Finding the right brakes for your application

Brakes are among the most important components on any vehicle.  Regardless of application, choosing the right brakes for your fleet will ensure vehicle safety and performance for on- and off-road conditions. However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you are specifying a new vehicle or upgrading an existing brake system, the right choice depends on your application, environment, and maintenance priorities. 

Types of brakes

The two most common brake types in commercial vehicles are drum brakes and disc brakes. 

Air disc brakes are common on passenger vehicles and are increasingly being adopted on linehaul and high-use applications with hard-braking conditions and varying terrains. They are also designed for quick service and easy inspection. Air disc brakes work by using calipers to squeeze brake pads against a rotor, creating friction that slows the vehicle down. 

Drum brakes remain a trusted solution across all applications, specifically in abrasive and heavy-duty environments as well as more cost-conscious operations. They are familiar to service teams, so technicians get up to speed faster, and their lower upfront cost helps reduce total cost of ownership.  Drum brakes work by pressing brake shoes against the inside of a rotating drum, creating the friction needed to slow or stop the vehicle. Their enclosed design and brake linings offer better resistance to wearing and help protect the system from debris.

Finding the right brake for your application

Both drum and air disc brakes meet federal stopping requirements, deliver the brake life customers expect and integrate with advanced technologies. Each has its own strengths, and the right choice depends on how and where your vehicles operate. To decide which type of brake is right for your application, start by asking a few key questions:

• Where do your vehicles operate? Vehicles driving through varying terrain or urban areas with frequent stops benefit from the performance of air disc brakes. In abrasive, heavy-duty environments such as construction and industrial sites, drum brakes could be a more suitable option. 

What are your fleet’s maintenance priorities and cost conditions? 

Air disc brakes come with a higher upfront cost, but their simpler design and fewer parts can make them easier to service than drum brakes. They are especially useful for fleets with limited downtime or smaller service teams. Drum brakes offer lower initial costs and reliable performance, making them a practical choice for fleets with the tools and expertise to maintain them.

What brakes can you choose from?

Cummins offers a full portfolio of Meritor® braking solutions to meet diverse needs across most commercial vehicle markets.

EX+™ Air Disc Brakes are designed for linehaul, trailer, and vocational applications where fleets need consistent performance, easier inspection, and efficient service. Options include EX+LS, EX+L, and EX+H, giving fleets choices based on axle position, duty cycle, and application needs. These brakes offer improved thermal performance and are designed with long pad life, copper-compliant friction materials, and ease of service in mind.

Q+™ Drum Brakes are ideal for fleets operating in tough environments. These brakes are built for durability, with advanced camshaft bushings and anchor pins that extend service life and reduce downtime. Their simple, robust design makes them a go-to choice for fleets needing corrosion resistance, low maintenance, and reliable performance in harsh-duty applications.  

With support across North America and backed by a global supply network, Meritor brakes are easy to service and source, whether you are outfitting a single truck or managing a national fleet.

Need help choosing the right brake system?

Finding the right brake system doesn’t have to be complicated. Cummins Inc. offers personalized support to help you evaluate your operating conditions, maintenance resources, and performance goals. With a full range of drum and disc brakes, we will help you find a braking solution based on your needs.

Our engineering team works closely with OEMs and fleets to develop brakes that meet the unique demands of each application. Whether you are hauling freight cross-country or moving equipment across a job site, Meritor brakes are designed to deliver consistent stopping power, long service life, and dependable performance under all conditions.