Worn brake warning
Page 24
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Ferodo is to launch a product called Brake Alert which is said to highlight problems with worn brakes. It can be fitted to any make of truck, trailer or bus and monitors brakelining condition. The company believes that, after three years of development, Safety Alert represents a major CV safety initiative.
Mercedes-Benz and Iveco have brought out systems at an OE level but Ferodo considers there is a need for a retrofit application. Initially Brake Alert will be targetted at trailers.
A control unit is fitted on to the chassis or headboard, with a single cable running to a junction box. From here leads are run to each wheel and connected to wear sensors.
Sensors (6 or 8mm) are installed in the brake shoe, in one of the existing rivet drillings, and are capable of operating at up to 650°C. They are positioned to provide a safety margin by alerting the driver well before the rivet heads are reached.
Once the brake drum makes contact with the head of the sensor a light on the control unit is triggered, highlighting the need for a reline and its exact location.
The system is sold as a complete kit containing the control box, the leads, the appropriate number of sensors, cable ties, a torque spanner (for tightening sensors effectively) and full instructions.
Ferodo says the system is failsafe and EMC-compatible. If a cable gets trapped or a connector fails, a warning light is triggered. The control unit is water-tight, vibration proof and powered by its own 9V battery supply to simplify installation Contact: 01298 811200.