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The noise and vibration are directly related to the perceived quality of a vehicle and it is crucial that the manufacturers focus their efforts to reduce that. When an unusual noise appears, it is a great challenge to define an approach for understanding the phenomenon, identifying the cause and then defining a solution to reduce its effect. A “knocking noise” coming from the brake rigid pipes is perceived while driving the vehicle in a cobbled pavement at low speed and it coincides with the closure of brake system module inlet valves. When a valve closes quickly, there is a sudden change in the flow velocity, which generates a pressure transient in the brake fluid inducing vibrations in the rigid pipes. The pressure transient can be minimized by reducing the speed at which the pressure waves travel in the pipe. The bulk modulus, the density of the fluid, the velocity of valve closing, the Young’s modulus and the dimensions of the pipes, determine the wave speed.

This study aims at analyzing the causes of noise in a heavy vehicle brake system (6x2 tractor) and proposing solutions to improve comfort during braking as it is known that, during the activation of the automotive brakes, noise can be generated in different frequency bands that can cause discomfort to the user and the study of how to reduce it is considerably important to bring more comfort in its use. As a working methodology, firstly, comparative analysis of dimension and material were performed between the axle assembly that presented noise and another axle assembly of a vehicle with no noise adopted as reference. This information was used as the basis for the frequency and acceleration virtual analysis that were validated with vehicle instrumentation and data acquisition. In parallel, vehicle tests with different brake friction materials were conducted.

The anti-lock brake system, known as ABS, whose the main function is to ensure directional stability and, consequently, the handling of the vehicle in an emergency brake application. Acting on the brakes, prevents the wheels are locked in extreme situations as well as in various applications on low friction floors. The most common applications found in our market are vehicles whose brakes are fully hydraulic or pneumatic. The purpose of this paper is to present all ABS development phases on an “air over hydraulic” vehicle, in other words, the front brake is acted by a hydraulic system and the rear by a pneumatic.