Bendix air disc brakes attain standard position at Peterbilt

Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC (BSFB) has reached another milestone as it expands its North American market leadership position. The company’s patented Bendix ADB22X air disc brakes have attained standard position on the steer axle of all Peterbilt Motors Company Class 8 truck models.

The Bendix ADB22X air disc brake is a lightweight air disc brake package offering longer brake life, reduced stopping distance for commercial vehicles, and improved uptime for fleets.

“We are proud to be awarded standard position at Peterbilt,” said Walt Frankiewicz, president of Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake. “This honor is an endorsement of the superior performance capabilities of the ADB22X air disc brake, as well as an expression of trust in our ability to provide the exceptional service and support that Peterbilt’s customers expect.”

Bendix air disc brakes are proven to significantly reduce stopping distances for commercial vehicles; virtually eliminate brake fade with no degradation of stopping power; provide a passenger car-like feel; and permit straight, stable stops. In addition, Bendix air disc brakes offer longer brake life and fast and easy pad replacement, improving uptime for fleets. Extensive field experience has validated the air disc brakes’ superior performance advantages relative to stopping distance, pad and rotor life, and brake fade.

Peterbilt becomes the first major heavy truck OEM to offer air disc brakes as standard across its product line. The company’s move to standardize air disc brakes helps ensure its vehicles meet the federal government’s new stopping distance regulations, which begin taking effect Aug. 1, 2011. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires a 30 percent reduction in stopping distance for new three axle tractors with Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWRs) up to 59,600 lbs. and produced after the Aug. 1, 2011, implementation date. Tractors with two axles, as well as severe-service tractors with GVWRs above 59,600 lbs., must comply with the new mandate by Aug. 1, 2013.

“Peterbilt is committed to providing our customers braking solutions that comply with the reduced stopping distance regulations, while enhancing safety, reducing maintenance costs, and delivering high performance,” said Landon Sproull, Peterbilt chief engineer. “Bendix helps us offer this level of quality.”

With standard position for Bendix ADB22X air disc brakes, Peterbilt continues to advance its offerings of Bendix technologies. The company also partners with Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems on active safety technologies, including Bendix ESP Electronic Stability Program and Bendix Wingman ACB – Active Cruise with Braking, as well as the SmarTire Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Last year, Peterbilt made Bendix ADB22X air disc brakes standard on its new aerodynamic Model 587.

From 2009 to 2010, Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake has experienced a nearly 120 percent increase in demand for its Bendix ADB22X air disc brakes. The company is expecting an additional increase of 110 percent in 2011. BSFB will open a new state-of-the-art production line at its Bowling Green, Ky., manufacturing plant in July to triple the current assembly capacity for its North American operation.

Bendix foundation drum brakes, disc brakes, automatic slack adjusters, and combination spring brakes are produced and made available by Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC under the Bendix brand name. Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake is a joint venture between Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC and Dana Commercial Vehicle Products, LLC.