Cooling Module

Function

Modules are becoming more and more popular. Hereby, components or subassemblies are meant, which are arranged in a certain area of the vehicle, and are consolidated, even if they belong to different systems. The process began in the manufacturing even before 1990 and has, at least for the vehicle manufacturer, tangible advantages, because the component supplier takes over a large part of the development- and test work. This system has also brought the suppliers closer to the manufacturer, sometimes even onto the same premises.

How it works

The cooling modules have become an integral part of the car body. They are included in crash tests. For a long time now, not all the components are mounted directly onto the radiator. There is a sturdy frame in which possibly, even single components can be exchanged. The module in the Porsche Cayenne (above figures 1 and 2) differs from of Ford Fiesta (figure 3), in this case, alone from the cooling requirements and the complexity of the headlights. What they do however, have in common, is that both constitute the connection between the two front ends of the frame rails. Mostly it is bolted together and can be also dismantled relatively easily, e.g., for the engine removal. 09/09