Regular truck brake inspections critical says Bendix

Given the carrying capacity of trucks, especially in the heavier weight classes, braking systems are critical. Many of these trucks will be operating at near full GVM which could be 20t for smaller rigs, through to well over 60t GCM in the case of B-Doubles.

These hefty weights mean that commercial vehicles take much longer to stop and unfortunately many motorists are ignorant of this.

Data from Transport NSW indicates that a B-double travelling at just 40km/h can take up to 44 metres to stop; if travelling at 60km/h, that same truck would need approximately 90 metres to come to a standstill. In comparison, a car travelling at 40km/h needs around 27 metres to stop, or if travelling at 60km/h, around 56 metres is needed.

Because of these operating conditions, it’s vital that the braking systems of heavy vehicles are regularly inspected. Drivers should also be aware of the symptoms of poorly performing brakes, this may include: pulling left or right when applying the brakes, vibrations including through the pedal, hard or low pedal feel, unusual noises on application or an illuminated brake warning light.

Things to check for:
• Ensure brake fluid levels are correct and changed at OEM-specified intervals
• Inspect brake pads, rotors and calipers for wear or damage
• Check brake shoes and drums for wear, damage and adjustment
• Check brake lines and air hoses to ensure there are no kinks, perished rubbers or other damage
• Ensure that brake components are properly lubricated to prevent corrosion and to provide free operation
• Clean brake components to remove corrosion and debris build-up as required

The Bendix ProTrans commercial vehicle range
If consumables do need replacing, Bendix offers an extensive range covering light, medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles and trailers, as well as buses and coaches. Available products include disc brake pads, brake shoe kits and the special heavy-duty disc brake pads, designed for extreme applications.

Bendix says the advantages of ProTrans include improved surface technology, high temperature resistance and reduced wear rates which all contribute to reliable and high-performance braking as well as reduced running costs. A further benefit of the range is reduced brake noise, while mechanics and workshops will also appreciate the easy installation aspects of the product.

At the heart of the range is Bendix’s adoption of high-quality friction materials which are essential to meet the braking requirements of modern commercial vehicles – the pads provide a strong, predictable friction level regardless of the temperature, speed or axle load. There’s also titanium bedding-in technology to ensure a positive pedal feel right from new.