Bendix Reaches Production Milestone For Air Disc Brake

Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC (BSFB) continues its rapid growth in the production of air disc brakes in North America to meet increased market demand. BSFB recently reached a milestone when it manufactured its 175,000th Bendix ADB22X air disc brake at the company's state-of-the-art wheel-end production facility in Bowling Green, KY, which began producing the air disc brakes in 2005.

The Bendix ADB22X air disc brake is part of BSFB's complete lineup of proven wheel-end solutions that meet and exceed the new federal stopping distance requirements mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The patented air disc brake is a lightweight air disc brake design proven to significantly reduce stopping distance and extend brake system life for commercial vehicles. In recent years, production has increased dramatically year by year, with 23,000 air disc brakes manufactured in 2009 and 52,000 in 2010. The company expects production to exceed more than 100,000 units in 2011.

"The air disc brake manufacturing milestone reflects the increasing acceptance of the Bendix ADB22X air disc brake in the North American market," says Aaron Schwass, general manager for Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake. "Demand for the brakes increased nearly 120% from 2009 to 2010, and we expect an additional increase of nearly 140% in 2011. More and more OEMs, fleets, and owner-operators are turning to the Bendix ADB22X air disc brake to reduce stopping distance and improve highway safety."

The first phase of the NHTSA mandate 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.

Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake offers all possible brake configurations to meet the new requirements, including all drum brakes, all disc brakes, or a combination of both. In addition to the Bendix ADB22X air disc brake, the drum brake solutions include a new, higher performing version of the company's Extended Service drum brake 
(ES Brakes).

"Our goal with all of our wheel-end solutions is to offer the best in the industry, from the highest level of performance, reliability, and safety, to the lowest maintenance costs," says Gary Ganaway, director of the foundation drum brake group, marketing, and global development at BSFB. "In this new world of shorter stopping distances, we offer the industry's widest range of solutions to meet or exceed the federal mandate, enabling our customers to make choices that are best for their operations."

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

The Bendix ADB22X air disc brake recently attained standard position on the steer axle of all Peterbilt Motors Company Class 8 truck models.