Imitation Parts Pose Safety Risk, Executives Say

ales of counterfeit and knock-off parts for use on heavy-duty trucks are posing safety risks to fleets, with the largest problem being brake components, manufacturing executives told Transport Topics.

Aftermarket executives said parts that do not meet braking system specifications compromise truck safety because they can cause increased wear to other components, lead to premature part failure and increase stopping distance.

“Any one variance in any one component in the whole system can affect the entire braking system and can lead to serious safety problems,” said Dave Schultz, marketing manager for the valve division of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, an Elyria, Ohio, brake manufacturer.