Magnum keeps cool with Lucas
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• A 30% reduction in front brake maintenance is promised on Renault's latest Magnum 420 and 520 models, with the adoption of an improved version of the British-made Lucas full-air disc brake. The revised design, known as the D3, replaces the D2 type, the first disc brake to be fitted on a European heavy truck.
Friction areas are increased by reducing the inner diameter of the disc and calliper assembly. The radial width of both goes up by some 25%. The pads are also about 22% wider, measured across the disc. The effect is to increase swept disc area from 895 to 1,048cm and pad area from 313 to 470cm.
Heat is now dissipated more equally from the inner and outer "cheeks" of the centre-ventilated disc into the hub. Worst temperature differentials across the width of the disc, are reduced from typically 80degC to less than 10degC, says Lucas.