Bendix Survey Highlights the Importance of Cleaning Brake Components

A survey within the trade by Australian’s leading brake manufacturer Bendix, has highlighted the importance of getting the message out regarding cleaning brake components especially rotors and discs when fitting, to reduce the risk of problems in the bedding-in stage.

“With more than 16% of respondents saying they did not clean or wipe down disc rotors after machining them, the alarm bells were ringing,” said Bendix Product Manager, Andrew Bates. “Our concern applies equally to new and re-machined rotors as the manufacturing process includes oils, graphite, carbon and silicone and new parts are generally covered with a rust protection film which can all end up as residue on the rotor. If not cleaned carefully at the time of being fitted these compounds and chemicals can impregnate the brake pads resulting in a reduction in brake performance and an increase in the likelihood of squeaking or shuddering brakes,” he said. A number of suggestions are recommended by Bendix to avoid these problems. These include using a medium to fine grit emery on the rotor whilst still spinning after machining and ensuring the disc is completely free of burrs. Spraying with a noncorrosive, non staining brake cleaner such as Bendix Brake/Parts Cleaner and Degreaser to remove any rust protection from new rotors and to clean away any residue from machined parts is essential to ensure these are completely clean. Bendix Brake/Parts Cleaner and Degreaser is specifically recommended for the cleaning process as it contains no CFC’s, is ozone friendly and effectively removes all impurities. The product can be used on all brake parts including brake assemblies, ABS, brake drums, disc pad backing plates, calipers and wheel cylinders. It is also ideal for use on other degreasing jobs around the workshop leaving surfaces residue free, clean and dry. It is designed to penetrate rapidly, clean instantly and evaporate quickly. It can also be applied without disassembling the brakes. All components can then be wiped off with a clean soft cloth. Where Bendix Titanium Stripe Technology brake pads are fitted, this cleaning process is also critical as these advanced pads are not designed to perform a machining process on the rotors. When fitting the Titanium Stripe brake pads, the important good workshop practices mentioned above must still apply.

Further enhancing the braking performance of the job is the recommended use of Bendix Ceramic High Performance Synthetic Brake Parts Lubricant. This insoluble, waterproof and chemical resistant synthetic lubricant can be used on virtually all brake parts across a wide range of vehicles including passenger vehicles, 4WD’s, caravans, campervans, trailers and heavy transport vehicles.