Brake Shoes for Air Brake Systems
Air Brakes
Heavy duty trucks and trailers rely on their brakes to stop loads in excess of 80,000 lbs and the brake shoes provide the friction that makes this happen. The friction created between the brake drum and brake shoes converts the energy of the moving truck and trailer into heat. The shoes sacrifice a small bit of their surface material every time they are applied and will slowly become thinner. Brake shoes are a wear-item that will need to be replaced periodically throughout the life of the equipment.
Air Brake Shoe Material
Many brake shoe kits will come in 20K and 23K variants. This is related to how aggressive the friction material is and how much torque the shoes will pull when applied. It is recommended to match the friction material rating to the GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) for the best braking performance, 20K for 20,000 LBS GAWR and 23K for 23,000 GAWR. Using a higher rated shoe material on a lower GAWR does not mean that the vehicle can be overloaded, and it does not make it safer. Using higher rated shoe material than the GAWR of the axle can cause brake noise and vibration, shorter drum life and wheel end life, all which can increase cost. Friction material is tested to have a 10% compliance margin so it will already pull 10% more torque than rated to ensure safe stopping in severe situations.
Brake Shoe Kits
We sell our brake shoes in wheel end kits meaning that they will include the shoes and hardware to refurbish one wheel of brakes for that model of shoe. A typical brake shoe kit will include: 2 brake shoes, return Springs, rollers, anchor pins, retainers and spring clips
Identifying Air Brake Shoes?
Identifying the correct parts for your commercial truck or trailer can sometimes be a challenge. We have years of experience installing and selling replacement shoes for air brake systems. Feel free to reach out to us at via email or call us at 1-800-358-4751 with any questions.