Jump to content

  • Welcome to Auto Parts Forum

    Whether you are a veteran automotive parts guru or just someone looking for some quick auto parts advice, register today and start a new topic in our forum. Registration is free and you can even sign up with social network platforms such as Facebook, X, and LinkedIn. 

     

Exploring The Types Of Brake Pads


Recommended Posts

Understanding the types of brake pads essentially means understanding the materials used in each type. This provides us with a clearer understanding of their names and functions and enables us to offer a reference for choosing the right brake pads.

friction materials

Friction Materials Composition

The basic composition of brake pads currently available in the market consists of

  • Shim
  • Steel backing,
  • steel backing adhesive
  • friction material

At KETULLA, the steel backing is formed using internationally standard 10mm stainless steel through cold pressing. The friction material comprises a binder, metal fibers, ceramic fibers, phenolic resin, aramid fibers, and various fillers, which are heat-pressed onto the steel backing. The role of the shim is to suppress vibrations, thereby reducing noise. It effectively reduces noise generated by braking. KETULLA utilizes stainless steel or high-quality heat-resistant materials for this purpose.

We typically classify brake pads based on the proportion of key components in the friction material: semi-metallic, low-metallic, ceramic, or collectively referred to as Non-asbestos. In China, asbestos has been strictly prohibited from use in brake pads due to its significant environmental impact and adverse effects on human health. According to the revised regulation 《GB5763-2018》, this has been explicitly stated.

Low Metallic

link hidden, please login to view

Low-metallic brake pads are the most economical option, as they typically consist of 10% to 30% metal fibers, phenolic resin binder, graphite particles, and other fillers. These fillers primarily serve to suppress thermal expansion and contraction of the composite material, thus enhancing bonding strength.

Due to the presence of metal fibers in this formulation, research has shown that vehicles equipped with these brake pads may generate dust on our wheel hubs during braking. This dust, typically gray or black, is a byproduct of friction from the metal fibers and tends to accumulate around the wheel hubs due to its electrostatic properties, making the area appear dirty. Over time, this dust accumulation can also cause damage to the brake discs. However, the advantages of low-metallic brake pads include superior heat conductivity, strong friction capabilities, and shorter braking distances. These factors contribute to why we recommend using low-metallic formulations for truck brake pads

“Due to their affordability, this is also why our factory sells the highest quantity of this type of brake pads. In many countries, customers primarily compare prices and performance when selecting brake pads, making them more likely to choose this type over others

Semi Metallic

link hidden, please login to view

Semi-metallic brake pads have a similar composition to low-metallic brake pads, but with the difference that they contain 30% to 50% metal fibers. Additionally, they use larger graphite particles, which are more visibly apparent on the surface of the brake pads compared to low-metallic ones. Furthermore, their friction coefficient is slightly higher, with better heat conductivity and braking distance performance.

They are generally suitable for use with truck brake pads. However, they are more likely to generate dust, and improper installation may lead to increased noise. In response to this issue, KETULLA continuously optimizes and adjusts the formulation, resulting in significantly reduced dust and noise generation probabilities.

According to market feedback, the primary cause of noise is usually improper installation, indicating that our formulation optimization has been highly effective. Therefore, our purchasers can rest assured.

Ceramic

link hidden, please login to view
Ceramic Brake Pads
link hidden, please login to view
Ceramic Brake Pads GF

At present, ceramic brake pads are the most expensive. Ketulla’s ceramic formulation brake pads utilize high-quality ceramic fibers, graphene, and aramid fibers, without the inclusion of metal fibers. The price of ceramic fibers is significantly higher than that of metal fibers, but they offer superior heat conductivity and friction coefficients. Although there may be a slightly softer pedal feel, it does not affect the braking performance. More importantly, they result in much lower wear on the brake discs compared to other formulations, thus extending the lifespan of the vehicle’s brake pads.

link hidden, please login to view

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

The main materials of automobile brake pads are metal-based materials and friction materials. The structure is generally composed of steel plates, adhesive insulation layers and friction blocks.

Metal-based materials usually include steel, copper, aluminum, etc., which play a supporting and heat-conducting role. Among them, the insulation layer is composed of materials that do not transfer heat, and the purpose is heat insulation. The friction block is composed of friction materials and adhesives. The friction material is the main part of the brake pad. It needs to have good wear resistance, heat resistance and friction reduction to provide sufficient friction during braking. When braking, it is squeezed on the brake disc or brake drum to produce friction, thereby achieving the purpose of vehicle deceleration and braking. Due to friction, the friction block will gradually be worn. Generally speaking, the lower the cost of the brake pad, the faster it will wear. At present, the friction materials in automobile brake pads are usually semi-metallic or ceramic materials, which have high wear resistance and heat resistance. In addition, some brake pads will also add fiber materials to improve strength and heat resistance.

For more details please visit this website: 

link hidden, please login to view

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Similar Topics

    • By Dorman Products
      Brake Drum | ASE Test Practice Question 13
    • By roybrakepad
      Ceramic brake pads are friction materials mainly made of mineral fiber, aramid fiber and ceramic fiber.
         Ceramic brake pads were originally developed by Japanese brake pad companies in the 1990s. Gradually becoming the new favorite in the brake pad market. A typical representative of ceramic-based friction materials is C/C-SiC composite materials, which are C/SiC composite materials with carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide matrix. Researchers from the University of Stuttgart and the German Aerospace Research Institute in Germany have studied the application of C/C-SiC composite materials in the field of friction, and developed C/C-SiC brake pads for use in Porsche cars. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the United States The laboratory is cooperating with Honeywell Advanced composites, Honeywell Aireratf Lnading Systems, and Honeywell CommercialVehicle systems to develop low-cost C/SiC composite brake pads to replace cast iron and cast steel brake pads for trucks.
    • By roybrakepad
      Now that we understand the importance of choosing the right supplier, let’s delve into the specific qualities that make a brake pad supplier worth partnering with.
      1. Proven Track Record of Quality
      The first and foremost quality to look for in a car brake pad supplier is a proven track record of producing high-quality products. The supplier should have a history of consistently delivering brake pads that meet or exceed industry standards, ensuring safety, durability, and performance. Ensure the proven good record, they must have:
      Quality Certifications
      One way to assess a supplier’s commitment to quality is by checking for industry certifications. Common certifications to look for include:
      link hidden, please login to view A global standard for automotive quality management systems. It indicates that the supplier follows rigorous quality control processes. link hidden, please login to view certification that ensures brake pads meet European safety and performance standards. Importing to European countries requires this certificate. ISO 9001:A standard that sets out the criteria for a quality management system, emphasizing a strong customer focus and continual improvement. AMECA: a Standard that always is noticed by American customers, also key important. link hidden, please login to view
    • By roybrakepad
      1. Price
      OEM brake pads: One of the most significant drawbacks of Toyota OEM brake pads is their higher cost compared to aftermarket alternatives. Since OEM brake pads are produced by Toyota or its authorized suppliers and sold through dealerships, they often carry a premium price tag. This can make repairs and maintenance more expensive, especially for older vehicles or non-critical components.

      Aftermarket brake pads:aftermarket brake pads are often more affordable than OEM brake pads. This can result in significant savings, especially for repairs and replacements that are not covered by warranty or for older vehicles.





      2.Quality
      OEM brake pads: Toyota OEM brake pads are engineered to meet stringent quality standards. They are tested for durability, performance, and safety, ensuring they function seamlessly with your vehicle.

      Aftermarket brake pads:The quality of aftermarket brake pads can vary significantly between manufacturers. While some aftermarket brake pads meet or exceed OEM standards, others may be poorly made or less reliable.

      3.Adaptability
      OEM brake pads: Since OEM brake pads are designed specifically for Toyota vehicles, you can expect them to fit perfectly without any modifications or compatibility issues. This precise fit helps maintain the original performance and integrity of your vehicle. Availability of OEM brake pads can sometimes be limited, particularly for older or less common Toyota models. Dealerships typically stock common parts, but less frequently used components may need to be ordered, which could result in longer wait times for repairs.

      Aftermarket brake pads:aftermarket brake pads may not always fit as precisely as OEM brake pads. This can lead to compatibility issues, performance problems, or even damage to your vehicle if the parts do not meet the correct specifications.

      4.Variety and Customization
      OEM brake pads: OEM brake pads are designed to match the original specifications of Toyota vehicles, which means there may be limited options for customization or upgrading certain aspects of your vehicle beyond what Toyota offers. aftermarket brake pads often provide more variety in terms of features, designs, and performance enhancements.

      Aftermarket brake pads:aftermarket brake pads come in a vast array of styles, designs, and performance levels. This variety allows for greater customization and enhancement of your vehicle, whether you’re looking for aesthetic upgrades or performance improvements.

      5. Performance issues
      OEM brake pads: OEM brake pads maintain consistency in terms of design and performance, as they are produced to the same specifications as the original parts installed in your Toyota.This means that if you want to upgrade your vehicle for higher vehicle performance, OEM brake pads are not available. Options to upgrade certain aspects of your vehicle may be limited.

      Aftermarket brake pads:Some aftermarket brake pads are designed to offer better performance than OEM components. For example, aftermarket brake pads or exhaust systems may provide improved stopping power or enhanced sound.Some aftermarket brake pads incorporate the latest technologies or materials that might not be available in OEM brake pads, potentially offering better performance or durability.

      6.Convenience
      OEM brake pads:Purchasing OEM brake pads typically requires visiting a Toyota dealership or authorized parts supplier. This dependency may be inconvenient for some consumers who prefer the flexibility of sourcing parts from various suppliers or online retailers.

      Aftermarket brake pads:aftermarket brake pads are widely available through various retailers, online stores, and auto parts shops. This broader availability can make it easier to find parts quickly and may offer more convenient purchasing options.

      7.Warranty Issues
      OEM brake pads:Strict Warranty Requirements. While using Toyota OEM brake pads can help maintain warranty coverage for your vehicle, there are often strict requirements regarding the installation and use of these parts. Failure to adhere to these guidelines could potentially void warranty protection in some cases.

      Aftermarket brake padsotential Impact on Warranty: Using aftermarket brake pads might affect your vehicle’s warranty, particularly if they are not approved by the manufacturer. It’s essential to check warranty terms to ensure that aftermarket brake pads do not void your coverage.

      Aftermarket brake pad:  link hidden, please login to view    
    • Brake & Suspension Clearance Event
    • By Mia
      The brake pads of ordinary private cars, the front brake pads are generally replaced once for 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers, and the rear brake pads are replaced once for 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. Brake pads and brake disc replacement cycle is not a fixed value, you need to look at the wear of the brake pads. The road conditions are often different, each owner's driving habits are different, the intensity of the brake is different, and the wear and tear of the brake pads are not the same. Therefore, there is no clear time limit on the service life of the specific brake pads. It is necessary to determine whether the brake pads need to be replaced according to the regular inspection.
       
      If you are an old driver or more understanding of the car, you can also determine whether the brake pads should be replaced. On the one hand, driving feeling, if the brake is soft, and obviously feel the length of the brake distance, to replace the brake pads in time. On the other hand, if you hear the obvious metal friction sound when you step on the brake (steel back and brake disc contact), it means that the friction material of the brake pads has been exhausted, the steel back has friction with the brake disc, which requires immediate replacement of the brake pads, otherwise it will wear the brake disc, and even need to replace the brake disc. If the repair shop is close, slowly open to the repair shop, if the repair shop is far away, it is recommended to find a trailer to avoid causing greater damage to the brake disc.
      https://frenobrake.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/How-long-will-the-brake-pads-last-1-jpg.webp  
      1. Signs that brake pads need to be replaced
      Although the service life advertised by the brake pad manufacturer is usually 3-5 kilometers, this is not the only criterion for us to decide whether the brake pad is replaced, which is affected by many factors. Like often brake, for the brake pad wear will be serious, may need to replace the brake pad early, it is recommended to check every 10,000 kilometers; Some people have good driving habits, the brakes are very gentle, and the brake pads can even be used for 150,000 kilometers and above. So how to determine whether the brake pads need to be replaced? We can start with the following points:
       
      1) Look through your eyes
       
      Observe the remaining thickness of the brake pads
       
      Brake pads are generally composed of friction blocks, steel plates, adhesive insulation layers, etc., of which the friction block is a consumable material, and the friction block will be lost when braking. Therefore, observing the thickness of the brake pads is an important method to decide whether to replace the brake pads.
      The thickness of the new brake pads is generally about 1.5cm. With use, the brake pads will gradually thin. When the naked eye observes that the thickness of the brake pads is only 1/3 of the original thickness (about 0.5cm), it is necessary to check the brake pads frequently. For the sake of insurance, it needs to be replaced in time.
      The wear limit of brake pads is 1mm. When the thickness of the brake pads is lower than this limit, the braking effect of the brake pads will be greatly reduced, which can easily lead to brake failure. The first time, the owner should replace the brake pad as soon as possible.
       
      Watch the dashboard for prompts
      Modern cars are usually equipped with brake pad wear alarm system, when the brake pad wear to a certain extent, the brake warning light on the dashboard will light up to prompt the driver to check and replace the brake pad as soon as possible.
       
      2) Listen through your ears
      Listen for any noise on the brakes
      Although it is common for the car to make noise when braking, if the noise occurs when starting or stopping, the brake disc may be dirty or the brake pad is not worn evenly enough; If there is only noise, the brake performance is not affected, and it can be restored after a simple cleaning and then use for a period of time. However, when you step on the brakes, if you hear the noise caused by harsh or sharp metal friction, it may be a sign of brake pad wear. This noise is often referred to as "screaming", indicating that the brake pads have been worn to a very thin degree, and the limit mark on both sides of the brake pads has touched the brake disc and worn the brake disc, so the brake pads should be replaced immediately.
       
      3) Feel through the driving experience
       
      Feel for "offset" and jitter when braking
      If everything is normal when the car is driving, but there is a deviation phenomenon when the heavy brake is pressed, it is often a one-sided wheel brake, which may be that the brake pads are close to the wear limit and need to be replaced as soon as possible.
       
      Feel the braking response and distance
      When the brake pads are thinner, the car's brake response will also become slow, and the brake pedal is softer than usual when braking, and it is necessary to step deeper and heavier on the brake to achieve the previous braking effect, which may be caused by insufficient brake pressure. This situation is very dangerous, it requires a harder step to stop the movement of the vehicle, which will take a longer time and distance to stop. When it is necessary to brake in an emergency, the extended braking time and distance can cause serious consequences.
       
      4) Judge by professionals
      Vehicles usually need regular maintenance, after a period of time or a certain mileage, you can let the car maintenance personnel check the use of brake pads. One is that maintenance personnel have more professional equipment that can detect and measure whether the state of the brake pads can continue to be used, which is more accurate than what we can observe with the naked eye. Second, professional maintenance personnel have richer professional knowledge and experience, can better judge the use of brake pads, give professional replacement recommendations.
       
      In addition, it should be noted that the front and rear brake pads replacement cycle is different, so the brake pads of the front and rear tires do not need to be replaced all, but the four brake pads of the front wheel need to be replaced together, not only a single one. Whether the brake pads need to be replaced mainly depends on the wear situation, if the wear is below 0.5cm, the brake pads must be replaced in time to avoid safety accidents.
       
      2. How to extend the service life of car brake pads?
       
      Brake pads as an easy to wear car parts, often replace is also a small expense, we can reduce the wear of brake pads through scientific methods, so that the brake pads can be extended.
       
      1) Improve driving habits
      Use the engine to brake downhill, reduce the pressure of the brake system. The easiest way to maintain brake pads is to pay attention to driving habits. Daily driving takes a stable speed, reduces sudden braking and long-term braking, and avoids driving in the case of rapid changes in speed. Observe road conditions in advance and plan routes to reduce the need for frequent braking. In addition, minimize overloading, speeding and other bad driving behaviors, which can reduce the frequency and degree of brake pad wear
       
      2) Wash regularly
       
      The owner can also regularly clean the brake pads to keep their surface clean. In daily use, brake pads will be affected by road dust, sand, moisture, etc., and these dirt will affect the frictional performance of brake pads. Therefore, regular cleaning of the brake pads can maintain the good state of its friction performance, and can also extend the service life of the brake pads.
       
      3) Pay attention to vehicle maintenance
       
      Maintaining the health of other aspects of the vehicle is also the maintenance of the automobile brake system. Maintain accurate wheel positioning and reduce the uneven wear of brake pads caused by inaccurate positioning. It is also necessary to replace the brake fluid regularly to avoid water absorption deterioration of the brake fluid affecting the brake performance.
       
      In addition, it is necessary to ensure that the components of the brake system work normally, such as brake calipers, brake tubing, etc., to avoid the increase of brake pressure on the brake pads due to the error of other parts, thus aggravating wear.
       
      4) Choose the right brake pads
       
      Finally, the owner also needs a reasonable choice of brake pads. In the market, there are many different materials of brake pads to choose from, such as metal ceramic brake pads, organic carbon brake pads and so on. Owners should choose the brake pads suitable for their own models according to their driving habits and the use of the environment to ensure the good working condition of the brake system. When the economy allows, consider high-performance brake pads, such as ceramic brake pads, which are usually more wear-resistant, and although the cost is relatively high, they are more durable and have less damage to the brake disc. This not only extends the use time of the brake pads but also reduces the wear of the brake discs, which also need to be replaced after wear.
      link hidden, please login to view
      https://frenobrake.com/ You can learn more about brake pads by this website.

×
  • Create New...