While there continues to be increased acceptance of air disc brake (ADB) systems in certain applications and operating environments, common concerns include parts identification and availability as well as serviceability of ADB components, noted Jeff Wittlinger, business unit director of wheel-end and braking systems at Hendrickson International.
“Numerous systems are available in the marketplace today, and they all use different air chambers, calipers and brake pads, which can make identifying and stocking parts a time-consuming task,” Wittlinger explained.
Hendrickson said its MAXX22T trailer air disc brake system features an innovative torque plate that incorporates a special notch to prevent backward caliper installation during servicing. Additionally, a bolt-on splash guard is designed with built-in clearance to make rotor inspection simpler.
“Because of reduced stopping distance requirements, air disc brakes are growing in popularity among fleets,” stated Ian Shackleton, director of North American OEM sales and marketing at TSE Brakes. “Fleets are also interested in air disc brakes for their safety performance and their potential for reduced maintenance requirements.”
For air disc brakes, TSE Brakes is offering its VCT (Variable Clocking Technology) on UltraLife and OmniBrake air brake actuator models, which it said provides for easier installation and better chamber sealing.
TSE Brakes said its UL-Disc air brake actuators feature full immersion electro-deposition coating inside and out and an exclusive powder coating finish for corrosion protection, a self-guided recessed pressure plate to assure consistent alignment, and a bushing assembly and all steel design to reduce leaks.
The ADB22X-LT air disc brake from Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake (BSFB) engineered exclusively for trailers is a version of the manufacturer’s ADB22X model for tractors and trailers.
“That means the two brakes share replacement wear items, which helps to streamline maintenance and training plus reduce inventory requirements,” said Keith McComsey, director of marketing and customer solutions at BSFB. “In addition, the same skill sets fleet technicians use for installing and maintaining the ADB22X are applicable to the ADB22X-LT.”
The Bendix ADB22X-LT with a 23,000-lb. brake rating is lighter than the ADB22X for increased payload capacity, the company reported. The ADB22X-LT brake also features 8% more pad volume and meets the 2021 Copper-Free Brake Initiative requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Meritor AllFit ADB pads are made with “N” level friction material, the company reported. Level “N” is a 2025 government requirement for “Zero Copper” in the brake pad friction mix. Meritor is offering “N“ level material ahead of the required date, bypassing the “B” level requirement that calls for reducing the amount of friction in the pad lining to less than 5%.
According to the manufacturer, other features of its AllFit ADB pads include powder-coated finishes for the backing plate that can withstand 500 hours in a salt spray testing chamber and a mechanical attachment design that creates a secure bond between the friction material and backing plate to protect against rust jacking and delamination.
“After reduced stopping distance regulations were introduced in 2011,” said Dan Dunkleberger, national sales/product manager-friction at Haldex, “new friction materials were introduced and fleets were forced to make expensive adjustments. RSD-compliant friction is more expensive and much more aggressive than previous materials, which shortened the life of the brake lining and the contact parts.”
Haldex Grey-Rock RSD Complete Fleet Solutions are said to offer fleets a cost-effective alternative. According to the manufacturer, by utilizing a high quality phenolic resin base, its GG2020 and GR2015 formulations for tractors and trailers provide for longer lining and drum life at a lower price.
