COATING:
THE SCIENCE OF QUALITY PARTS

MOOG Employs Multiple Science-Based Coating Technologies to Increase Durability and Protect Against Corrosion

Many factors figure into the definition of a quality part. A part must fit, it must perform as expected, and it needs to be durable. Durability, in fact, might be the most important characteristic, because a part that performs well but doesn’t last clearly isn’t high quality.

MOOG builds its steering and suspension parts to be durable. We use the most sophisticated product engineering and manufacturing processes of any aftermarket supplier. Our European assembly operation features artificial intelligence and internet-of-things-enhanced technologies to assess the quality of every part during the manufacturing process. This is how we can offer our industry-leading three-year warranty.

One of the most important steps in the production of our steering and suspension parts is the application of a variety of premium coatings through science-based processes that separate MOOG parts from other aftermarket parts. These premium coating processes, all designed and applied to guard against corrosion and increase durability, include:

Phosphating

These coatings are typically formed with zinc, iron, or magnesium phosphate salts dissolved in phosphoric acid. This creates a chemical reaction that depletes the hydronium ions, raises the pH and causes the dissolved salt to fall out of the solution and precipitate on the surface. The result is a porous, absorbent layer that offers basic corrosion protection.

Cataphoresis

This surface treatment consists of electrochemically depositing an epoxy-type coating on a metal part. MOOG applies cataphoresis to sheet metal wishbones, control arms, axial rods and tie rod ends, ensuring superior resistance to corrosion – outperforming the electrostatic spray-painting technology used by many aftermarket suppliers. These parts are also submersed in a bath of electrically charged paint that covers all surfaces with a consistent coating and then baked at a high temperature for superior bonding and coating strength.

The science, chemistry and production processes behind our coatings contribute significantly to the quality of our parts

Robbie De Moor, Steering & Suspension Product Management Lead, EMEA

“It’s something installers may not always recognize when they take a MOOG part out of the box, but it’s one of the reasons they can install MOOG parts with confidence and peace of mind.”

In addition to the coatings, many MOOG control arms, ball joints, axial rods and tie rod ends feature the brand’s exclusive Hybrid Core Technology, which offers superior strength, performance, and safety characteristics. This Hybrid Core Technology features an induction-hardened ball stud and carbon fiber-reinforced bearing that together increase product strength, durability and steering precision.

Parts that fit, parts that perform, and parts that last. You need to provide your customers with all three. MOOG parts do just that, and we stand behind them with a 3-year warranty that protects them and you.