Brake lining absorbs and dissipates the heat that is generated during braking

Brake lining absorbs and dissipates the heat that is generated during braking. It also serves to reduce the wear on drums and rotors.

Numerous mechanical braking systems, such as those found in bicycles, trucks, vehicles, tractors and other farming equipment, elevator safety brakes, and more utilize brake linings. Asbestos was the preferred lining material until the early 1900s when the first diagnosis of asbestos-related fatalities began.

Brake Lining Materials

The brake lining absorbs most of the friction, heat and weight generated by the braking process. It protects the rotor and the brake shoe from premature wear and extends the life of the brake components. Brake linings also help to improve the performance of the brake system, including its stopping power, fade resistance and pedal feel.

Manufacturers use a variety of materials to produce brake linings. These include aramid fibers, carbon composites, cellulose mineral fibers and chopped glass. They must be durable and able to withstand extreme pressure and high temperatures.

Non-asbestos (organic) brake linings are made from various safe and natural materials such as rubber, resin, Kevlar and glass. They are quieter than metallic liners and are more environmentally friendly. Semi-metallic brake linings have a small amount of metal such as brass filings and graphite lubricant to reduce heat, while providing added abrasion resistance. They are the most durable and provide the best performance of any type of lining.

Brake Lining Applications

Brake linings are found just about anywhere there are mechanical braking systems or clutches, from elevator safety brakes to the spindle brakes inside VCRs. They must be durable enough to resist high temperatures without wearing out too quickly or generating excessive friction, which can lead to overheating and brake fade (a reduction in stopping power).

Ideally, they should also be quiet when rubbing against the disc. This is especially important in brakes for commercial vehicles like taxis and limos, or in high-performance cars, where a noisy, low-performing brake can be a real nuisance.

It’s tempting to recommend brand or type linings that are currently offering giveaways or spiffs, but the best way to make a recommendation is to ask the customer what their driving habits are and then choose the lining that is a good fit for those needs. Then, you can be sure they will get the optimum performance and longevity from their new brakes.

Brake Lining Costs

Brake linings, also called brake shoes or pads, provide friction to slow or stop vehicles and machinery. They also prevent components from interacting too much and wearing down quickly.

A vehicle’s braking habits and driving conditions significantly impact the lifespan of a set of brake linings. Superior linings are designed to minimize wear on both linings and rotors, saving money in repair bills.

A common clue to the need for replacement is a rough appearing rotor surface, indicating that the pads also have become worn. Pads or shoes with heavy scoring and grooving may also cause a pedal pulsation, which indicates that the rotor is a problem and needs to be replaced. Some linings are fitted with built-in friction thickness gauges, which tell technicians when the braking system requires maintenance. This is a great time-saving tool for busy service managers and shop owners. It allows them to see at a glance how close the brake lining is to minimum thickness specifications and to schedule a repair accordingly.

Brake Lining Installation

The brake linings of a car, tractor or elevator can be easily replaced by a professional mechanic, using simple tools. However, it is important to follow the break-in procedure for the new linings, or else the friction between the linings and rotor will quickly damage the disc.

Brake linings need to be tough and able to withstand high heat values in order to maintain their braking properties under a variety of operating conditions. They also need to be able to dissipate the thermal energy generated during the braking process.

Another factor that affects brake lining wear is the driver's habits behind the wheel. Excessive braking, running up on stoplights and slamming on the brake pedal will take their toll on the linings. It is a good idea to have a professional brake inspection service performed periodically to keep your brakes in tip-top condition. A faulty brake system can cause serious safety problems, so it is best to catch any problems before they become more serious.