A new trailer disc brake from Knorr-Bremse is said to be the lightest two-piston brake for 22.5-inch commercial vehicle wheels on the market.
The ST7 – on display at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover (25 September to 2 October) – incorporates modifications to the calipers, carrier and brake pads, which together deliver a 10% reduction in weight compared to its predecessor, says Knorr-Bremse.
The two-piston principle also reduces maintenance costs, adds the company, by preventing uneven wear.
Knorr-Bremse is also developing an integrated wheel-end assembly, where the wheel brake, calipers and friction pairing (comprising pads and brake disc) form an optimised unit that will enable weight savings of up to 9kg compared to conventional solutions.
For a standard semi-trailer tractor combination, says the company, this yields another 36kg of payload.
A test and development centre in Munich – being built at a cost of €80 million – will enable Knorr-Bremse to use the latest measuring and test rig technology to refine future products.
