PREVOST X3-45 Multiplex User Manual

Effective Date: 12/02/05
Subject: Bendix Air Disc Brake Pad Replacement on Prevost Car Vehicles
Prevost Car and Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake
LLC are issuing this product notification about
the potential brake performance degradation
associated with use of non-approved, aftermarket
replacement friction materials on Bendix
®
and
Knorr-Bremse air disc brakes.
A compatible combination of disc pads and rotor
material is essential for the safe and reliable
performance of air disc brakes and also helps to
extend the useful life of both parts.
Prevost Car and Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake
worked together to optimize the disc pad and
rotor material combination (“the friction couple”)
for use with Bendix
®
air disc brakes. Prevost Car
and Bendix offer service replacement parts that
maintain the same quality and compatibility as the
original equipment pads and rotors.
Recent benchmarking tests by Bendix Spicer
Foundation Brake with two different non-approved
aftermarket brake pad brands indicate that there is
a significant risk of brake performance degradation
when non-approved friction materials are used
with Bendix or Knorr-Bremse air disc brakes.
The aftermarket pads tested demonstrated the
following shortcomings:
• At high operating temperatures the non-
approved pads had approximately 20% lower
friction level than the original equipment
friction material.
• During fade testing, brake torque was 50% to
60% of original material levels.
• Significant brake torque reduction was
experienced at increased temperatures.
• Tests to replicate stops on mountain roads
and other severe service conditions showed
significant performance reductions.
• Insufficient pad strength caused cracking
across the friction material.
• Shear testing of the friction material adhesion
resulted in the friction material completely
separating from the backing plate in many
instances.
• Pad wear was accelerated.
•
Early rotor cracking symptoms were observed
much earlier that for typical genuine parts.
Based on our tests, Prevost Car and Bendix Spicer
Foundation Brake LLC strongly recommend against
the use of non-approved aftermarket brake pads
and service parts on Bendix and Knorr-Bremse
air disc brakes. Brake performance, reliability
and service life can be seriously degraded if
non-approved aftermarket replacement parts are
used in Bendix and Knorr-Bremse air disc brake
systems.
To maintain your vehicle’s air disc brakes at
their original performance standard, we strongly
recommend use of only genuine, approved service
replacement parts on Bendix and Knorr-Bremse
air disc brake systems. If non-approved friction
materials or replacement components are used,
neither Prevost Car nor Bendix Spicer Foundation
Brake LLC will accept any air disc brake-related
warranty returns or claims.
BRAKE DUST WARNING:
AVOID CREATING DUST WHEN WORKING WITH
BRAKE PADS DUE TO POSSIBLE CANCER AND
LUNG DISEASE HAZARD.
While Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC does
not offer asbestos-containing brake linings or disc
pads, the long-term effects of certain non-asbestos
fibers have not been determined. Current OSHA
Regulations cover exposure levels to some, but
not all, components of non-asbestos linings and
pads. The following precautions should be used
when handling these materials:
• Avoid creating dust. Compressed air or dry
brushing must never be used to clean brake
assemblies or the work area.
(Continued over)

PREVOST X3-45 Multiplex Specifications

General

Length	45 ft
Width	102 in
Engine	Volvo D13
Horsepower	500 hp
GVWR	54, 000 lbs
Height	146 in
Sleeping Capacity	Varies based on floor plan
Water Capacity	Varies based on floor plan