February 2018

of their original-equipment counterparts by no more than 15%. Effective since November 2016, ECE R90 has been extended to brake discs and drums as well, which are sold as spare parts for newly registered vehicles, guaranteeing equivalent performance in terms of functionality safety and efficiency when compared to the original product they are meant to replace. Contribution Commenting on R90, Marco Moretti, aftermarket business unit marketing director at Brembo Spa says: “As a premium manufacturer of brake discs, Brembo was called to contribute significantly to the creation of the new regulation, and actively participated in the working group of the Economic Committee for Europe and the United Nations. “All Brembo aftermarket products, whether identical or equivalent to the original component, are compliant with this certification, which gives garages the ability to offer their customers the safest and best products on the market. All Brembo products can be recognised thanks to the certification code provided by the certifying agency which will be branded on the product alongside other information to allow traceability as well as printed on the package label. “Brembo’s range include both friction products, such as UV discs, composite and floating discs (Brembo Max and Xtra), pads, drums, shoes, and hydraulic components like brake cylinders, hoses and master cylinders. Most recently, Brembo has added remanufactured calipers and brake fluids to the Aftermarket range.” Commenting on the technology Brembo is deploying, Marco observes: “The new discs in Brembo’s aftermarket range are all UV-coated, ensuring greater resistance to corrosion and extreme temperatures, full product protection, low environmental impact and attractive aesthetics. “In addition to these standards, Brembo is committed to improving its time to market for all the new parts in the range, with a special focus on the parts that Brembo supplies as OE, normally within three to six months following the launch of the vehicle on the market. Selling point Coated discs that resists corrosion offer a number of advantages beyond just practical considerations. For example, Comline’s coated discs also feature a specialised anti-corrosion coating, which is applied to all areas of the part. Comline sales manager Nick Weir, said the anti- corrosion coating is a selling point: “A motorist that owns a vehicle fitted with alloy wheels is likely to be unimpressed at the sight of corroding brake discs. Whilst not detrimental to a vehicle’s performance, this corrosion looks unappealing behind the alloy wheel and damages the overall look of the vehicle.” DTV switch-off: How to avoid brake judder While it is vital that we think about tomorrow, we also need to deal with today’s problems. While the latest technology may seem challenging, it is worth remembering that working with kit you already know is not always that simple. Take brake judder, more properly referred to as disc thickness variation (DTV). This can easily develop as a result of minor oversights during the installation process. By following the correct procedures, complaints of judder will significantly reduce, saving time and inconvenience for both technicians and their customers. “Excessive use of copper grease on the back of brake pads can lead to serious risk of contamination,” explains First Line’s Jon Roughly. “Before any brake discs are installed, it is vital that the mounting surface of the disc and the vehicle’s hub are 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. The smallest piece of dirt or rust can, over time, affect the disc and induce DTV, which will lead to complaints of judder, drastically reducing the life of the brake discs. “Once installed, the disc run out should be measured before re-assembly of the caliper and associated components. If the run out exceeds 0.08mm, the disc must be removed and the hub cleaned again. If this has no effect, the hub should be measured for run out as well. Hub run out in excess of 0.04mm is likely to cause a problem and should be investigated.” Jon adds: “New pads and discs installed together must be bedded-in properly to ensure a great pedal feel and promote longevity of the components. When done correctly, associated issues relating to brake squeal and complaints of judder are unlikely.” www.aftermarketonline.net 42 AFTERMARKET FEBRUARY 2018 BRAKES Above: Advice from First Line Below: Direction www.aftermarketonline.net