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As spring emerges, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems offers essential preventive maintenance tips to help fleets and owner-operators recover from winter’s harsh effects. This Tech Tips installment emphasizes optimizing wheel-ends, air systems, brake valves, and advanced safety technologies. These steps ensure commercial vehicles operate safely and efficiently, reducing downtime and enhancing performance throughout the warmer months.
Key Highlights:
- Wheel-End Inspections: Technicians should check brakes for corrosion, wear, and proper lubrication to maintain consistent stopping power after winter’s toll.
- Air System Care: Inspecting and replacing air dryer components prevents corrosion and ensures reliable compressed air for braking and other functions.
- Brake Valve Checks: Spring assessments of valves combat sticking and corrosion, supporting smooth brake performance.
- ADAS Maintenance: Cleaning sensors and recalibrating systems keep advanced safety features like collision mitigation fully operational.
After winter’s road salts, moisture, and temperature swings, wheel-ends demand attention. Richard Conklin, director of engineering at Bendix, advises, “Look for cracks or missing material in the friction, along with signs of contamination from oil or grease – as well as minimum thickness.” Proper lubrication and replacing friction materials on both axle sides ensure balanced braking. For air disc brakes, technicians must inspect rotor fins, caliper boots, and guide pins to prevent corrosion and maintain functionality.
Air systems, critical for braking and modern features like automated transmissions, also need spring care. Tony Fischbach, air treatment product group director, notes, “A dependable supply of clean, dry compressed air isn’t just for braking anymore – it’s critical to Automated Manual Transmissions (AMTs), full stability, and emissions controls.” Checking air dryers and steel tanks for corrosion or residue buildup helps avoid pressure issues later.
Brake valves, vulnerable to winter’s de-icing chemicals, require thorough inspections. Brian Screeton, Bendix technical training manager, explains, “Corrosion-related sticking can develop over time, especially if de-icing solutions or moisture have worn away lubrication inside the seals.” Testing under pressure ensures reliable braking and prevents mid-season failures.
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like ABS and collision mitigation rely on healthy sensors and wiring. TJ Thomas, director of marketing, warns, “Once water and salt seep into a damaged wiring harness, they can trigger ongoing trouble codes.” Spring checks, including tire pressure monitoring, keep these safety features effective.
By addressing these areas now, fleets can enhance safety, compliance, and efficiency. Bendix stresses that no technology replaces a skilled driver, emphasizing the driver’s role in safe operation alongside well-maintained systems. For detailed guidance, visit B2Bendix.com or call 1-800-AIR-BRAKE.
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