LOUISVILLE, Ky. – ArvinMeritor has announced availability of its new wide-based tire hubs for drive and trailer axles, claimed to provide improved fuel economy, better handling and stability.

The new hub requires no modification to the drive axle.

The new drive- and trailer-axle hubs will be available on new tractors and trailers as well as through the company’s Commercial Vehicle Aftermarket for users who choose to retrofit to the wide-base single tire.

“Our new ArvinMeritor hubs are designed to work with the new wide-based tires available for heavy trucks, tractors and trailers from tire manufacturers like Michelin and provide operators with a number of advantages over traditional dual-tire systems,” said Tom Gosnell, president of Commercial Vehicle Systems for ArvinMeritor.

“Our innovative hubs are backward compatible with dual tires and carry the full 40,000-pound application rating operators have told us they require.”

Gosnell said the new hubs are the outcome of an Innovation Workshop to address an un-met customer need.

The new hubs offer truck operators multiple benefits, including:

* More robust axle bearings that improve bearing life over conventional bearings and support a full 40,000-pound application rating.

* Two-inch outset wheels that increase track width and improve handling and stability for greater safety at all speeds.

* Improved cooling lowers braking temperatures and improves brake lining wear.

* Reduced system weight of nearly 900 pounds – when combined with the trailer – for increased cargo hauling capacity.

* Full backward compatibility with dual wheel systems while retaining 40,000-pound capacity, when Meritor hubs are used, for flexibility in fleet operations.

The new hub-and-axle system will include Pre-Set1 lightweight ductile iron Meritor hubs with bearings designed to perform in the application.

Drive axle applications will utilize Meritor R Series hubs and are 35 pounds lighter than traditional iron hubs, while trailer axle applications will feature TP Series hubs.

The system requires no changes to the brake system, the company said.