Meritor WABCO launches new hydraulic anti-lock system

TROY, Mich., (Jan. 6) — With the U.S. set to require anti-lock brakes on new trucks with hydraulic brakes, Meritor WABCO Vehicle Control Systems announced a new generation of hydraulic ABS for medium-duty trucks, buses, and motor home chassis,

The fourth generation hydraulic ABS system features new compact cab-mounted or frame mounted ECU’s, simplified, higher reliability wiring harness arrangements, and new PC-based diagnostic capabilities.

The introduction is in advance of a federal mandate in the U.S. that will require all new hydraulically braked vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVWR made after March 1, 1999, to be ABS-equipped.

Meritor WABCO’s hydraulic ABS has been available as a regular option on medium-duty vehicles in North America for over two years, and Meritor WABCO air ABS is currently standard equipment on vehicles produced by five original equipment manufacturers of trucks, buses, and motor homes.

The technology is based on heavy-duty commercial vehicle design standards, “unlike competitive systems developed using passenger vehicle and light truck design principles,” said Meritor WABCO director of electronic products Dennis Sandberg.

Sandberg said the use of hydraulic ABS can help increase vehicle control and reduce costly expenses associated with accidents.

The company offers a hydraulic ABS information kit: write: Meritor WABCO Hydraulic ABS Tool Kit, SP-9915, 35000 Industrial Road, Livonia, MI 48150; or call Meritor WABCO at 1-800-535-5560.