The Effect of Aftermarket Linings on Braking Efficiency

Currently there are no adequate standards or regulations that address the performance of aftermarket replacement brake linings to insure that the use of these materials does not degrade vehicle braking performance from the original equipment (OE) design intent level. This paper discusses the results of an evaluation of a large sampling of aftermarket linings available for the rear brake of a specific model passenger car and shows that many of these linings have significantly different performance than the OE material. The paper also shows how this deviation can adversely affect vehicle braking efficiency or the ability of the brake system to utilize available tire/roadway friction without locking wheels and losing control.