Operators are being warned about seriously defective aftermarket brake drums that may be fitted to Scania P400 lorries within their fleet.

The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) made the warning after two cases where aftermarket drums, which were not manufactured or supplied by Scania, have failed on P400 lorries. Both lorries were left without front braking and were fully laden.

The drums failed in the same way when the braking surface fractured and separated from the mounting ring. It is believed that this was not due to normal wear and tear.

The DVSA has been unable to identify the manufacturer but an image of one of the failed drums is shown above.

Mark Grant, Services Director for Scania (Great Britain) Limited, said: “As a safety-critical item, I would… strongly urge operators to always contact their local Scania dealer whenever the time comes to replace any component within their vehicles’ braking system.”

The DVSA has asked for operators to let them know if they have similar drums fitted to their lorries and their supplier by emailing vsb@dvsa.gov.uk