4515 4709 4711 Brake Shoes: The American FMSI Standard Explained
4515, 4709, and 4711 are the industry-standard FMSI (Friction Materials Standards Institute) part numbers for American heavy-duty truck and trailer brake shoes. They share the exact same foundation size, but their hardware configurations differ — which is why interchange is not allowed between them.
Specification & Comparison
All three models feature a standard size of 16.5" x 7" (diameter x width) and are rated for 23,000 lbs (23K) axles.
| Part Number | System | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 4515 (4515Q) | Meritor Q | Quick-change web design; open anchor pin end allows fast shoe replacement without fully removing pins. |
| 4709 (4709E) | Eaton Extended | Designed for Eaton-style foundation brakes; distinct heavy-duty anchor pins and roller pockets. |
| 4711 (4711Q) | Meritor Q-Plus | Upgraded 4515 with optimized web geometry to fit thicker premium linings for longer service life. |
Key Application Notes
- No direct interchange: even with the same 16.5" x 7" drum, web designs, anchor pin slots and roller positions differ — always match the correct FMSI number.
- Hardware pairing: 4515Q uses a KIT 8000 style hardware package; 4709E requires Eaton-specific springs and rollers.
- Vehicle coverage: the 16.5" drum family covers Kenworth, Freightliner, Peterbilt, Volvo and Mack heavy trucks across the US aftermarket.
Why the US Aftermarket Runs on These Numbers
The United States has around 14.89 million trucks in operation, and the 16.5-inch drum brake family is the dominant air-brake configuration. For volume buyers, SAITE supplies 4515/4709/4711 as lined shoes or complete box kits at wholesale FOB prices of roughly $8–9 per shoe — a decisive advantage versus typical US retail pricing. Because these shoes are produced on the same tooling as OE-grade American brake shoes, you get dimensional accuracy and rivet layout that matches FMSI standards exactly.
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