Kenworth Truck Co. recently announced the availability of the Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake lightweight aluminum hub and Splined Disc rotor package as a front and rear axle option on its Class 8 tractors
equipped with Bendix ADB22X air disc brakes.
This lightweight air disc brake package, part of the growing lineup of wheel-end products offered from Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake, features an aluminum hub and the Splined Disc rotor assembly that reduces total wheel-end weight, greatly reduces rotor dynamic stresses, provides improved thermal balance, and offers longer brake life.
"Kenworth's addition of this lightweight option will benefit on-highway and vocational customers who demand weight-saving components and are interested in an efficient braking package that requires lower operating costs," said Jeff Sass, Kenworth director or marketing planning and research.
The aluminum hub and Splined Disc rotor option can save as much as 35 pounds per wheel end compared with other air disc brakes, which use an iron hub and conventional rotor, on the same typical tractor configuration.
In addition to weight savings, the lightweight Bendix ADB22X air disc brake package, manufactured using the Bendix Splined Disc rotor design and proven rotor metallurgy and friction formulations, adds longevity to the brake components while maintaining the performance and peace of mind that comes with using Bendix ADB22X air disc brakes.
"This ADB22X demonstrates a significant breakthrough in air disc brake technology because it offers a lightweight braking option without reducing the ability to safely stop a commercial vehicle," said Aaron Schwass, Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake product line director for air disc brakes.
The Bendix ADB22X model is built on high-volume technology from Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake, a wheel-end joint venture between Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems and Dana Corp. Extensive air disc brake product testing has consistently shown Bendix air disc brakes provide stopping distances comfortably within the range of NHTSA's proposed 20-30 percent reduction; virtually eliminate brake fade with no degradation of stopping power; enable a passenger car-like feel; and permit straight, stable stops due to high brake efficiency and low hysteresis.