Brake lining is the friction material that turns kinetic energy into heat and slows a vehicle

Brake lining is the friction material that turns kinetic energy into heat and slows a vehicle. It needs to be strong and able to withstand high heat and pressure.

Manufacturers guard the secret recipes of their brake lining ingredients with the same zeal they use to protect their chocolate chip cookie formulas. But a few factors can affect how well they work, including:

Brake shoes

Brake shoes are crucial components inside your vehicle's drum brakes, providing the friction necessary to induce deceleration when you press on the brake pedal. Essentially, they're like claws that grip the inner brake drum and pull on the lining to generate this force. Brake shoes are typically composed of a curved metal piece with a layer of friction material fixed to one side. A warning tang is often included, which contacts the rotor or drum when the shoe lining wears out, generating an annoying squeal designed to alert you to brake servicing needs.

Brake linings are also vulnerable to corrosion, which can be exacerbated by excessive heat or moisture. If left unattended, worn shoe linings can lead to a hard or grabby brake pedal, as well as a glazed interior brake drum that doesn't respond to pressure the way it should. Whether your car features disc brakes all around or drums in the back, modern technology has made them last longer, dissipate heat more quickly, and provide stronger stopping power than their counterparts from years ago.

Brake rotors

Your car’s brake rotors convert the kinetic energy of your vehicle into thermal energy and slow it down. They are circular discs attached to each wheel that the calipers squeeze to create friction. These discs then transfer this thermal energy to the road and halt the attached wheel and your car’s overall speed.

Rotors can be blank and smooth, drilled, slotted, or cross-drilled and slotted. Each type has its own benefits and disadvantages. Blank and smooth rotors are cheaper, but they may not last as long due to the uneven heat distribution. Drilled rotors have holes drilled throughout the surface of the disc to aid in heat dissemination, but they may also accelerate pad wear.

Cross-drilled and slotted rotors offer the best performance. They provide even heat distribution, minimize temperature, and reduce warping. To ensure your rotors are in optimal condition, we recommend you follow the three-second rule when braking and avoid towing heavy loads.

Brake calipers

A caliper holds the mechanism that presses the pads against the brake disc. It may have multiple pistons for automobiles, or just one for motorcycles. Regardless, it must make a strong piston seal and provide efficient modulation. If a car is showing uneven brake pad wear, that can often be attributed to a bad caliper.

If the caliper has a design weakness, it can tend to "open" under clamping force and at elevated temperatures. This results in a longer than optimum pedal travel and inconsistent braking.

Brake calipers are usually made of steel, so they can be subject to corrosion issues. They can also get damaged by road debris. Inspect yours regularly for damage, such as leaking fluid and corroded slides, bushings and pins. Fixed calipers are less likely to have these problems than the floating variety, but still need regular inspection. A leaking caliper can allow fluid to leak out anywhere there's pressure on the brake line.

Brake pads

Brake pads, a curved piece of friction material fixed to one side of the rotor, are responsible for creating the necessary friction that slows and stops your car. The sacrificial pads wear down over time, which is why brake pad replacement should be a part of your regular vehicle maintenance schedule.

If you hear a high-pitched screeching sound when you step on the brakes, it's likely that your pads are beginning to wear out. The squeal is produced by what's called a wear indicator, which is usually a thin strip of metal that becomes exposed as the pad wears down and scrapes against the rotor to signal that it's time for a new set.

There are a variety of different types of brake pads, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Organic pads, for example, are made from natural materials like glass and rubber, while semi-metallic ones use copper to create higher thermal conductivity and add strength and durability.