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Aftermarket features worth reading
Braking standards: Everything you need to know about brake pad quality
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by Mike Ruff, GW Editor
GW uncovers the research, development and testing behind every box of Mintex brake pads.
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WHEN was the last time you looked at the labelling and closely inspected the finish on a set of brake pads? If it’s been a while, you might want to double check that what you’re fitting is in fact what you think you’re fitting. Regulation 90 (R90) specifies the design, construction and performance requirements for brake friction material and should guarantee that replacement pads will provide equivalent performance when compared to the original. However, Ian Featherstone of global OE manufacturer, TMD Friction, told GW that technicians should be vigilant to ensure the parts they’re fitting do indeed meet this standard.
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He said: “R90 is a minimum standard and is really good legislation, providing everybody is actually meeting it. “We all need to ensure that the parts that are out there in the field today do meet that standard and that the guys that are actually fitting them to vehicles are ensuring those pads and lined shoe products do have that regulation on them.” During an interview for a GW podcast, he explains how TMD Friction helped Trading Standards to uncover a counterfeit part, which was marked with TAXTE T490 FF as opposed to TEXTAR T490 FF. Highlighting the risks involved for an independent unknowingly fitting such parts, he advises technicians to ensure the box is sealed and that the contents match the description on the label. Should you have any suspicions about the authenticity of parts, the majority of manufacturers will be able to confirm if the part you’ve got is genuine – to check the authenticity of Mintex brake pads, email uktechnical@tmdfriction.com.