In recent months, we have discussed TRW’s Superkits in great detail – what they contain, why we recommend them and the huge benefits they provide both our customer – the distributor, his customer the installer and ultimately the end user – the driver.
The aim of this e-mail is not only to inform you of our products, developments and wider business – but to help you understand some of the technical and mechanical background to our particular areas of expertise. We feel a little knowledge and understanding goes a long way in this industry!
With that in mind, this month we look at the background to the parts that our Superkits are designed for - drum brakes – and the part of the vehicle they are fitted to – the back braking system.
Robust, effective and reliable. For decades TRW approved drum brakes have provided a high level of safety on the road. Our braking systems – be it passenger cars or commercial vehicles – resist the strongest wear and guarantee short braking distance.
However, drum brakes require regular inspection. Despite in modern vehicles about 80% of the brake force being applied via the front axle, the rear axle – especially in critical situations - needs to contribute quite considerably to ensure braking performance and high vehicle stability.
The rear axle contributes considerably to the safety of the driver. A defect on the rear brakes will most likely result in a reduced braking power – thus increasing the braking distance. In the case of single-side braking power or in the event of wheels being blocked, the vehicle may start to skid when the brake is applied.
An over-heating of the brake system and a malfunction of the hand brake are also direct results of a defect of the rear brakes.
Potential reasons for defects:
- Worn-off brake shoes
- Friction surface heavily contaminated by grease, oil or brake fluid
- Adjuster unit not working
- Piston seals worn out
- Tensile force of the retaining spring not sufficient any longer; within 3 years the spring’s force may decline by 50 %
- Defective individual parts have to be replaced immediately. Comprehensive test results suggest that, for safety reasons, not only the single defective part but all components of a group should be exchanged.
Moreover, brakes always have to be repaired on the axle set, in order to prevent unbalanced braking.
This is where TRW’s Superkit provides the perfect solution: besides brake shoes and wheel cylinders, the kit contains all accessories required including the pre-mounted adjuster unit. Thus ensuring a fast and safe repair of modern drum brakes. All components are produced according to TRW quality specs and subject to comprehensive test procedures. Each individual Superkit is subject to an extensive end-of-line test. All boxes (packaging) are being sealed with an anti-counterfeit hologram.
Superkits Supercessions
We have removed 170 brake kits from our range and replaced them with the superior Superkits.
Superkits are fully pre-mounted and include an automatic adjuster as well as Brake Shoes, Pull Off Springs, Wheel Cylinders and Brake Shoe Steady Springs.
A Superkit can reduce repair time by upto 30 minutes which can save upto €40 of repair time.