The truck’s air brakes play an essential role in keeping you safe on the road, and at the heart of it are the brake rotor and brake pad. The key components of any modern disc brake system are the brake rotors and brake pads, which grip each other to provide the necessary stopping power to slow down and stop the wheels from moving. But this also puts the rotors and pads under a great deal of strain, causing them to wear out quickly compared to other parts of the vehicle. And once they are worn out, they must be replaced immediately to prevent any loss of braking performance.

Keeping the brake rotors and pads well-maintained is critical not only to keep you safe on the road but also to ensure a comfortable drive. Fortunately, there are many tools available to help keep the air brakes in your truck in top condition. One such device that you can use is the Bendix air disc brake tool. One of the many accessories made by Bendix for its air disc brakes, the Bendix air disc brake tool is a handy, compact device that can make the task of checking the health of the brake rotors and pads faster and more convenient. Bendix also develops other parts and innovations that support brake performance, especially in systems built to keep commercial vehicles safe and comfortable.

In this guide, we take a look at the Bendix air disc brake tool and why it should be in any truck driver and mechanic's toolbox.

What is an air disc brake tool?

Also known as the air disc brake gauge, the air disc brake tool is a device designed to measure the thickness of the air disc brake pad and brake rotor. The Bendix version is light and compact enough to measure the pads and rotors without disassembling the entire air disc brake and wheel assembly. Instead, the gauge can be slid onto the edges of the rotor or pad surface to get an accurate readout.

Due to its compact and ingenious design, the air disc brake tool is indispensable for monitoring the health of the rotor and pads in your air brake system. It is specifically crucial in detecting uneven brake wear that, if left untreated, could lead to severe damage to the caliper and may necessitate a costly caliper rebuild. Most importantly, it will eliminate the guesswork about whether the brake pads need replacing, saving money and time in the process. By getting a precise measurement now, you can better plan for maintenance and follow a step-by-step guide for brake pad replacement before the wear becomes a safety hazard.

Why use the Bendix Air Disc Brake Tool?

While there are other similar tools on the market, the Bendix air disc brake tool has several advantages that make it the ideal choice for checking your Bendix air brakes.

• The Bendix air disc brake gauge is specifically engineered to measure Bendix air disc brake rotor and pad thicknesses. This ensures that the readings are accurate and prevents damage to the sensitive surfaces of the rotor and friction material during measurement.
• Bendix air disc brake tools are also designed for ease of use, whether by a new driver or a seasoned technician. The gauge for the brake rotor is located on the left side of the tool, while the gauges for the brake pads are positioned on the right. The labels, rulers, and indicators are also clearly marked and easy to understand. The gauge also features a pair of locking screws to secure the jaws and indicators firmly in place during measurements.
• The Bendix air disc brake gauge is engineered using the highest-quality materials and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes. It is made of premium alloys and machined according to strict quality standards. This ensures that the gauge remains precise even after years or even decades of use. Technicians who handle Bendix systems also appreciate how well it works alongside parts supported by the Bendix ADP-IP air dryer, which helps maintain clean, dry air for the entire braking system.

How to Use the Bendix Air Disc Brake Tool

To measure the brake rotor or pad thickness, follow the instructions below. Take note that the Bendix air disc brake tool is designed exclusively for genuine Bendix air disc brakes and is not guaranteed to provide accurate measurements for air disc brake systems from other brands.

• To measure the brake rotor thickness: Slide the rotor measurement jaws in between the brake rotor until they have a tight grip. Check the rotor thickness using the indicator on the gauge. To prevent the jaws from sliding, use the rotor locks to hold the indicator in place until the measurement is complete. Please note that the gauge has a measurement range of 30mm to 50mm. New rotors should measure 45mm, while any reading below 38mm indicates that the rotors need to be replaced.
• To measure the brake pad thickness: Slide the pad wear indicator arm into one of the channels of the carrier-caliper assembly until the end of the tool rests against the back of the brake pad. Slide the smaller sliding guide until it comes into contact with the machine surface of the air brake housing. If done correctly, the remaining pad material should be indicated in the gauge. Please note that the tool features two indicators: one that displays the recommended wheels-off inspection point and another that indicates the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Out-Of-Service (OOS) limit.

NOTE: Before using the Bendix air disc brake tool, make sure that the vehicle’s air brake system has been depressurized to prevent injury. If the vehicle is equipped with a Bendix air dryer system, the pressure can be drained through the purge reservoir. It is also recommended to shut off the electrical system to reduce the risk of electric shock while working on the brakes. Understanding the basics of how air brakes work also helps make these safety steps more straightforward to follow.

Brake health checks like these also play a role in preventing roadside issues. Practices focused on preventing major road accidents through brake system maintenance emphasize the importance of regularly inspecting rotors and pads using the Bendix air disc brake tool.

About Bendix

Established in 1930, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems is one of the world's leading manufacturers and suppliers of air brake charging and control systems for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, tractors, and other commercial vehicles. Regarded as one of the pioneers in air brake technology, Bendix offers a comprehensive range of foundation brake components and actuation systems to help improve vehicle performance, safety, and overall operating costs. The company, a member of the Knorr-Bremse Group, is currently headquartered in Elyria, Ohio, with plants in the U.S. and Mexico that cater to key markets in North America, Europe, and Australia.