New air-disc technology speeds rotor replacement
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems recently introduced some intriguing new technology for air disc brakes — splined rotors that are deliberately prefractured.
A development from the joint venture of Bendix and Knorr-Bremse, the “splined disc” design basically isolates the friction surface from the mating parts, preventing heat in the friction surface area from flowing elsewhere and causing rotor distortion.
The split-rotor technology allows an air disc brake rotor to be changed without removing the hub, wheel bearings, caliper and carrier from the wheel end. This reduces rotor replacement time from six hours down to about one hour.
To replace a rotor, a brake technician:
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Replaces the brake's friction pads with wedges;
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Actuates the foot brake pedal to apply brake pressure to wheel ends, cracking the rotor into two pieces;
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Disconnects the two pieces from the adapter or hub by removing interconnecting pieces;
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Installs a precracked replacement rotor onto the axle and bolts both pieces together with a conventional tool; and,
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Unwinds the actuation pistons, inserts new friction pads, and adjusts for proper pad-to-rotor clearance.
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Redesigned liftgate
A redesigned version of its MDR medium-duty rail type liftgate is available from Waltco Truck Equipment Co. The company says the new liftgate boasts features, such as factory-installed hydraulics, that make it easier to install, operate and maintain.
Maintenance is reduced by a platform that features new-style deck pins and self-lubricating composite bearings that eliminate the need for routine lubrication.
The liftgate is easier to operate thanks to an adjustable torsion bar and a platform lock that has been designed out of the liftgate, so there's no need to manually release the lock to close the platform.
To cut installation time, the box containing the hydraulic pump is now installed at the factory. In addition, the shipping feet and lifting tube are now bolted, instead of welded, onto the frame so these parts do not have to be ground off and the rough surfaces repainted.
The MDR is available in lifting capacities of 1,200 or 1,600 lb. and with a variety of platform and ramp sizes.
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Running hot and cold
Rigmaster offers a combination auxiliary generator and heater/AC unit. The self-contained unit does not use a truck's own cooling or air conditioning systems to function. The only connections to the vehicle are battery cables for starting the unit and charging its batteries and a tap into the fuel tank.
The complete system weighs 420 lb. and features a four-kilowatt generator powered by a Perkins 102-05 diesel engine. The bunk heater/AC unit mounts inside the sleeper and is controlled by a panel mounted inside the truck.
The unit produces 30 amps of AC and 25 amps of DC current to allow drivers to run various onboard accessories. It can also be used to power a block heater to ensure starts on cold days.
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bulletins
Hendrickson is making it easier for trailer suspension customers to get the help they need. For technical questions, call 1-800-455-0043. For more general customer-service inquiries, call 1-866-742-3247 (866-RIDEAIR). Customers who prefer e-mail should contact [email protected].
Accuride's new 22.5×14.00 DupleX-One wheel, which replaces traditional dual wheel sets on tandem axle tractors and trailers, increases payload capacity by about 120 lb. per axle end, and is said to improve ride quality and boost fuel economy. It is available in both steel and aluminum on new trucks from Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star, and through trailer manufacturers. For more information, visit www.accuridecorpcom.
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Tosco Corp.'s 76 Lubricants is buying Sunoco's Kendall motor oil brand. The deal is expected to close during the first quarter of 2001.
