Phenolic Disc Brake Pistons -The Weight Reduction Alternative

Significant cost and weight reduction can be made by replacing chromium-plated steel brake caliper pistons with pistons molded from glass reinforced, mineral filled, novalak type phenolic pistons (phenolic). During development testing and evaluations since 1976, Bendix ACSG has identified important design parameters necessary to successfully incorporate this weight reduction opportunity. This paper will outline the historical data and information obtained during the development process which led to the application in production disc brakes.