Aftermarket February 2023

FEBRUARY 2023 AFTERMARKET 45 complaints of noise and possibly affect the free movement of the pads. This is because Borg & Beck Brake Pads have double rubber shims on the back to absorb any noise and vibration, and therefore there is no need to apply anything else to the back of the pads, as this will be detrimental to their functioning. Secondly, it is vital that the mounting surface of the disc and the vehicle’s hub are totally clean and free of rust and debris. The hub should be cleaned using a soft wire brush or emery paper, then wiped with a cloth and solvent. If even a small amount of debris has not been cleaned away, it can cause an instant problem of excessive run out, which will be felt through the steering wheel. “The best practice to check if the discs are parallel to the hub is to check the run out of the discs. This should not exceed 0.08mm. If the run out exceeds this, the disc must be removed, and the hub cleaned again. If this has no effect, the hub should be measured for run out as well. Hub run out in excess of 0.04mm is likely to cause a problem and should be investigated. Thirdly, when new pads and discs are installed together, they must be bedded-in properly to ensure a great pedal feel and promote longevity of the components. Failure to drive sensibly for the first 400 miles could lead to a hot-spotting incidence, which if severe will induce Disc Thickness Variation (DTV) – a problem that develops over a few thousand miles before being felt.” To obtain a copy of First Line’s ‘Install with Confidence’ brake fitting poster, which covers these fitting tips, email: marketing@firstline.co.uk Segment Commenting on the Brembo offering, Siti Abdullah, Brembo UK and Ireland Key Account Manager said: “Brembo has segmented its range into four product families. Brembo Essential includes brake drums, shoes, hydraulic components and remanufactured calipers. Brembo Prime is the premium line and consists of brake discs, brake pads, calipers, brake fluid and additional brake accessories. Next. Brembo Beyond embraces the company’s mission to become a solution provider, with a specific focus on sustainable solutions. This product family includes the Brembo Beyond EV kit, a new range of specially coated discs and innovative brake pads that are quieter and more resistant to oxidation and corrosion, and therefore last longer. These advantages all contribute to the reduction of a vehicle’s environmental footprint. The Brembo Beyond EV Kit is fully dedicated to electric vehicles. At Automechanika Frankfurt, Brembo unveiled the Greenance Kit Concept, a jointly developed new range combining special alloy discs and dedicated brake pads. These will be available on the market as a kit solution, including discs and pads, in the second quarter of 2023. Brembo Xtra is the cool line of the Aftermarket segment and includes drilled and slotted brake discs, high friction pads, new coloured aluminium calipers, and a new advanced brake fluid.” Siti added: “Having a Brembo team in the UK with in- depth technical knowledge offers its customer base a unique and a personalised level of assistance. In situations where technical support is required, the team is even able to be present on-site. Brembo takes this opportunity to work together with the garage to diagnose the issue together while, at the same time, sharing our expertise. This ultimately turns the session into a technical support/training for the garage.” Performance One issue that confounds drivers is brake noise, as Niklas Arndt, Product Manager Brakes at MEYLE observed: “Brake noise is generated by high-frequency vibrations between brake disc and brake pad, which cause the typical ‘squeaking’ and braking noise. There are several factors that influence the development of unpleasant noises. We can only influence a fraction of these in our brake pad development, which is why we have focused on those. “A loud squeaking noise is often considered a distinctive feature of sporty brake pads. MEYLE nevertheless goes one step further and looks for ways to make components quieter again. Our team is constantly investing a lot of time and effort to be able to offer brake pads for performance-oriented driving that are at the same time almost noiseless - the pinnacle of brake pad development. In numerous tests and road trials MEYLE has been able to refine the brake pads individually adapted to the respective vehicle classes. In total there are 450 different MEYLE PD brake pads with specially designed material compounds that offer maximum performance while still operating silently.” Niklas continued: “MEYLE PD brake pads score points with a wide range of individualisation and optimisation to ensure quiet top performance. Individual shims function like vibration absorbers, preventing the transfer of vibration. A vibration-decoupling adhesive layer between the shim and the carrier plate guarantees an increased damping value and reduces noise. Individualised chamfers for each brake pad type also ensure largely noise-free performance. The chamfers are individually adapted to the vehicle type and ensure an optimum transition between brake pad and brake disc without hard edges. This is particularly important in the braking phase to avoid unpleasant noise and to ensure that the braking process is optimal right from the start. “MEYLE PD brake pads additionally feature individually designed slots. Not only do they prevent cracks in the brake pads which can occur due to temperature- dependent expansion, they also prevent noise as they dissipate the brake dust. Another factor of individualisation is the mixing ratio of the friction lining. The materials reflect the right mix of performance and noise comfort to deliver top performance tailored to the vehicles. “Lastly, the composition of the friction lining also means less brake dust. MEYLE PD brake pads keep rims clean for a long time. compared to competitors MEYLE PD brake pads produce less brake dust during braking.” Often, a quick visual check can help diagnose brake problems instantly ” Below: First Line’s ‘Install with Confidence’ brake fitting poster