Through its Gunite subsidiary, Accuride Corp. is rolling out a new drum brake line, Gunite Optimum Lightweight Drum (GOLD), developed to reduce brake weight without compromising performance.
According to Larry Taylor, senior vp-sales & marketing at Accuride, GOLD brake drums are designed to balance durability and thermal capability, yet save as much as 170 lb. vs. standard full-cast drums on a typical tractor-trailer combination. “In addition, our field-testing has indicated that GOLD drums can yield longer life compared to other drums.”
The company also reports that two years of field tests have demonstrated that drum life expectancy increased in front (steer) axle applications by 50% to 75%, rear (drive) axle brake life went up 20% to 50%, and trailer drum brake life jumped 20% to 40%. The new GOLD design also helped reduce brake drum “squeal” compared to lightweight steel shell composite brake drums, according to Gunite.
www.gunite.com.
