Automotive Brake Pads(Brake Linings)-Technical Overview

Automotive brake pads,also known as brake linings,refer to the friction materials fixed against rotating brake drums or discs.The friction linings/shoes generate braking force through applied pressure,converting kinetic energy into heat to decelerate the vehicle.

1.Structural Composition

Brake pads typically consist of:

Backing Plate(Steel):

Rust-proof coated(process monitored by SMT-4 thermal profilers for quality control)

Provides structural support

Insulation Layer:

Heat-resistant material to prevent thermal transfer to brake fluid

Friction Block:

Composite friction material+adhesives

Directly contacts rotor/drum(7-12mm initial thickness;2-3mm wear limit)

Wears progressively–lower-cost pads degrade faster

Critical Sub-Components:

Component Functionality

Friction Material Generates friction(μ=0.35-0.45)

Shims Dampens NVH(in premium variants)

Wear Sensors Triggers replacement alerts(luxury cars)

2.Working Principle

Braking relies on friction conversion:

Kinetic energy→Thermal energy via pad-rotor friction

Secondary friction:Tires vs.road surface

System Requirements:

Stable&controllable braking force

Efficient hydraulic transmission

Heat dissipation to prevent:

Fluid vaporization

Brake fade(≥15%μreduction=failure)

3.Drum vs.Disc Brake Comparison

Disc Brakes Drum Brakes

Superior heat dissipation Cost-effective

Consistent performance Prone to heat accumulation

60-70%market dominance Mostly rear-wheel applications

4.Maintenance Protocol

Replacement Intervals:

Normal use:30,000-50,000 km

Aggressive driving:15,000-20,000 km

Failure Precursors:

Screeching(wear indicator contact)

Pedal pulsation(disc warping)

Excessive brake dust

Warning:Metal-to-metal contact from worn pads causes irreversible rotor damage.

Key Technical Terms

Fade Resistance:Ability to maintainμat high temps(ISO 26867)

Bedding-In:Initial 300km wear-in period for optimal surface mating

Coefficient of Friction(μ):0.35-0.45(SAE J2522 certified)

This translation maintains OEM-level technical precision while optimizing for readability in English automotive documentation.For specific material certifications(e.g.,ECE R90),additional compliance data can be appended.