to ensure accurate, consistent welding performance that matches or exceeds the specifications of the OEM original. There are several additional welds that demonstrate our ODM expertise in improving the OEM design, these are used to install a 2.5 mm reinforcement plate for the ball joint, which you can see in the images above.

Cracks around the ball joint are a common problem with OEM and aftermarket versions of the Jeep Patriot FLCA, and the SH Auto Parts ODM design significantly improves the strength and longevity of this zone without adding significant mass to the assembly.

High quality control arms that are integrated with global catalog systems

SH Auto Parts manufactures OEM, ODM and aftermarket control arms, tie rod ends, and stabilizer links, at our Smart Factory in Taiwan. Our catalog follows the ACES & PIES standard and is compliant with the TecAlliance platform to maximize ordering and distribution compatibility with your existing systems.

Our annual production capacity exceeds 7,000,000 suspension components, and our advanced production systems are IATF 16949 certified for Tier 1 suspension component manufacturing. Contact us to discuss your requirements for OEM, ODM and aftermarket suspension components and discover a reliable, dependable auto parts manufacturer who can satisfy your demands.