Bendix is introducing pad wear sensing on all versions of its ADB22X air disc brake (ADB), available for order on new equipment from select truck and trailer manufacturers.
Bendix ADB wear sensing technology consists of sensors mounted to the ADB pads that indicate when pad thickness is approaching a worn-out condition. The system records a diagnostic trouble code and signals a fleet’s office via telematics if the truck or trailer has that capability. It can also be set up to alert technicians through a remote diagnostic unit, Bendix says.
“Now fleets can spec wear sensing on their original equipment manufacturer vehicles and more confidently know when to proactively schedule those trucks and trailers for pad replacement service. They can increase the cost-effectiveness of their maintenance efforts, significantly reducing time spent by technicians removing tires only to determine that adequate pad life remains — or, worst case, discovering the pad is so worn that it has damaged the rotor or other components, requiring replacement of expensive parts,” says Keith McComsey, director of marketing and customer solutions, wheel-end, Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake (BSFB).
With the next generation of its diagnostic software, Bendix ACom PRO, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems provides fleets and technicians with a leap forward in troubleshooting through a fully redesigned and re-engineered diagnostic tool, the company says.
“These are far more than just incremental improvements or software updates,” says T.J. Thomas, Bendix director of marketing and customer solutions, controls. “Through our collaboration with Noregon, we’ve crafted a much more streamlined, thorough, and user-friendly tool that’s head-and-shoulders above previous versions. ACom PRO is simply the best way to ensure safe and effective diagnostics of Bendix electronic components and systems.”
Improvements to ACom PRO include automatically detecting and gathering active and inactive diagnostic troubleshooting codes from all Bendix electronic control units (ECUs) on the vehicle, as well as key vehicle ECUs, like the engine and transmission, eliminating the need for a technician to guess from a prepopulated list of components that might be on the vehicle, according to Thomas.
In related news, Bendix announced the signing of a collaboration agreement with Noregon to jointly develop advanced vehicle diagnostics for the North American commercial vehicle market.
Under the agreement, Bendix and Noregon will work together to introduce and incorporate technology advancements to further enhance diagnostics for Bendix products in the marketplace. Sharing a vision of increased vehicle uptime and improved performance, the partnership collaboration aims to utilize both organizations’ expertise in vehicle system advanced diagnostics, Bendix says.
“Offering effective, strongly integrated tools for technicians to help them repair vehicles faster is our goal,” says Scott Burkhart, Bendix vice president, sales, marketing and business development.
A first step in this technology enhancement initiative began in early 2019 when Bendix implemented a licensed key-based download registration – powered by Noregon – for downloads of the ACom Diagnostics software. The move bolsters cybersecurity, as well as streamlines communication for future-generation ACom software updates moving forward, Bendix says.
According to Burkhart, the collaboration “will provide the commercial vehicle marketplace with an outstanding diagnostic tool they have come to expect from us.”
