Not all suspension parts are created with the same research, standards, and quality

Vehicle owners and mechanics have three primary options when replacing suspension components: Original Equipment (OE) parts, premium aftermarket parts, and low-quality or counterfeit parts.
OE parts are designed and manufactured by the original vehicle manufacturer or suppliers, built to precise specifications, and rigorously tested for performance and safety.
While reliable, Arnott notes they are often costly due to branding and dealership markups. Additionally, real-world use can reveal issues that are rarely addressed after a vehicle is introduced, leaving potential weaknesses unresolved.
Low-quality or counterfeit suspension parts often mimic OE designs but use inferior materials, lack proper quality control, and skip essential testing or certification. By purely copying OE parts, these components also inherit the same potential weaknesses.
While imitation parts can be hard to spot, red flags include poor-quality rubber, lack of certification, unauthorised sellers, and unusually low prices.
Arnott warns that purchasing low-quality suspension parts isn’t just a financial gamble; it poses a serious risk to drivers, customers, and your business, including premature failure, poor ride quality, and increased wear on other components.
When it comes to premium aftermarket suspension parts, Arnott says it delivers smarter, premium aftermarket suspension solutions which often exceed OE performance, at a more competitive price.
It states that its engineers analyse OE designs, identify failure points, and enhance durability.
Using advanced 3D design software and high-end 3D printing, Arnott prototypes and rigorously tests each component on company-owned vehicles.
Every part endures thousands of test miles before production with premium materials and Arnott says its TÜV and ISO-certified processes ensure superior performance and reliability.
Arnott provides the following as examples of its optimised designs.

Arnott’s (A-2724) Rear Air Spring – Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211/S211) and CLS-Class (C219)
This innovative design eliminates the OE Reservoir, integrating the function of the reservoir within the air spring.
In the OE design, replacing a faulty air spring requires disassembling and lowering the entire subframe to loosen the reservoir bolts.
With Arnott’s solution, the company says this disassembly is no longer necessary, saving mechanics up to seven hours of labor.
The design also features what Arnott describes as a stronger and more reliable lower mount.
Arnott explains that the OE air spring’s delicate eye mount requires precise alignment with the rear axle using special tools and if installed incorrectly, it can tear off during use.
Arnott’s solid metal lower mount is said to be stronger with a built-in installation angle, ensuring easy, error-free installation and preventing costly failures.

Arnott’s (A-2780) Rear Air Spring – BMW 5-Series (F07, F11)
Arnott explains that the OE design for this vehicle includes a top folding edge and umbrella cover that traps dirt over time, leading to increased leak risk and reduced lifespan.
Arnott says it has removed the rolling piston with a seamless design, making the dust cap redundant while maintaining OE-level ride comfort. This reduces the likelihood of leaks and extends product longevity.
In summary, Arnott says that while OE parts offer quality, and low-quality aftermarket suspension parts provide cost-efficiency, Arnott delivers both: premium suspension solutions that go the extra mile without breaking the bank.

For more from Arnott, visit www.arnottinc.com