2018 International MV Brake Pad & Rotor Specifications

The 2018 International MV is a medium-duty workhorse, relied upon for everything from delivery routes to municipal utility work. Formerly known as the DuraStar, the MV series comes with a wide array of axle configurations and weight ratings (Class 6 and Class 7). Because of this immense variability, the brake systems can be either hydraulic disc brakes or, more commonly, air disc/drum brakes (like the Bendix ADB22X air disc system).

As an ASE-certified master technician, I cannot stress enough how critical it is to match your exact axle weight rating and brake system type when servicing these trucks. Below are the general specifications for the common disc brake setups found on the 2018 International MV. Always verify your specific part numbers and torque specifications with a dealer using your vehicle identification number (VIN).

Quick reference

Note: The specifications above represent the Bendix ADB22X air disc brake system, which is standard on many International MV trucks. If your truck is equipped with Meritor hydraulic brakes or rear drums, dimensions and part numbers will differ completely.

How to choose pads

Selecting brake pads for a medium-duty commercial truck like the 2018 International MV is fundamentally different from buying pads for a passenger vehicle. You are not choosing between standard ceramic and semi-metallic formulations for quietness or low dust; you are selecting based on severe-duty commercial requirements.

• Commercial Severe-Duty (Semi-Metallic): For heavy-duty hauling, towing, or vehicles operating near their maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), heavy-duty semi-metallic pads are the gold standard. They offer superior heat dissipation and resist brake fade on long downgrades. Brands like Bendix, Meritor, and Haldex are the industry leaders here.
• OEM Replacements: Whenever possible, stick with the OEM supplier for medium-duty trucks. If your truck has Bendix air disc brakes, use Bendix pads. This ensures the friction material coefficient matches the air brake system's timing and ABS calibrations.
• A Note on Consumer Brands: Typical passenger aftermarket brands like Akebono or Power Stop generally do not manufacture pads for Class 6/7 air disc systems. You will need to look at the commercial/heavy-duty divisions of companies like Bosch or Wagner if you stray from the OEM supplier.

Typical service life

Because the International MV is used in such a wide variety of applications, predicting brake service life can be difficult.

• Highway and Over-the-Road: Trucks that spend most of their time on the highway can easily see 100,000 to 150,000 miles on a set of air disc brake pads, provided the engine brake (if equipped) is used properly.
• City Delivery and Refuse: Stop-and-go routes, local delivery, and heavy urban traffic will drastically reduce brake life. In these applications, it is not uncommon to need new pads every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
• Pad-Slap Interval: "Pad-slapping" (replacing pads without replacing or machining rotors) is generally frowned upon in the commercial industry. Heavy-duty rotors undergo massive heat cycling and often develop heat checks (surface cracks). If the rotor is within specification and surface cracking is minimal, you can safely perform one pad replacement before replacing the rotor. However, most fleets opt to replace rotors at every other brake job to prevent catastrophic failure.

Common brake issues for this generation

The 2018 International MV is a reliable platform, but its brake systems do have a few common pain points that fleet managers and technicians should monitor:

1. Seized Caliper Slide Pins: In regions where road salt is used, the guide pins on hydraulic disc brakes and the slide mechanisms on air disc brakes can seize. This leads to uneven pad wear, dragging brakes, and overheated rotors. Regular inspection and lubrication with high-temp synthetic brake grease is essential.
2. Heat Checking on Rotors: Heavy payloads naturally generate immense heat. Small surface cracks (heat checks) are normal on heavy-duty rotors, but if these cracks extend to the edge of the rotor or deepen significantly, the rotor must be replaced immediately.
3. Air System Moisture: For trucks equipped with air brakes, failing to drain the air tanks regularly or a failing air dryer cartridge can introduce moisture into the system. This can cause valves to stick or freeze in winter conditions, leading to brake drag or failure.

Brake job cost estimate

Brake jobs on commercial vehicles represent a significant maintenance expense. Parts are heavy, expensive, and require specialized tools (like a 1-inch drive impact wrench and torque multiplier) to service properly.

• Front Brake Job (Pads and Rotors): Parts will typically run between $400 and $700 per axle. Labor for a medium-duty truck usually takes 2 to 4 hours per axle, depending on rust and whether wheel seals/bearings need to be serviced simultaneously. Expect a total shop bill of $800 to $1,300 for the front axle.
• Rear Brake Job (Pads and Rotors): The rear axle is usually more labor-intensive, especially if the axle shafts must be pulled to remove the rotors. Parts will run $400 to $700, but labor can easily exceed $500. Total cost for the rear axle generally ranges from $900 to $1,500.
• Fluid / Air System Service: Flushing hydraulic brake fluid or replacing the air dryer cartridge will add approximately $100 to $200 to the total bill.

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