What are brake linings?

Brake lining is a friction material attached to the face of a brake shoe, to cause frictional force when the brake shoe makes contact with the brake drum.

What are brake linings made of? What are the differences?

Truck brake linings are typically made of a variety of materials, including organic, semi-metallic, and ceramic.

Organic brake linings are made of organic fibers, such as cotton or asbestos. They are less abrasive than semi-metallic linings, and they produce less dust. However, they are not as durable as semi-metallic linings. Asbestos was once the most common material used in truck brake linings, but it is no longer used due to health concerns.

Semi-metallic brake linings are the most common type of truck brake lining. They are made of a mixture of metal and organic fibers, and they offer a good balance of stopping power and durability. They are more resistant to wear than asbestos linings, but they can be noisy.

Ceramic brake linings are made of ceramic fibers. They are the most durable type of truck brake lining, and they offer excellent stopping power. However, they are also the most expensive type of brake lining. They are the most wear-resistant type of brake lining. They are also the quietest type of brake lining.

The lifespan of truck brake linings can vary depending on the type of lining, the driving conditions, and the maintenance schedule. However, most truck brake linings will need to be replaced every 20,000 to 50,000 miles.

How to judge the quality of brake pads?

We can judge a brake pad’s quality by it’s appearance. Premium quality brake pads have neat openings. 

Also, the weight can also be used as a condition to judge a brake lining’s quality. High quality brake linings tend to be heavier as their density is higher.

Plus, we can tell the difference from the sound. If we tap on the brake pads, the good quality ones give us a muffled sound. Other than that, premium brake pads have a stinky smell.

When to replace the brake linings?

Here are some signs that your truck brake linings need to be replaced:

üThe brake pedal feels spongy or soft.

üThe brakes make a squealing or grinding noise when you apply them.

üThe brakes don't seem to be as effective as they used to be.

ü If you notice any of these above signs, it's a good idea to have your truck's brake linings checked by a qualified mechanic.

How to extend the service life of brake linings?

Truck drivers should have a good driving habit. They should be gentle on the brake paddle to avoid sudden braking and starting. Normally, our brake linings for Sinotruk Howo model can last as long as 100 thousand Kilometers, that is roughly 6 months if used with care.

Avoid frequent braking is also important. Especially when driving down a long hill, some truck drivers use brake to control the speed of the truck, this will cause the braking drum overheat. As you know, the braking ability drops sharply when the braking drum exceed 400 degrees Celsius. Our high quality brake pads can withstand high temperature up to 500 degrees.

How to choose brake linings?

Here are some tips for choosing the right truck brake lining:

Consider the type of driving you do. If you do a lot of stop-and-go driving, you will need a lining that is more resistant to wear.

Next, the noise level you are comfortable with. Semi-metallic linings are more noisy than ceramic linings.

Last but not least, the budget you have. Ceramic linings are more expensive than semi-metallic linings.

We are Shandong Hangtang Machine Co., Ltd. Our company is located in Ji'nan City, Shandong province, where Sinotruk's headquarter is based. For the past 15 years, we have been exporting trucks and parts for customers from Africa, America, Asia and Europe. We win our customers' trust not only by quality yet moderately-priced products but also our services.

If you are looking for parts for Howo, FAW, Shacman, Foton, Beiben or Sinotruk, you are in the right place! Please feel free to contact us. We believe you are going to be our next happy customer.