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 parts of any modern disc brake system, the brake rotors and brake pads 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 make your drive a comfortable one. Thankfully, there are many tools available that can be used to help keep the air brakes in your truck in top shape. 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.

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 that it can measure the pads and rotors without having to disassemble the entire air disc brake and wheel assembly. Instead, the gauge can simply be slid onto the edges of the rotor or pad surface to get an accurate readout.

Because of its simple yet ingenious and compact size, the air disc brake tool is indispensable in monitoring the health of the rotor and pads of your air brake system. It is specifically crucial in detecting uneven brake wear that, if left untreated, would lead to severe damage to the caliper and may lead to a costly caliper rebuild. Most importantly, it will leave out the guesswork to whether the brake pads need replacing and save money and time in the process.

Why use the Bendix Air Disc Brake Tool?

While there are other similar tools in the market, the Bendix air disc brake tool does have 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 as well as 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 on the left side of the tool, while those for the brake pads are on the right. The labels, rulers, and indicators are also clearly marked and easy to understand. The gauge also comes with a pair of locking screws to keep the jaws and indicators firmly in place while taking measurements.
• The Bendix air disc brake gauge is engineered using the best materials and manufacturing processes available. 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.

How to Use the Bendix Air Disc Brake Tool

To measure the brake rotor or pad thickness, simply 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 it has 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. Take note that the gauge has a measurement range between 30mm and 50mm: new rotors should show 45mm while anything below than 38mm should have the rotors 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 in contact against the machine surface of the air brake housing. If done properly, the remaining pad material should be indicated in the gauge. Take note that the tool has two indicators: one that shows the wheels-off recommended inspection point and one that shows 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.

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, which is a member of 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.