Discs for Cargos
Page 12
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• Iveco Ford will introduce disc brakes on both axles of its Cargo models up to 7.5 tonnes next year, along with asbestos-free brake pads.
Asbestos-free linings will also be introduced for heavier models progressively through the year once fleet assessments have been completed.
Ford's involvement with disc brakes goes back before its Concept Cargo vehicle exhibited at the 1983 Motor Show.
The ventilated disc brake used, manufactured by Lucas Girling, is similar to that specified by Volvo for its FLI model.
Don Red Stripe nonasbestos brake material, already available in the aftermarket, is said to meet the non-respiratory and technical performance required of a replacement for asbestos brakes.
Processing costs and more expensive materials — mean they will cost more.
The cost of asbestos substitutes ranges from three to 60 times that of asbestos and there is no individual alternative fibre with the same combination of properties.
Much of Don's research and development work over the past five years was aimed at optimising blends of alternatives.
The final choice uses a blend of fibrous materials such as polyamid Kevlar with semifibrous and non-fibrous materials.
Don experimented with 266 mixes before settling for its Red Stripe blend giving an improved wear rate of between 40% and 100% while meeting other technical performance requirements, such as fade rate and drum wear.
Don announced last month that all new trucks will be introduced with asbestos-free brake linings as standard.