A no-cost permanent remedy kit – Bendix part number K140496 – is now available to enable repair of Bendix SR-5 spring brake valves identified in a voluntary safety recall campaign. Bendix is directing impacted vehicle owners to work through its vehicle OEM or an authorized Bendix parts outlet – depending on how each OEM has elected to administer the recall – to obtain this remedy kit.
On May 10, 2016, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC (Bendix) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the start of a voluntary safety recall campaign involving the Bendix SR-5 spring brake valve, which is sold outright and is also included in Bendix antilock braking (ABS) kits for trailers. The recall was assigned number 16E045.
This recall includes all Bendix SR-5 trailer spring brake valves manufactured between Jan. 1, 2014 and March 4, 2016. The SR-5 is a trailer-only product, so no powered vehicles (tractors) are impacted. This issue potentially affects any trailer that utilizes this valve. This action does not impact SR-5 spring brake valves manufactured prior to or after the stated dates. Approximately 200,000 SR-5 valves are covered. These valves were made available through vehicle OEMs and the aftermarket. As part of the reporting requirements, OEMs will indicate which of the trailers they manufactured – identified by year and model number – are part of the total number of trailers containing valves reported by Bendix as a part of this voluntary action.
Under a combination of a unique set of circumstances, it is possible for an internal leakage to develop in the SR-5 unit, resulting in slow-to-apply spring brakes when parking the trailer. The leak is heard or observed at the supply (red) gladhand when uncoupled from the tractor – or, if coupled, from the exhaust of the park control valve. According to the company, this issue does not affect the tractor brakes.
“At Bendix, safety and customer satisfaction are top priorities,” the company stated. “We remain in close contact with our customers and continue to work diligently to address the issue in a timely manner.”
As remedy kits are shipped into the marketplace, Bendix reminds vehicle owners to follow the instructions provided in direct communications from their OEM or Bendix in the coming weeks. Bendix Product Action Center representatives are available to assist vehicle owners with questions about this voluntary recall at 1-877-345-9526 or by email at [email protected]. Information is also available at the company’s online Product Action Center under the Services & Support tab.
