Copyright © 2000 FleetWatch magazine and FleetWatch On-Line.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission from the publishers. Views published are not necessarily those of the publishers.


Past Issues
June 2000

BPW Airbrake Cylinders

Experience in Europe has shown that long stroke air brake boosters offer significantly improved braking performance and safety when compared to the short stroke type as usually fitted to vehicles in South Africa. Long stroke boosters apply their effective braking force over a longer travel and a greater time period than the short stroke type. This results in more consistent brake performance allied with greater safety. Manufactured to European safety and quality standards BPW brake boosters will be offered in Type 16, Type 20 and Type 24 as well as double diaphragm spring brakes in Type 16/24, Type 20/30 and Type 30/30. All boosters have a 75mm stroke. Short stroke brake boosters generally have a stroke of 57mm. Brake systems require approximately 40mm of the stroke of the booster merely to overcome the slack and flexibility on the braking system. At operating temperatures a further 7-10mm of stroke is required to overcome the expansion of the components. Short stroke boosters are therefore always operating at full stroke, with no reserve available to compensate for inaccuracies or wear and tear in the system. In addition a short stroke booster looses about 20% of the effective brake force at 50mm stroke. All these shortcomings can be overcome by fitting long stroke brake boosters.

BPW

Contact: Mr Andrè Cilliers

Tel: (011) 680 1443
Fax: (011) 680 1829

e-mail: sales@bpwaxles.co.za