July/August 2020

Right: Installing MEYLE- PD brake pad T he Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a key player in a vehicle’s overall ability to stop, and according to Scott Irwin, Head of Technical Training at Textar, ABS sensors play a crucial part in the process: “Locked wheels will lose traction but keep momentum, risking collisions with obstacles. To prevent this, when ABS is activated, the wheels slow down less abruptly and allow a more controlled stop. ABS is also an integral part of a vehicle’s traction control system, electronic stability control (ESC) and anti-collision/automatic braking system. “Issues with ABS can become apparent through warning lights on the dashboard or the brake pedal feeling less responsive. In addition to this, some drivers also experience a lack of traction control causing the TCS/ASR light to appear during abrupt acceleration. The initial step, as with any warning light, is to perform a diagnostics test and read the memory of the ABS control module. Once it becomes clear if this is a sensor issue, wiring fault, mechanical malfunction or system error, the correct procedures can be followed.” Installation Commenting on installation, Scott said: “When installing or replacing sensors, the ABS ring, magnetic sensor locations and any pickup points must be thoroughly cleaned, eliminating all corrosion, mud and dirt before installing the new sensor. It’s imperative that no copper-based products are used, such as copper grease, as this could affect the magnetic field and disrupt the system. A mineral based lubricant, such as Textar Ceratec is recommended as it is nonconductive, contains no metals or acids, and can withstand high temperatures among other benefits. “It’s always advised to recommend a full system check every two years to customers, including a brake fluid check, using a tool such as the Textar brake fluid tester – TEX1000BTF.” Scott added: “When it comes to braking, there’s no room for error. Cars fitted with ABS are less likely to be involved in a crash in both wet and dry conditions; the importance of this cannot be overlooked and it’s essential all mechanics are up to date on best practice. ABS plays a massive part in keeping road users safe and it’s imperative that the correct procedures are taken to ensure they are kept well serviced and running as effectively as possible.” Directional Components are evolving to keep with demand too. Marco Lagomarsini, Braking Category Manager, Delphi Technologies Aftermarket, observed: “We’ve invested significantly in the development of directional brake pads over the years, constantly evolving our offering to meet meet market needs. “Delphi Technologies’ chamfer directional brake pads have the chamfer between two adjoining faces, on either the leading edge or both edges of the pad. This helps to prevent the leading edge of the pad from lifting from the disc for maximum pad to disc contact, encourages even pad wear and reduces both noise and vibration. “For its crescent directional brake pads, these have a crescent or half- moon shape cut out from the shim. The shim, made up of finely tuned layers of dampening material bonded to the pad assembly, helps to reduce both the transmission and amplitude of vibration and acts as a thermal barrier, ensuring uniform temperatures across the pad, and in turn consistent brake torque. The addition of a cut-out allows the piston to push the brake pad at the optimal angle, reducing noise and aiding even pad wear. “ Specific On installation, Marco commented: “As their name suggests, ‘directional pads’ must be installed in a specific direction to ensure optimal noise performance. Fitting them in the wrong direction can reduce braking efficiency, and may increase the possibility of brake noise, the very thing these pads are designed to prevent. “To help technicians, many Delphi Technologies directional pads use either a letter, indicating which side of the vehicle the pad should be fitted to or an arrow showing the rotational direction of the disc and hence the direction in which the pad should be fitted. “As many technicians have already found, once you’ve got to grips with the basics, fitting directional brake pads is very straightforward,” concluded Marco. Regeneration Looking at the future for brakes, with EVs and hybrids in mind, Mario Moretti, Aftermarket Business Unit Marketing Director at Brembo said: “Electric vehicles are capable of performing of regenerative 30 AFTERMARKET JULY/AUGUST 2020 BRAKES www.aftermarketonline.net INSTRUMENTAL BRAKE Being up to date on the latest braking systems will help make your garage more profitable

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