New Disc Brake Takes Hold

A new air disc brake (ADB) Haldex will introduce for the North American trailer market later this year is an example of the synergy between Haldex and Midland Grau, acquired in 1998, says John McKinley, Haldex vice-president of business and product planning. Haldex originally developed a range of internal parts, intending to supply application and adjustment components to truck manufacturers working on proprietary brake systems. However, using Midland expertise, the company has been able to develop its own ADB for several European truck manufacturers who previously made their own. That brake is now being introduced here in North America, and will be marketed by Dana, initially for trailer applications.

The brake brings new friction material technology developed at Midland’s Prattville, Ala., plant and is based on a four-sliding-pin design that offers improved performance. Trailer manufacturers also will be able to apply Haldex’s latest-generation electronic trailer braking control, called EB+, as electronic braking systems gain acceptance here. EB+ offers data logging to keep track of information from sensors mounted on the trailer, and is designed to make maintenance easier and offer management info as well. The EB+ unit simply has to have a voltage change from 24 to 12 volts to be immediately applicable on this side of the Atlantic, says McKinley.