Knorr-Bremse offers braking parts advice
Braking systems specialist Knorr-Bremse has warned of potential issues that can arise when replacing components during inspections with non-genuine parts in order to save on costs, including when vehicles are later presented for annual test.
“Global shortages and increased market demand have led to escalating costs within the industry,” said Knorr-Bremse.
“To stay competitive, vehicle operators may look to reduce running costs. An obvious area to start with is consumables such as brake pads. There’s a wide range of options at various prices. However, what seems to be a quick cost reduction can lead to expensive repairs in the longer term.”
Knorr-Bremse says it works closely with vehicle manufacturers to develop the best brake pad for the application.
“With an incorrectly specified pad the development work to safely stop the vehicle is lost,” said the company.
“Methods used in manufacturing non-genuine brake pads often mean that lumps of material will shear from the back plate before the pad is even half worn. Missing material means less brakes and shorter pad life.
“Also, the use of non-genuine brake pads can lead to poor brake performance, cause brake imbalance, and give a shorter pad life. If the friction material is not of the correct type… this can lead to EBS warning lights illuminating.”
The cost saving to be found with non-genuine pads is quickly lost due to poor performance and the need to replace pads more frequently, Knorr-Bremse contends.
It also highlights Air Dryer Cartridges as another cost-saving choice.
“Many modern vehicles use electronic air control and Oil Separator Cartridges which differ from standard cartridges,” the company continued.
“The Oil Separator Cartridge (OSC) is specially designed to work with the modern engine. It would lead to problems relating to oil carryover if the standard cartridge was used in its place. Another complication is that not all Cartridges billed as OSC perform the same way.
“All Knorr-Bremse OSC cartridges remove the oil in the first phase before the air enters the desiccant, therefore protecting the desiccant from oil contamination and prolonging the life of the filter.
“Many cheaper brands do not and therefore have a shorter life and can contaminate the electronic braking system.”
There is also a wide range of choice, and costs, when it comes to spring brakes and brake chambers, the firm added.
“Cost savings here may also lead to loss of performance and a shorter life span. Many times the poor performance is picked up at MOT, and this leads to incurred costs and lost time for retesting which outweighs any initial cost saving.
“When carrying out checks and maintenance, workshops should always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on servicing and only the approved genuine parts should be used.”-
