Mixed up brakes

[PeterJ]

Hi all, just a bit of info for digestion. The short story is, a couple of years ago we bought a new van, it has a 3.5 ton off road suspension system and as we were told at the time DEXTER 12" electric drum brakes. Had a problem with the Fr Left brake so pulled it apart to have a look. I found DEXTER drums but much to my surprise Al-ko backing plates, shoes and magnets. I contacted the chassis manufacturer and was told mixing components was a common practice in the industry. I have since written back and asked for confirmation that the mixed component systems comply with ADR38 no reply as yet and I will not hold my breath I would be very surprised if they had been tested and have type approval for different combinations of components.
Just wondered if others have come across this practice I am facing $700+ to put DEXTER components on all 4 wheels, I have already done 2 wheels (1 axle) and must say the van does brake better than it ever has. Could also be "new" components and adjustment but happy with the result.
Moral of the story, if there is one, check because if you do not have an ADR compliant brake system and things turn ugly, it might become real ugly.

Peter

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Do the ADR's say how WELL the brakes must work?
and is it a van manufacturer responsibility, or the brake parts manufacturer?

In the end I'm sure the brake parts were sourced by price,, not by performance.

I would love to hear someone say they have had their van brake tested on official rollers,,

[weeds]

Don't we mix components manufacturers on cars all the time.....say if I had to replace a caliper on the defender I probably would look at the brand currently fitted......or rear brakes pads as there are a few manufacturers but does it matter if the rear pads are different to the front...

So long as your comfortable the the standard of manufacturer and it all works than it probably OK

[Slunnie]

What actually makes this not ADR compliant?

I don't believe there is a requirement to have everything made by a single manufacturer and obviously the parts you have are all compatible.

If anything, I would have faith in the Al-ko parts.

[PeterJ]

What actually makes this not ADR compliant?

I don't believe there is a requirement to have everything made by a single manufacturer and obviously the parts you have are all compatible.

If anything, I would have faith in the Al-ko parts.

Well, basically to get a brake system type certified you have to list all of the components in the system, go and do a lot of testing that requires the manufacturer to prove the brakes will meet certain performance criteria around retardation and brake fade resistance (amongst other things) and fill in some paperwork, Australian Design Rule 38/04 refers, and is a sure cure for insomnia. Then, providing the same components are used on other trailers in a comparable configuration, you comply. While I can not state with absolute certainty that AL-KO has not spent all the money to test and get approval for some other manufacturer's brake parts, I would suggest it is highly unlikely. Ditto Dexter.

In this age of litigation and insurance companies with attitude I certainly would not, if I were a manufacturer, be selling safety related components fitted to road going vehicles (trailers) that were not ADR approved.

Re your earlier comment weeds, about replacement parts, I would certainly never mix up brake components. Would you try and fit a brake caliper from a commodore to the landy, even if it did just happen to bolt on what likelihood that you would have a seriously compromised brake system! When you get brake pads you get an axle set, you replace them all, the pads are type approved by the manufacturer of the pads, not necessarily the brake component manufacturer or vehicle manufacturer, same with hoses, fittings, master cylinders, brakelines, you name it. Everything is tested and approved, full stop.

all good fun really................Peter





Peter

[weeds]

Well thee you go......didn't know that off the shelf systems had to go through stringent approvals......

The brakes I fitted to my old trailer certainly isn't an off the shelf product, in fact when getting the roadworthy the inspector thought it was quite clever and well done.

[PeterJ]

Well thee you go......didn't know that off the shelf systems had to go through stringent approvals......

The brakes I fitted to my old trailer certainly isn't an off the shelf product, in fact when getting the roadworthy the inspector thought it was quite clever and well done.

Ahhhhh, yes, but you are not in business selling thousands of them to make your fortune either[smilebigeye]

[bee utey]

AL-KO have fully approved complete braking systems for trailers of a GTM over 4500kg. Perhaps for trailers under that the requirements are less onerous.


AL-KO Total Trailer Systems (http://www.alko.com.au/vehicle-technology-catalogue/axles/single-axle-total-trailer-systems/)