March 2023 - 41

INNOVATION AWARDS PROFILE
OTC's CA7149 Ball Joint
Connected Adapter Starter Kit
Q&A with Justin Fisette, senior product manager at Bosch Aftermarket and OTC Tools.
Q: What is the main problem this tool solves for
technicians?
A: Having to balance cups and adapters on a C-frame under a
vehicle and chasing those adapters around the shop after removing
ball joints. It saves time and eliminates frustration during ball
joint removal and installation.
Q: Do you plan to offer other kits with more
adapters or a larger set in the future?
A: We are continuously assessing our existing ball joint kits to
expand the tool's capabilities and applications. Additionally, we
are looking at new applications, including 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks
and service vehicles, off-road vehicles, and new suspension setups
in electric vehicles.
Q: How does it help technicians save time?
A: The included locking cups and adapters are set up seamlessly
and quicker than comparable kits, giving technicians a free hand
to perform other tasks simultaneously. A tech can hold the C-frame
with one hand and use an impact wrench to start driving the
forcing screw during removal or installation.
Q: How did this ball joint adapter starter kit idea
come about internally?
A: While the original ball joint kit and C-frame have worked great
for many years, setting up the tool was always a bit frustrating.
Cups and adapters didn't stay put, and it could be time-consuming,
especially on horizontal jobs. Our team worked on various ways
to secure cups and adapters to the C-frame and decided that
spring-loaded ball bearings would secure the cups and allow
enough play to maneuver around suspension components.
Q: How have technicians who've purchased this rated it?
A: Based on our feedback, technicians who've purchased the
starter kit have rated it very highly and are enjoying the array of
vehicle applications the kit has.
Additionally, technicians appreciate that the adapter kit is fully
compatible with existing OTC ball joint kits - citing that this
allows them to easily expand their vehicle applications and makes
removing and installing ball joints and suspension components
faster and easier.
PTEN is the only publication to feature
the prestigious " Innovation Awards. "
Every year since 1999, the Innovation
Awards highlight the newest and
most innovative products introduced
to the automotive aftermarket. For
2022, PTEN received 121 submitted product entries in 23
categories. We will be featuring each category winner in a
monthly video on our YouTube channel PTEN (Professional Tool
& Equipment News). To view a full list of winners online, visit:
VehicleServicePros.com/2022IAWinners.
The Innovation Awards honor companies that take their
products to another level and offer unique features that make a
technician's job easier. If you would like to submit a product to be
considered for the 2023 Innovation Awards, entries are now being
accepted. Visit: VehicleServicePros.com for more information.
www.VehicleServicePros.com MARCH 2023 PROFESSIONAL TOOL & EQUIPMENT NEWS 41
http://www.VehicleServicePros.com/2022IAWinners http://www.VehicleServicePros.com http://www.VehicleServicePros.com
March 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of March 2023
