Don’t compromise on braking, says Borg & Beck

When it comes to effective braking for the country’s thousands of commercial vehicles (CVs), whether on the power unit or the trailer, guaranteed performance and complete dependability should be non-negotiable qualities. That’s according to braking components supplier Borg & Beck, part of the First Line Group.

“For the sake of both the driver and other road users, as well as for the general public, the consequences of such large objects failing to slow down or stop in time, can be grave,” said the company.

“It is therefore absolutely crucial that those responsible for the service and repair of commercial vehicles specify and install components of suitable quality and correct specification in order to ensure the required standards for braking performance and durability are maintained.”

Caution should therefore be taken when choosing a braking supplier, claims Borg & Beck.

“It is not uncommon in today’s price driven market, for less scrupulous suppliers to offer brake drums that have a reduced material mass meaning that the drum will be lighter than the original equipment (OE) equivalent,” the firm contended.

“Reducing the weight of the drums can only be done by reducing the amount of material used in its manufacture, which by its very nature will make them thinner and less robust and, in the process, significantly compromise their quality and the overall braking performance of the finished component.

“When it comes to brake discs, similar risks also apply as less physical material can affect heat dissipation and cause heat build up, with the subsequent dangers these outcomes can cause.”

Manufactured in Europe, to exacting OE specification and matching in both weight and dimension, the Borg & Beck CV Brake Drums range comprises more than 115 references, and is said to cater for all the UK’s popular truck, trailer and bus applications. Each is clearly marked with its Borg & Beck branding and part number for full product traceability and quality assurance.

To accompany the CV Drum range, Borg & Beck also offers Brake Discs, said to provide technicians and operators with premium quality replacement components that deliver when it comes to safety and performance.

To ensure these standards, the company says it works hand-in-glove with its ISO TS16949 accredited manufacturing partners throughout the product specification, manufacturing and testing processes to guarantee the premium quality of each componbent.

“Since November 2014, when the European Union confirmed the legislation, the fitment of ECE R90 approved brake discs has become a legal requirement for the CV sector,” said the firm.

“Therefore, as a leader in the roll out of the approval process, all Borg & Beck Brake Discs are supplied with ECE R90 approval where applicable.  Furthermore, to ensure complete customer peace of mind and provide full product traceability and quality control, all are also fully marked with the part number, minimum and maximum thickness, batch code and where necessary, the ECE R90 number.”

In addition, where applicable, the Brake Discs are supplied with fitting kits and benefit from an easy identification process through the Borg & Beck CV website which enables a search via competitor and OE cross-references. The 85-plus references, said to cover all the popular applications, in common with Borg & Beck’s other CV components, come with a 24-month, unlimited mileage warranty against manufacturing defects.