Commenting on the braking opportunity, Colin Cottrell, Marketing Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts, said: “Diagnosing brake problems doesn’t have to be a big undertaking. It can be as simple as performing a quick visual check and recommending a replacement part on the spot. “Visible signs such as uneven wear or compromised piston seals indicate underlying issues. By promptly identifying these problems through thorough inspections, garages can prevent further damage. There are also telltale signs of brake issues that drivers can look out for, such as judders and vibrations. Asking the right questions can help technicians gather valuable information, diagnose potential problems and increase revenue – while winning customers’ trust.” He added: “At LKQ Euro Car Parts, we have one of the widest ranges of brake products available on the market. An extensive two-year warranty comes as standard on our Eicher, Brembo and Pagid ranges and covers wear and tear and manufacturing defects – an industry first that workshops won’t find anywhere else.” Potential issues Commenting on the importance of best practice during brake installation, First Line Global Sales Director Kevin Neaverson said: “There are three main habits that some still adopt during installation, that if not corrected, can cause potential issues. Firstly, the use of copper grease on the back of brake pads is a definite no and can lead to complaints of noise and possibly affect the free movement of the pads. “Secondly, it is vital that the mounting surface of the disc and the vehicle’s hub are totally clean and free of rust and debris. The hub should be cleaned using a soft wire brush or emery paper, then wiped with a cloth and solvent. If even a small amount of debris has not been cleaned away, it can cause an instant problem of excessive run out, which will be felt through the steering wheel. “Thirdly, when new pads and discs are installed together, they must be bedded-in properly to ensure a great pedal feel and promote longevity of the components. Failure to drive sensibly for the first 400 miles could lead to a hotspotting incidence, which if severe will induce Disc Thickness Variation (DTV) – a problem that develops over a few thousand miles before being felt.” He added: “With a full range of fitting kits, Borg & Beck is able to supply the correct solution for virtually every application.” Expanding Meanwhile, MEYLE has introduced new two component brake discs that cover a wide range of BMW and Mercedes models to its MEYLE PD product line. Commenting on the release, Product Manager Brakes Niklas Arndt observed: 38 AFTERMARKET JULY/AUGUST 2023 BRAKES www.aftermarketonline.net “The new brake discs are now available and offer customers the usual OE qualities such as reduced weight and low offset. At the same time, the new brake discs boast high performance and durability, as is typical of the MEYLE PD product line.” The new product release is part of an overall wider offering for garages, as Niklas noted: “MEYLE is expanding into the aftermarket for brakes with solutions in areas previously reserved for vehicle manufacturers with their original parts. Seven new references for the two component MEYLE PD brake discs are now available for the BMW models 3 to 8 Series, X3 to X5, and Z4, and for Mercedes C-Class and E-Class models. These new products enable the independent aftermarket to take back market share for those vehicles. “The brake discs comprise a punched steel hub riveted to a cast-iron friction ring. The two component MEYLE PD brake discs also feature typical MEYLE PD qualities such as high performance, durability and sophisticated design. In addition, they are ECE-R90-certified and, due to the highquality surface coating, do not require degreasing, thus ensuring long-lasting protection against corrosion. A higher percentage of carbon makes the two component brake discs exceptionally resistant to heat distortion even in cases of higher thermal stress – for example, on steep mountain descents – for extended driving comfort without vibrations.” He added: “To ensure efficient installation at the workshop, 99% of the brake discs are equipped with a fixing screw.” For more information, visit: www.meyle.com/en/brake-discs Above: Delphi Technologies undertook indepth R&D when developing EVspecific brake friction materials BRAKE IT DOWN Find out about the the latest products, as well as the what support is available to enable you to take advantage of the ongoing braking opportunity
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