Axel Strike
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 50
Likes: 21
GLE 450
Axel Strike
UAW has called a strike at the plant that makes axels for the GLE. I have an order in for a 450 hope it doesn't delay it. More importantly, hope the car's axels are pointed in the right direction the attached article says managers are working the plant in the meantime!
https://www.wardsauto.com/industry-n...ier-zf-alabama
https://www.wardsauto.com/industry-n...ier-zf-alabama
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,712
Likes: 4,605
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
This is the ZF Chassis Systems plant in Tuscaloosa. More delays in ordering new vehicles. Dealers will juice the price of showroom units and 1-2 year old preowned units.
Here come ADMs for base GLE350s!
Here come ADMs for base GLE350s!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,063
Likes: 2,218
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
I was once a UAW worker. I was never so embarrassed at my excessive pay. The Union Steward did everything he could to slow down the production line - including breaking people's tools so it took three to four times as long to do your job.😬
Last edited by mikapen; Sep 23, 2023 at 01:54 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 642
Likes: 227
From: Charlotte, NC
2024 E450 AT Wagon, 2024 EQS450+ / Had: 2021 E350, 2019 E300, 2021 + 20 GLE350, 2019 E450 Wagon(s)
Just had my right front axle replaced under warranty - hope nobody needs another one right away.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,712
Likes: 4,605
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Let’s be clear about what the stopped ZF plant produces. “Axle” in this context means “suspension module” (auf Deutsch: Achsmodul) or “suspension assembly” which is equivalently labeled an “axle”.
The suspension assembly typically includes knuckle (wheel carrier), hub, wheel bearing, brake rotor and caliper, control arms/links, halfshafts (“axle shafts”), differential (“axle”), and subframe or large crossmember.
In the front, the system usually includes the steering rack.
Springs, whether air or steel coil, and shocks may or may not be included in the axle assembly, depending on the choice of the car company. It is often more efficient to first install springs and shocks into the body before the axle system is raised into the body, where the shocks and springs are waiting.
In summary, the ZF stoppage because of the UAW strike affects “axle systems” aka suspension assemblies, for new vehicles. It has no effect in the short term on availability of halfshafts (“axles” or “axle shafts”) or differentials (“axles” or “axle gear” or “axle differential”).
Obtaining replacement parts at dealers in the short term will not be affected because these components are normally supplied to parts distribution centers directly from the sub-component suppliers. Normal parts ordering delays, if any, would continue to apply.
As can be seen above, the meaning of the word “axle” requires context. Curl up with a cup of coffee and read MB WIS and EPC, and Porsche PCSS documents and you will see the several uses of the word “axle”.
German-English translation also plays a role here. ZF is an Achssystemlieferant, or axle system supplier. Read about the Weissach axle, etc etc etc.
The suspension assembly typically includes knuckle (wheel carrier), hub, wheel bearing, brake rotor and caliper, control arms/links, halfshafts (“axle shafts”), differential (“axle”), and subframe or large crossmember.
In the front, the system usually includes the steering rack.
Springs, whether air or steel coil, and shocks may or may not be included in the axle assembly, depending on the choice of the car company. It is often more efficient to first install springs and shocks into the body before the axle system is raised into the body, where the shocks and springs are waiting.
In summary, the ZF stoppage because of the UAW strike affects “axle systems” aka suspension assemblies, for new vehicles. It has no effect in the short term on availability of halfshafts (“axles” or “axle shafts”) or differentials (“axles” or “axle gear” or “axle differential”).
Obtaining replacement parts at dealers in the short term will not be affected because these components are normally supplied to parts distribution centers directly from the sub-component suppliers. Normal parts ordering delays, if any, would continue to apply.
As can be seen above, the meaning of the word “axle” requires context. Curl up with a cup of coffee and read MB WIS and EPC, and Porsche PCSS documents and you will see the several uses of the word “axle”.
German-English translation also plays a role here. ZF is an Achssystemlieferant, or axle system supplier. Read about the Weissach axle, etc etc etc.
Last edited by chassis; Sep 24, 2023 at 09:15 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 505
Likes: 201
From: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
2021 AMG GLE53 | 2013 SLK350 Sport
Industry wide. Clever strategy by the UAW to affect all production with minimal impact on their Strike fund.
I was once a UAW worker. I was never so embarrassed at my excessive pay. The Union Steward did everything he could to slow down the production line - including breaking people's tools so it took three to four times as long to do your job.😬
I was once a UAW worker. I was never so embarrassed at my excessive pay. The Union Steward did everything he could to slow down the production line - including breaking people's tools so it took three to four times as long to do your job.😬
