How the latest axle technology integrates into powertrains
If the engine is the heart of your powertrain and the transmission is the shifting brains behind the operation, then the axle is the muscle, propelling your truck down the highway. While the engine and transmission get much of the spotlight, the axle plays a key role in increasing efficiency—in both proprietary powertrains and those
The heavy-duty aftermarket is not an afterthought
Sky-high shipping expectations, on-time product delivery, ever-changing logistics demands and evolving technology-infused solutions are all challenges that face the heavy-duty aftermarket. Let’s face it: People bring their personal online shopping experiences into the office, demanding free two-day shipping and superior customer service. It’s no wonder that aftermarket providers have been inspired by Amazon’s focus on
Meritor announces new lineup of aftermarket brands for every stage of vehicle lifecycle
Meritor Inc. announced that it will offer a more complete product portfolio with distinct aftermarket brands that includes multiple price points designed to meet customer requirements regardless of the vehicle lifecycle stage. All Meritor Aftermarket parts brands are Meritor engineering-approved to meet the right performance specs at the right price points throughout the entire lifecycle
Meritor launches aftermarket air spring product line
Meritor Inc. announced the launch of a new line of aftermarket air springs to cover a wide range of commercial vehicle applications. Meritor said its air springs are engineered to accommodate higher load-carrying capacities, deliver improved road handling and offer more protection to drivers and cargo from shocks and vibrations. “The springs are made with robust
Power source: The importance of axles in hybrid and electric trucks
Electrification is the story of the year in the trucking world. From Cummins to Fuso to Chanje to Tesla, serious moves were made by various OEMs to begin the process of bringing what was previously a theoretical concept to the real world. No one can deny that electrification is coming. With new priorities for OEMs
Meritor makes wheel-end heat sensing standard on its automatic tire inflation system
Meritor, Inc. announced that its Meritor Tire Inflation System (MTIS) for trailers will include the ThermAlert wheel-end heat-sensing system as standard, beginning this month. ThermAlert alerts drivers to overheating wheel-ends, increasing safety and minimizing vehicle downtime and costs. Engineered to activate an indicator light when wheel-end temperatures are abnormally high, ThermAlert helps fleets avoid potential damage
Meritor launches optimized EX+ air disc brake
Meritor Inc. announced that its EX+ air disc brake for tractors and trailers has been optimized to reduce product weight and total cost of ownership. The optimized EX+ will be available to OEMs in 2018. “By updating and optimizing the EX+, our engineers reduced weight by 10 lbs. per brake,” said Chris Villavarayan, Meritor’s president for
Meritor announces Mach aftermarket products brand
Meritor announced the Mach brand, a new global aftermarket line of products. “With a rise in the number of competitors selling products at various price points and quality levels, Meritor’s Mach brand will offer a wide range of replacement part options at affordable prices that are validated by our engineers,” said Rob Speed, Meritor’s president
Meritor announces electric solutions platform for commercial vehicles
Meritor announced that it is developing a platform of electric drive axles and suspensions, as well as supporting systems, for the commercial vehicle market. “Essentially, we’re focusing on integrating an electric motor into the differential carrier,” said Jay Craig, Meritor’s chief executive officer and president. “As we look to future emissions regulations and our customers’
WABCO buys out Meritor WABCO joint venture
WABCO Holdings Inc. has signed an agreement to purchase Meritor, Inc.’s stake in the Meritor WABCO joint venture business. WABCO’s purchase price is $250 million. The transaction is expected to close on Oct. 1, and immediately prior to closing, Meritor will receive a final closing partnership distribution. With the agreement to take full control of the
Maintenance tips for truck brake friction
In terms of brake friction maintenance, there is a lot more to look out for beyond whether the pads or friction is worn. The surrounding parts should also be checked in any inspection. For our in-depth story on brake friction, we interviewed brake experts from Bendix, Haldex, Hendrickson, Meritor, SAF-Holland, TMD Friction and WABCO. These
What you need to know about brake friction
If you are spec’ing brakes, I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that lately, the brake market is increasingly split into two categories: the tried-and-true drum brakes, and the up-and-coming air disc brakes (ADBs). Although most heavy-duty vehicles on the road still use traditional drum brakes, which cost quite a bit less than disc
