It’s no secret that today’s passenger vehicles present a variety of challenges for brake technicians. In fact, brake-related comebacks – commonly due to noise, pedal feel or durability issues – remain a leading concern for aftermarket service providers.
The increased sensitivity of vehicle owners to brake operation can be traced to a variety of factors, including the improved performance of today’s “tuned” chassis systems and the use of lighter-weight rotors and other components. Regardless of the true causes of brake-related complaints, however, they represent both a challenge and an opportunity for aftermarket shops.
"Brake service is a key part of most service providers’ business," said Kevin O’Dowd, brand manager for Federal-Mogul Corporation. "There is a great deal of repeat business at stake when a shop does not perform a complete and proper brake job."
This "systems" approach to brake service is reflected in Federal-Mogul’s complete Wagner Brake Products offering, from the revolutionary Wagner ThermoQuiet one-piece brake pad to a complete range of premium replacement calipers, rotors, drums, master cylinders and wheel cylinders for domestic and import applications. Each of these components is precision-matched to the unique performance and service requirements of each application.
THE FRICTION INTERFACE
Of course, the majority of brake comebacks can be traced to the brake pads themselves. That’s why Federal-Mogul engineers developed ThermoQuiet, the first replacement pads that deliver all three key performance characteristics preferred by vehicle owners: quiet operation, superior stopping power and long pad life.
"Conventional brake pads force the technician to compromise on one or more of these characteristics," O’Dowd explained. "That approach simply doesn’t work with today’s more demanding drivers, who expect the job to be done right the first time."
The key to the Thermo-Quiet advantage is Federal-Mogul’s exclusive IMI Sound Insulator technology, which eliminates the conventional brake shim by integrating the friction material, backing plate and insulator into a high-strength one-piece component. This design spreads heat, sound and vibration over a much larger surface area for unsurpassed performance. In addition, each pad’s advanced, application-specific friction material is post-cured for significantly faster break-in.
LOADED CALIPER SOLUTION
Wagner engineers have expanded the ThermoQuiet product offering to include premium, ready-to-install brake calipers. ThermoQuiet premium loaded calipers help reduce comebacks and increase productivity by eliminating time-consuming disassembly or parts replacement. Each caliper is equipped with a set of Thermo-Quiet brake pads.
For additional information, visit www.federal-mogul.com/wagner/brake.
