Q. What types of trends do you see with air suspensions in the future?
As more equipment is added to the truck or trailer to meet new regulations, the overall vehicle weight continues to be a prominent factor...
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A.
Drum brakes and air disc brakes perform differently.
The Copper-Free Brake Initiative applies to both drum and disc brakes; however, in contrast to ADB systems, drum brakes have a larger brake lining surface contact area, which means drum brakes generally operate at lower temperatures than disc brakes. This makes it more feasible for drum brake linings to be produced with little to no copper. All of Hendrickson’s current trailer drum brake offerings already meet 2025 requirements for the Copper-Free Brake Initiative.
Be Aware.
Do not assume that copper-free or copper-reduced alternatives in the near-term will result in equivalent performance of today’s ADB systems that use copper in pad formulations. Historically, copper has played a significant role in ADB applications for commercial vehicles. The presence of copper in ADB pad formulations helps reduce thermal fade and optimize wear characteristics. The challenge is finding a suitable alternative to copper while maintaining similar wear characteristics and performance of today’s ADB systems.
Choose Wisely.
When choosing replacement pads, remember that copper compliance does not mean compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 121 (air brake systems). Additionally, OEM friction materials are designed to maximize component durability while maintaining compliance.
Hendrickson - L1332 Copper Compliance flyer (hendrickson-intl.com)
Marketing Director, Hendrickson Trailer Commercial Vehicle Systems
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As more equipment is added to the truck or trailer to meet new regulations, the overall vehicle weight continues to be a prominent factor...
An air suspension provides improved ride quality by isolating the truck and trailer from road inputs...
For trailer suspensions, the first consideration should be the vehicle type and how it will be used...
On an air suspension, the hydraulic shock absorber plays a crucial role in suspension damping, but it is also likely requiring replacement or service during the life of a trailer...
Our research indicates that fleets would find value in monitoring trailer components...
When discussing tire wear and performance, it is important to consider both the tire and suspension manufacturers. For trailer suspensions, one of the primary design goals is to ensure the axle presents the tires to the road surface in a way that minimizes resistance to forward travel...
Historically, automatic tire inflation systems (ATIS) work to maintain proper tire pressures but cannot provide insight to potential issues like small leaks...
The potential of telematics and its implications for modernizing fleet operations is exciting, but there are some considerations fleets should make when it comes to integrating systems between the tractor and trailer...
A comprehensive preventative maintenance program includes two critical components: maintaining good records and understanding your operating conditions...
Some say uptime and reduced maintenance. Others say superior performance and value...
As the commercial trailer industry’s understanding of tire pressure issues has evolved, so have tire pressure control solutions...
Variations in vehicle design can affect the operation of a liftable suspension by impacting the suspension’s operating ride height. Some valuable information to consider when spec’ing a lift axle include...
Maintaining air suspensions have a lot of similarities to mechanical suspensions such as checking for proper torques and ensuring proper lubrication at required intervals. These maintenance items are essential to proper operation and suspension performance...
Routine maintenance on air suspension will consist of audible inspections, visual inspections, and adjustments...
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