On 18 September 2020, the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency issued a warning about seriously defective aftermarket truck brake drums, citing two cases of failure in non-Scania components fitted to Scania P-series trucks (pictured).
“These cases bring into sharp focus the need for operators to use only parts sourced from Scania,” comments Mark Grant, Services Director for Scania (Great Britain) Limited. “Our drum brake system has been developed for maximum safety with components developed as individual parts within a complex system to ensure long service life and optimum performance in a vulnerable environment.
“As part of this system, Scania brake drums have been developed for minimal wear and to counteract cracking, even in high temperatures. The material in the brake drum is dimensionally stable, providing consistent performance throughout the entire service life. Scania brake drums, shoes and linings have been designed and thoroughly tested in respect of shape, friction and heat generation, in order to prevent vibration and screeching.
“Regarding brake drums available through Scania’s VRS parts programme for other marques, these are also manufactured and tested to the original equipment manufacturers standard.
“As a safety-critical item, I would therefore strongly urge operators to always contact their local Scania dealer whenever the time comes to replace any component within their vehicles’ braking system.”
So far DVSA has been unable to identify the manufacturer of the seriously defective aftermarket truck brake drums and is now asking operators to report if they have similar drums fitted to their lorries, as well as the supplier.
DVSA can be reached by telephone on +44 117 954 3425 or vsb@dvsa.gov.uk. Vehicle safety defects can also be reported on DVSA’s online vehicle recalls and faults service via gov.uk/vehicle-recalls-and-faults/report-a-serious-safety-defect.
For more information on Scania parts visit keltruckscania.com/parts.
