A few years ago, the demand for aftermarket air disc brake components did not seem to be that high. In the last couple of years, as the effect of COVID wore off and the adoption of air disc brakes on trucks and trailers continued to increase, we’ve seen quite an increase in air disc brake rotors, air disc brake calipers, and air disc brake pads in the aftermarket. According to Frost and Sullivan, the units of air drum brake aftermarket components are now shrinking by 1% per year, while air disc brake aftermarket components are increasing by 15% per year. While the number of units of air disc brake components only represents 2% of the total air brake market (with the remaining 98% being air drum brake components), that number will increase.
While 2% of the market is a small number, we’re finding that those WD’s and dealers that are aggressive at getting the air disc brake business are making higher margins, establishing themselves as ADB market leaders, and securing that business long-term. DuraBrake was the first in the air disc brake rotor aftermarket and has been selling rotors since 2005, when many motor coaches were using rotors. It has continued to establish itself as a leader in air disc brakes. In fact, most recent ADB component providers use or copy our part numbers because ours are the most well-established. So, for those of you who wish to start distributing air disc brake parts, let us know and we’ll be happy to help you get started.
While DuraBrake supplies individual components, we also supply kits either to get started or for those who want a discount on the entire brake system. Based on market data, with air disc brakes, on average, you get three pad changes for every rotor change. For every rotor that is changed, on average, 0.75 calipers are changed. So, if you are getting the rotor business, you should be getting the caliper business as well. Also, those replacing rotors may not know they need to change the caliper until they have already pulled the brake system apart and need to replace the caliper. So, it’s a good idea to keep our calipers in stock. When your customer is replacing the rotors on their fleet, they will most likely be replacing the pads and calipers at the same time. So why not buy a matching kit with rotors, calipers, and pads at the same time for a discount and prepaid freight? Our calipers are “no-core”, which means you won’t have core charges in your inventory while you accumulate enough to send back. Contact us and we’ll tell you more about it.
