LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kenworth will make Bendix’s ADB22X front and rear air disc brakes available on select Kenworth class 8 trucks.

The company, which made the announcement at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, says the air disc brakes feature a mono-block caliper design that provides a compact brake compared to other two-piece caliper models. This design offers sealing that provides optimal protection from environmental elements, a larger rotor that absorbs more energy, better ventilation, and is an overall more robust system than past air disc brakes.

“Air disc brakes provide reduced brake wear,” said Mike Dozier, Kenworth chief engineer. “The Bendix air disc brake’s longer life may help eliminate one steer axle brake reline for many line haul customers. In addition, drivers have found disc brakes on steer axles improve the feel and control of the vehicle during braking.”

According to Bendix, the ADB22X design also virtually eliminates brake fade with no degradation of stopping power and in controlled testing has shown it permits stable, straight stops due to high brake efficiency. The ADB22X model utilizes the proven Knorr-Bremse air disc brake technology used in the European commercial vehicle market and serving the needs of global customers since the early 1990s.

Manufacturers predict more air disc spec’ing as a way to exceed tough, new U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stopping distance requirements for heavy trucks.

The NHTS has determined that stopping distances for tractors can be reduced by 20 to 30 percent from current standards.

Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC, a joint venture of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems and Dana Corporation, is a single complete source for brake system research, design, manufacturing, hardware and support for all foundation brake components and actuation systems for medium and heavy duty trucks.