ArvinMeritor took the opportunity at the Mid-America Trucking Show to unveil its all-new Meritor 14X tandem drive axle. The new drivetrain component is an “advanced evolutionary axle system built on the legacy of the RT145, one of the industry’s most successful tandem axles,” the company said.
The new axle will enter manufacturing production in June 2010 with planned deliveries to all major North American OEMs.
“The 14X brings the rich heritage of its predecessor with a ‘tried and true’ design that will stand the test of time,” said Joe Plomin, vice president of truck for ArvinMeritor. “It’s an evolution of one of the most successful tandem drive axles in the commercial truck industry, with nearly 2 million RT145s manufactured since 1985. New developments include a more robust and efficient inter-axle differential, the fastest ratio and widest range of axle ratios, and several other design enhancements while continuing to be the lightest axle in its class.”
The company said that many motor carriers of various sizes have road-tested the new axle, accumulating more than 6 million miles of operation. One customer, Tim Tipps, vice president of maintenance for Big G Express in Shelbyville, Tenn., said, “when we were looking to lower our engine RPMs at cruise speed with direct transmissions, Meritor had the solution with the 14X equipped with the 2.47:1 ratio that brought our engine RPMs into the economy range we needed. Durability has been excellent and the extra boost in MPG has saved us money in this tough economy.”
“We’ve done our homework,” said Plomin. “We’re ready, with the right product at the right time. We know our fleet customers are laser-focused on fuel economy and reliability, and with this new axle, we’re providing them with technology they want and need.”
The new 14X axle features three primary benefits:
• More robust inter-axle differential: The inter-axle differential (now 20% larger) can accommodate the increased nominal torque, up to 2,050 ft. lbs. in certain applications of today’s high-torque rise diesel engines. The unit includes helical gear needle bearings for reduced heat and wear; upsized main differential side bearings for more capacity; and larger input shaft and rear side bearing for strength.
• Premium Amboid design now standard equipment: The above-centerline design of the inter-axle driveline provides significant improvements with reduced operating pressures for increased driveline life; less driveline angularity, vibration and energy loss; improved ride quality; and overall longer component life.
• Most complete range of ratios: The 14X offers the fastest ratio in the industry, 2.47:1 and all the way up to 7.17:1. The extensive range ensures coverage for nearly every application and specific engine manufacturers’ EPA 2010 recommendations.
The new 14X also features:
• Optional DualTrac track housing, designed to optimize the use of wide-based tires with the equivalent bearing life of axles equipped with dual tire configurations, while still offering convertibility back to dual-tires.
• Newly designed axle breather helps prevent water and other contaminants from entering the carrier while keeping the lube in place.
The axle can be outfitted with Meritor foundation drum brakes or Meritor air discs depending on the fleet’s preference, the company said.
The axle is produced and assembled by the company’s manufacturing facilities in Asheville and Forrest City, N.C.