Dana Suspensions Getting Smarter and Smarter

Lugoff, S.C. -- Nov 11, 2004 -- The Commercial Vehicle Systems group of Dana Corporation (NYSE: DCN) today introduced the new Dana® Spicer® SmartRideTM family of advanced, integrated suspension modules and systems. 

“SmartRide suspensions are a smart choice for customers looking for the advantages of advanced technology product options and the best combination of material, component, and modular technology on the market,” said Steve Slesinski, director of product planning for Dana Commercial Vehicle Systems. “This new product family represents the most complete offering of high-quality, integrated trailer suspension products available anywhere.”

SmartRide suspension assemblies are designed with Dana proprietary software, which allows highly accurate and rapid analysis of components during the “virtual design” phase, helping Dana engineers achieve maximum weight savings with no sacrifice in strength. Computer simulation testing, as well as extensive track and field testing, are used to validate the innovative designs. “The result is durable, lightweight trailer suspensions that use material efficiently to stand up to the most rigorous road conditions,” Slesinski added.

In addition to air-ride suspension systems available in standard or wide-based configurations, Dana now offers highly customized suspension modules. With this innovative program, customers can create complete, individually customized suspension packages for their specific business and application requirements.

A Smart Menu

Dana’s SmartRide suspension assemblies are available with the following features:

Dana® Spicer® Tire Maintenance Systems (TMSTM) – an intelligent tire inflation system that automatically measures and maintains proper pressure resulting in improved tire life, improved safety, and improved fuel economy;

Dana® Spicer® Low Maintenance System Hubs (LMS™) – controlled bearing adjustment, OutrunnerTM seal technology, and special tolerance bearings that prevent premature wheel seal failures, costly brake replacement, and trailer downtime;

Bendix® Braking Systems

Air Disc Brakes* – providing safety, performance, and productivity under the toughest braking conditions

ESTM Brakes* – for longer life and lower maintenance, available with single- and double anchor-pin designs;

TABS-6 with Auxiliary Design Language** – new innovative trailer ABS product allows vehicles to be easily configured with custom features, such as remotely controlled slider pins and reefer temperature monitoring, for improved fleet operating efficiency and increased driver satisfaction;

Spring Brake Relay Valves** – robust design providing rapid apply and release of the spring brakes to prevent parking brake drag at low system pressures;

Spring Brake Actuators* – available in a wide range of available service chambers, piggybacks, and combination brakes;

Cyclone DuraDrain™ Trailer Water Separator** – removes both liquid and solid contaminants during normal braking to increase the service life of the complete braking system; and 

System-Guard® Trailer Air Dryer** – the first air dryer designed specifically for trailer air brakes systems, it continuously helps protect against moisture and solid contaminants.

Bendix® Stability Products

Trailer Roll Stability Program (TRSP)** – providing protection to customers that need trailer-based stability enhancement features, lowering the tendency for rollover by reducing vehicle speed.

* Denotes product of Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC

** Denotes product of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC

“These advanced mechatronic wheel end and brake components provide robust and intelligent solutions to improve braking performance, as well as prevent premature tire wear and wheel end failures,” said Slesinski. “The integration of these products into one system allows customers to specify the best available trailer products from one source to work together in one suspension module. We’ve incorporated the full engineering and technological resources of Dana, Bendix, and Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC to take our suspension products to the next level.”

“Yet SmartRide suspension systems will not stop here. We will be continually updating and enhancing our lineup of products and features to continue to address the needs of our customers,” he added.

For more information on Dana Spicer SmartRide suspensions and other Roadranger products and services, visit the Internet at www.roadranger.com, or write to Roadranger Marketing, P.O. Box 4013, Kalamazoo, MI 49003. To reach a Roadranger right now, dial 1-800-826-HELP (4357) in the U.S. and Canada.  In Mexico, dial 01-800-826-4357.

The Roadranger® Solution is an unbeatable combination of the best drivetrain, chassis, and safety components from Dana Corporation and Eaton Corporation, all backed by the Roadrangers – the most experienced, most expert, and most accessible drivetrain consultants in the business. 

Dana’s Commercial Vehicle Systems group, part of the Heavy Vehicle Technologies and Systems Group, designs, manufactures, and markets front-steer, rear-drive, trailer, and auxiliary axles; driveshafts; steering shafts; brakes; suspensions; and related systems, modules, and services for the commercial vehicle market. Major components and modules are marketed under the Spicer® brand name.

Dana Corporation is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacture of value-added products and systems for automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicles. Delivering on a century of innovation, the company’s continuing operations employ approximately 45,000 people worldwide dedicated to advancing the science of mobility. Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, Dana operates technology, manufacturing, and customer-service facilities in 30 countries. Sales from continuing operations totaled $7.9 billion in 2003.