Knorr-Bremse Commercial Vehicle Systems & Spares: SYNACT/NEXTT Calipers, EAC Air Dryers, EBS/TEBS & Compressors

Knorr-Bremse Nameplate Identification, Part Number Prefixes & Cross-Reference Selection

Knorr-Bremse AG (founded in 1905 in Germany and headquartered at Moosacher Str. 80, 80809 Munich, with over 30000 employees across more than 100 sites in 30 countries) operates two core divisions.

Its Commercial Vehicle Systems division (Knorr-Bremse Systeme für Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH) engineers pneumatic, electronic, and mechatronic systems for heavy trucks, tractors, buses, trailers, and special-purpose vehicles.

For accurate identification of a complete assembly or repair kit, provide the Knorr-Bremse part number stamped on the metal nameplate or housing casting (typical prefixes include K0, K1, K2, II, I, ZB, SEB, SN, SB—for example K003804, II39759F, K135148N50, or C163653/112O), the product series

(SYNACT, NEXTT, MAXX 22, SB6, SB7, SN6, SN7, SK7, EAC, APU, NEO, GSBC, ABS 6, ABS 8, TEBS G2, iTEBS X, ELC, iLvl, AH2, EPS, RCB), and the vehicle OEM cross-reference number.

If the nameplate is worn or corroded, send a clear photo of the unit tag, the truck or trailer VIN, and the pneumatic circuit specification for verification against factory service documentation.

Clutch Compressors, Electronic Air Control (EAC) Units & APU / NEO Air Dryers

Clean, dry compressed air free from oil aerosols is essential for protecting downstream brake modulators and air suspension valves.

Knorr-Bremse manufactures more than 150 single- and twin-cylinder reciprocating compressor models in cast-iron and lightweight aluminum designs, rotary screw compressors for electric buses and trucks, and reciprocating compressors with an integrated pneumatic clutch (Clutch Compressor).

Automatically decoupling the compressor drive during overrun and unloaded phases saves up to 1270 L of diesel fuel per year on a long-haul tractor-trailer combination while reducing oil carryover by 35%.

Electronic Air Control (EAC) units and modular APU / NEO air processing units combine an adsorption air dryer with an OSC oil-separator cartridge, pressure regulator, multi-circuit protection valve, and integrated electronic parking brake control.

Pneumatic Disc Brake Calipers: SYNACT, NEXTT, MAXX 22 & SB / SN / SK Series

Knorr-Bremse is the global pioneer in pneumatic disc brakes for commercial vehicles equipped with 19.5 and 22.5 inch wheels. The flagship twin-piston SYNACT caliper family delivers up to 30 kNm of braking torque for heavy-duty long-haul trucks and touring coaches.

The next-generation single-piston NEXTT caliper weighs just 39 kg including brake pads and incorporates Active Caliper Release (ACR), a spring mechanism that actively clears the pads from the rotor after brake release to eliminate parasitic drag.

For trailers and semi-trailers, Knorr-Bremse produces the lightweight MAXX 22 series, while supporting in-service fleets with genuine calipers and repair kits across the SB6, SB7, SN6, SN7, and SK7 series (guide pins, boots, adjuster mechanisms, ventilated discs, and friction pads).

Electronic Braking & Stability Control: GSBC, EBS, ABS 6 / ABS 8 & Trailer TEBS G2

The Global Scalable Brake Control (GSBC) platform and EBS electronic brake systems coordinate wheel brake actuators, driveline retarders, and engine brakes, balancing braking forces between tractor and semi-trailer axles via the CAN ISO 11992 digital interface.

System functions integrate Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with yaw-rate and lateral acceleration sensing, Roll Stability Program (RSP), Hill Start Aid, and modular ABS 6 and ABS 8 anti-lock controllers for commercial trucks, buses, and off-highway vehicles.

For towed vehicles, TEBS G2 (Generation 2) and iTEBS X trailer electronic braking modules combine the electronic control unit, pressure transducers, relay valve, backup valve, and iTAP wireless telemetry interface inside a single ruggedized housing.

Commercial Vehicle Steering (AH2, EPS, RCB) & 360-Degree ADAS Driver Assistance

Knorr-Bremse develops hydraulic, electro-hydraulic, and all-electric steering systems operating on 24 V commercial vehicle electrical systems.

The AH2 (Advanced Hybrid Steering Generation 2) system pairs a proven Recirculating Ball (RCB) hydraulic steering gear with an electronic torque-overlay actuator.

This hybrid architecture enables active lane keeping, crosswind compensation, and automated yard maneuvering, while the all-electric 24 V Electric Power Steering (EPS) system provides power-on-demand steering for battery-electric and fuel-cell commercial vehicles.

Integrated ADAS suites fuse forward-looking cameras and millimeter-wave radar sensors to provide 360-degree blind spot monitoring—including Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Moving Off Information Systems (MOIS)—alongside adaptive cruise control and emergency braking.

Brake Valves, FBM Foot Brake Modules, ELC / iLvl Air Suspension & Brake Chambers

Knorr-Bremse pneumatic and electro-pneumatic valves are engineered for 8 to 12.5 bar operating pressures with 10 bar four-circuit protection.

The portfolio covers Foot Brake Modules (FBM), Electronic Parking Brake (DPM) control units, relay valves, load-sensing valves, trailer Park Release Valves (PRV), and Trailer Control Modules (TRM).

For chassis leveling on air-sprung trucks, buses, and trailers, Electronic Leveling Control (ELC) units and iLvl pneumatic height modules provide automated ride-height regulation and loading-dock memory functions.

At the wheelend, diaphragm service brake chambers and combination spring brake actuators in sizes 16, 24, and 30 feature the sealed Internal Breathing Tube (IBT) system to prevent moisture and road salt from corroding the parking power spring.

Viscous Torsional Vibration Dampers, Engine Air Valves & Transmission Actuators

To protect crankshafts on inline and V-type diesel and gas engines rated from 500 to 3000 hp, Knorr-Bremse engineers silicone-fluid viscous torsional vibration dampers.

A precision inertia ring suspended in high-viscosity silicone fluid inside a laser-welded housing absorbs torsional resonance peaks and safeguards timing gear trains.

Engine air management components include high-temperature pneumatic exhaust brake butterfly valves and proportional pneumatic actuators for Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and turbocharger wastegates.

For drivetrain actuation, Knorr-Bremse supplies hydropneumatic Clutch Servos, Concentric Pneumatic Actuators (DCA), and integrated electro-pneumatic gearshift and range/splitter actuators for automated manual transmissions (AMT).

Knorr-Bremse TruckServices, EconX Remanufactured Assemblies & Global Logistics

Knorr-Bremse TruckServices supports commercial vehicle operators, workshops, and fleet maintenance depots across every stage of vehicle service life.

For mid-life and mature vehicles, the factory-remanufactured EconX product line covers SN/SB/SK brake calipers, compressors, EAC/APU air dryers, and EBS/TEBS electronic modules.

Industrial remanufacturing under EconX standards at Knorr-Bremse factories reduces CO2 emissions by up to 75% and saves up to 80% of raw materials compared with manufacturing a new housing from scratch.

SpareX coordinates direct international supply of genuine Knorr-Bremse assemblies, factory EconX units, OSC desiccant cartridges, ABS sensors, and caliper repair kits with export packaging and door-to-door logistics.