Where can I find brakes pads for my international step delivery vans that will last longer than 15K miles?
I am owner a small specialty pastry company and have a fleet of 15 international step vans (like the ones used for UPS and FedEx). I am having problems with the brakes wearing out way too quickly; they only seem to last about 15,000 miles. This has become a huge expense for me in maintenance costs and I need something that last longer (a lot longer if possible). I am not a mechanic – I am a pastry chef. I outsource the servicing of my fleet to a local shop known for working on medium duty trucks and the owner tells me there’s nothing better than the semi metallic pads he is supplying. I really think he just wants the markup. He (reluctantly) has agreed to allow me to supply him with the pads because I threatened to find a new shop with better products. I only hope someone can help recommend something that is proven to last longer than the measly 15,000 miles I’m getting now. Please help!
Sounds like you may have to talk to your drivers and slow them down a little bit.Brakes are only as good as the drivers that use them
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:39 pm
Sounds like you may have to talk to your drivers and slow them down a little bit.Brakes are only as good as the drivers that use them
References :
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:03 pm
I can sympathize with your dilemma. And you’re drivers are not at fault. I speak from experience… I have a fire and water damage company and use the same International step vans for restoration jobs. My pads were wearing out just as fast. The problem is that step vans are very heavy and require a very special heavy duty brake pad that can withstand the heat that these brakes generate. If the brake pad overheats beyond its tolerance, their done, period. There are just to two companies that I know of that manufacture high heat heavy duty brake pads for medium duty vehicles that can take the heat. One is Bosch and the other is Phoenix Friction Products. Phoenix is an American based company so I decided to give them a try with two of my vans. I’m now averaging three times the miles as before, and I like the fact that I’m supporting a US based manufacturer. I’ve been using them for a few years now. They are very easy to do business with and I highly recommend them. Give them a call - their number is on their website. http://www.phoenixfriction.com. Sincerely, Kevin.
References :
http://www.phoenixfriction.com