What Material Are Brake Shoe Linings Made Of?
2 Answers
Brake shoe lining materials mainly include asbestos resin friction materials, asbestos-free resin friction materials, metal fiber reinforced friction materials, semi-metal fiber reinforced friction materials, and hybrid fiber reinforced friction materials. Brake shoe linings refer to the components that are pushed outward by the brake cam or push rod to press against the brake drum for braking. When the brake shoe friction linings are severely worn, or the surface of the friction linings is heavily contaminated with oil or burnt, new linings should be replaced. During replacement, both wheels must be replaced simultaneously, and friction linings from the same manufacturer, with the same brand and similar materials must be selected. If the new linings do not fit well with the brake drum, they should be ground until the required fit is achieved.
From my perspective, those brake shoe friction linings are essentially the friction layer materials in the braking system, currently mainly composed of composite materials. Traditional asbestos-based ones were harmful to health and have been phased out. Modern vehicles commonly use semi-metallic types, which mix iron powder, copper chips, and graphite—these are heat-resistant and wear slowly but can sometimes generate noise. Additionally, ceramic materials are quite popular, made from clay with copper fibers, offering high friction coefficients, less prone to noise, and being environmentally friendly. Organic materials like resin-based composites, including aramid or glass fiber reinforcements, are affordable and lightweight. Material selection depends on the vehicle's usage environment; for example, ceramic is recommended for aggressive driving to enhance safety. During routine maintenance, owners should regularly check for wear to avoid brake failure due to prolonged use.
