Abstract: A brake system includes a brake disc having a first disc face and a second disc face on a first side and a second side, respectively, of the brake disc. The brake disc is mounted rotatably fast with but longitudinally slidable on a rotatable shaft. The brake disc is clampable between a first friction surface of a fixed brake pad positioned on the first side of the brake disc and a second friction surface of a moveable brake pad positioned on the second side of the brake disc. The system further includes a disc positioner operable to define a running clearance between the first disc face and the first friction surface. The disc positioner is adjustable to maintain the running clearance as the fixed brake pad wears. A biasing member located on the second side of the brake disc maintains contact between the disc positioner and first disc face of the brake disc.

Abstract: A brake caliper includes an actuator, a moveable brake pad including a brake pad backplate having a generally planar portion, and a friction material secured to the brake pad backplate. The brake pad backplate is being generally arcuate in shape and defines a friction material outer radius and has a friction face for engagement with a brake disc. The brake pad defines a wear limit of the friction material at a wear limit plane that is parallel to the friction face. The brake pad backplate includes a first pad abutment to limit rotation of the brake pad in a first direction. The first pad abutment is defined on a first lug surface of a first lug projecting from the generally planar portion, and the first lug surface is at a radius larger than the friction material outer radius and is positioned on the friction face side of the wear limit plane.

Abstract: A trailer axle assembly includes a non-rotating axle tube that extends laterally between a pair of wheel ends. Each wheel end supports a disc brake assembly that selectively generates a braking force to slow or stop rotation of the wheel ends. The disc brake assemblies include a torque plate that is mounted to the axle tube. The axle tube includes a radial location feature that holds the torque plate fixed relative to the axle tube so that rotational brake torque is transmitted directly through a solid interface. The axle tube also includes an axial location feature that positions the torque plate at a predetermined location along the axle beam and prevents relative axial movement between the axle beam and the torque plate.

Abstract: A control system for a disc brake adjuster mechanism includes a controller and an electric adjuster motor for operable connection to an adjuster mechanism for driving a friction lining towards and away from a disc brake rotor to maintain a predetermined running clearance between the brake rotor and the friction lining when a brake is not applied. The system further includes a brake displacement sensor, and the controller is programmed to determine the brake displacement at which a predetermined load on the friction lining is achieved due to the contact with the disc brake rotor. The predetermined load is determined from a parameter of the electric adjuster motor or adjuster mechanism. The system is programmed to measure the brake displacement during brake release.

Abstract: A seal device for use in sealing between parts of a thrust assembly of a disc brake has a support element (31) adapted to be carried by a first part (25) of the thrust assembly, the support element (31) carrying a seal (33) arranged so that, with the support element (31) in its position of use on the first part (25), the seal (33) engages a surface of a second part (25) of the thrust assembly in sealing relationship. Also disclosed is a thrust assembly for a disc brake and a disc brake incorporating such an assembly.

Abstract: A resilient device for minimizing noise in a splined connection includes a mounting portion and two flanges bent from the mounting portion to attach to a structure. The flanges are substantially parallel and spaced apart from each other by the mounting portion to form a substantially U-shaped profile. An arm is bent in a second direction from the mounting to lie adjacent to the mounting portion. The arm has a wavy portion having a pitch that allows it to engage with splines in the splined connection to prevent rattling in the connection without having to reduce the clearance between the splines.

Abstract: A bi-directional braking assembly for a vehicle includes a hydraulic booster assembly for applying proportional fluid pressure to a brake assembly and is actuated by a forward pedal. A master cylinder actuated by a rear pedal communicates fluid to the hydraulic booster assembly through a hydraulic booster valve. The hydraulic booster valve includes a piston movable to regulate hydraulic pressure in response to actuation of first and second plungers. The second plunger is movable along an axis separate from the first plunger in response to actuation of a master cylinder by a rear pedal. The master cylinder provides pressure to the booster valve assembly that acts on an area between the first and second plunger assemblies to move the second plunger away from the first plunger to actuate and move the booster piston within the valve.

Abstract: A brake shoe (1; 2) comprising an arcuate platform (5) carrying a lining (6, 7, 8; 12, 13) of friction material, the lining (6, 7, 12, 13) having, at or adjacent its outer ends, localised portions (9, 10; 14, 15) projecting radially outwardly beyond the remainder of the lining (6, 7, 12, 13).