ArvinMeritor has added a new lining wear sensor and stamped spider design for Q-Plus 16.5×5-in. front brakes. The new option is said to offer the benefits of larger, high-performance front drum brakes with a 10% reduction in weight over comparable cast-spider assemblies.

The patent-pending design uses a broken-wire-type sensor concept, using a hollow fastener that replaces a rivet already in use in the shoe assembly to hold the sensor in place. When coupled to the vehicle’s electronic control unit, intermittent wear indication is provided to the operator and will indicate worn friction material before the shoe’s rivets contact the drum. This may prevent potential damage that could require drum refinishing or replacement.

The new wear sensor helps take advantage of the maximum amount of wearable lining while improving overall cost of ownership.