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. 

     

Recommended Posts

Posted

rssImage-efba2e4d0f097cb4f4ba8bf9813a8df0.jpeg

Like many product lines in our inventories, brake pads are often dual or even triple lined. To service a wide variety of vehicles and customer types in a dynamic market, it has become a necessity to offer various price points on one of the most critical safety items we offer. 

Price is only one of the criteria we should be using to determine the most appropriate product for the customers’ needs, but it is the one that seems to get the most attention. Too often, price is quoted as shorthand for quality, and we present a good/better/best option based on their price points. Rather than presenting the features and benefits of each product, we often gloss over the “how and why” in favor of the “how much.” When we present items in this manner, we commoditize them, leading the customer to believe there is very little difference between the products, aside from the amount of money they are going to spend today. Often, the value derived from improved performance and longer lifespan of the better-quality product exceeds the difference in price between it and the lesser-priced equivalent. 

For brake pads, the composition of the friction material is the first area where quality really counts. Beyond the basic “semi-metallic” vs. “ceramic” terminology lies a complex chemistry of elements that created a slab of material that is expected to provide excellent stopping power in all driving conditions without squealing or leaving dusty residue on your customers’ wheels. Premium brake friction material is often designed with specific applications and usage in mind. The friction formulation of a “ceramic” pad intended for a commuter sedan will be different than a ceramic pad intended for a police pursuit vehicle, or even a full-size truck that is used commercially. The entry-level pad manufacturer may take a more “universal” approach, with the friction material providing average performance across a wide range of appli-cations, but underperforming in critical areas where a premium pad would give better longevity and quality of service. 

Beyond the friction material, the backing plate is another area where you get what you pay for. Galvanized, E-coated or powder-coated backing plates have better corrosion resistance than those plates treated with a simple coat of paint. When corrosion creeps between the pad material and the backing plate, a phenomenon known as rust-jacking can weaken the bond between materials, leading to pad delamination. Premium pads also are more likely to feature an attached shim, which can help reduce the vibrations that cause squealing.

NVH complaints are also commonly caused by reusing existing pad retaining hardware, or eliminating it altogether. Unfortunately, I have seen more than a few instances of poorly-stamped or thickly painted backing plates preventing the pad and hardware all fitting correctly into the caliper bracket. Some folks resort to grinding or filing away the edge of the backing plate, creating another path for corrosion down the road. Worse yet, others entirely omit the stainless hardware clips, resulting in a clunk or rattle with every pedal application. It continues to baffle me that some entry-level (and even mid-grade) pad pack-ages still do not include hardware, even though they are a critical part of a complete disc brake job.

Electronic brake pad wear sensors are an increasingly common design feature, either molded directly into the friction material, or clipped into the backing plate of one or more pads. In my own opinion, the ideal premium brake pad set should include friction material purpose-built for the intended application, a good quality shimmed and coated backing plate, the necessary installation hardware, electronic wear sensor (if equipped), and any included warranty should be commensurate with the intended service life of the pads.

When it comes to premium products, it is often these “extras” that people don’t consider when comparing them to lesser brands. Application-matched friction materials, manufacturing and design features that ensure a long and trouble-free service life, as well as the convenience of having all the necessary components collected into one package, saves the customer time and labor initially, and over the (longer) life of the product, actually provides more value per mile than lesser competitive products.

The post

link hidden, please login to view
appeared first on
link hidden, please login to view
.

link hidden, please login to view

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Similar Topics

    • By abiztime
      Various Types of Bearing Brake Disc(source from :rdbrake.com)
      The primary function of bearing brake discs is to provide a stable and reliable surface for the brake pads to grip, thereby facilitating effective braking. When the brake pedal is pressed, the brake pads clamp onto the spinning brake disc, generating friction that slows down the wheel's rotation. The bearings within the brake disc assembly ensure smooth and consistent rotation, minimizing wear and tear on the braking system.
      Types of Bearing Brake Discs
      Ventilated Brake Discs: These discs feature internal vanes or vents that allow air to circulate, dissipating heat more efficiently. They are commonly used in high-performance vehicles and heavy-duty applications where heat management is crucial.
      Solid Brake Discs: These are simple, flat discs without internal vents. They are typically used in smaller or lighter vehicles where excessive heat build-up is less of a concern.
      Drilled and Slotted Discs: These discs have holes and grooves that enhance heat dissipation and improve braking performance, especially under extreme conditions. They also help in expelling dust and debris from the braking surface.
      Composite Brake Discs: Made from a combination of materials such as cast iron and carbon composites, these discs offer superior performance, reduced weight, and enhanced heat resistance. They are often found in high-end sports cars and racing applications.
      Maintenance of Bearing Brake Discs

      Regular maintenance of bearing brake discs is essential to ensure the longevity and reliability of the braking system. Key maintenance practices include:
      Inspection: Regularly inspect the brake discs for signs of wear, such as grooves, cracks, or uneven surfaces. This can prevent potential brake failure.
      Cleaning: Keep the brake discs clean from dust, dirt, and debris. Use appropriate cleaning solutions and tools to avoid damaging the surface.
      Lubrication: Ensure that the bearings are properly lubricated to reduce friction and prevent overheating. Use the recommended type and amount of lubricant for optimal performance.
      Replacement: Replace the brake discs when they show significant signs of wear or when they reach the manufacturer's recommended lifespan. Timely replacement can prevent more severe damage to the braking system.
       

    • By abiztime
      Various Packaging way of Brake Discs( from RDBRAKE.COM)
      In the automotive parts industry, as the key safety components, the packaging design of brake discs is not only related to the product's market image, but also directly affects consumers' purchasing decisions.
      1. Plastic bag
            Generally, brake discs are first packed in a plastic bag. The plastic bag will be sealed as customers' requirement.

      2.  Neutral white box and kraft paper box: low cost.

      3.  Neutral colorful box for brake discs

      4,  Colorful pizza box for brake discs

      5, Pallet

    • By OReilly Auto Parts
      How To: Replace the Brake Pads and Rotors in a 2013 to 2018 Toyota RAV4
    • By abiztime
      The top OEM brake disc manufacturer in China:  link hidden, please login to view
      In 2008, the company expanded and registered the Rongdi trademark, and the company began to go abroad.
      In 2015, the company established the domestic market department and "Longzhu" brand has launched focusing on serving the domestic auto parts aftermarket. In 2021, Longzhu brand won the prize of "Most Competitive Brake Disc Brand"
      With the expansion of domestic market business, the company registered Yichen trademark. In 2021, Yichen brand was honored "Annual Breakthrough Brand"
    • By abiztime
      Brake discs, also known as brake rotors, are a crucial component of a vehicle's braking system. Surface treatments help improve wear resistance, reduce friction, and protect against corrosion. Here are some common surface treatment methods for brake discs.
        1.     Anti-rust oiling for brake discs This the simplest way to treat surface of brake discs.
        2. Zinc plating for discs Zinc plating is a common surface treatment that involves electroplating a thin layer of zinc onto the brake disc. The advantages include: enhanced corrosion protection; aesthetic appeal; durability.   3.     Geomet coating for brake discs Geomet coating is a water-based, chrome-free solution often used for brake discs. It has superior corrosion resistance and high performance. Being chrome-free, it is less harmful to the environment compared to traditional coatings.   4.     Dacromet coating for brake discs Dacromet is another type of water-based coating, similar to Geomet, but with a different composition.
        5.     Black/Grey painting for brake discs You can choose all body spay, semi-spray, painting hats or painting edges.   Selecting the appropriate surface treatment for brake discs is essential to ensure optimal performance, durability, and safety. Each method has its unique advantages, making it suitable for different applications and environmental conditions.

×
  • Create New...