Apparently they used to be made out of asbestos, back in the old days, before they knew that it gave you cancer and loads of mechanics got ill.
What are they made out of now? And no, I'm not talking about brake DISCS, I'm not that stupid. I know they're made out of metal.
2006-11-07 00:05:48 · 9 answers · asked by Yasmin H 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Good question, shame you got so many idiot answers.
When they took the asbestos out of brake lining materials (for disc pads and brake shoes), they had a lot of trouble getting a replacement compound right. For a long while the lining material used to wear the discs and drums out BEFORE the pads or shoes!
A compound is used now (a mix of many different substances silicons, Kevlar and many many other substances (even ceramics as already mentioned). The compound depends on the application, but generally they behave 'about' the same as the old asbestos ones (only believed to be safer).
The comments about 'dumbass' (can't even spell ar*e) mechanics are more than a little unfair given that they are made with the benefit of hindsight! Lets all hope that those believing this do not find out too late that something they have always done causes a most horrible disease. How clever we all are now.
2006-11-07 07:10:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unless you buy pads or shoes that are made in the USA, they are still made of asbestos. Or at least have a bit of asbestos in them. Unless they have a certain percentage, I dont think it even has to be on the box. Its illegal to manufacture products made with it in America. Its not, however, illegal to import it. Call AutoZone and ask how many of their brands are made here, and ask the price difference. I work for Chrysler, and 95% of ours are made elsewhere. Its the same for all car makers. And you only get sick from asbestos brakes if you dont take precautions, such as washing them off first, or taking an air nozzle to the dust. It can do a number on your lungs. I try to use gloves every time I do brakes. Just never blow the dust off, and for the sake of God dont breathe it.
2006-11-07 00:13:42 · answer #2 · answered by Matt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Brake lining s did used to be made out of asbestos for good reason. They worked!
Now they are made out of silca based compounds which wear quicker and cost heaps more over the life of the car.
essentially when brakes are aplied they generate tonnes of heat which has to be dissapated quickly which is why you have big brake discs. You will notice some brake discs have holes ..this is to dissapate the heat .
There are a variety of compounds that will make good brake pads but asbestos was the best.
The reason they made mechanics sick was that the dumbasses used to blow on the pads to clear them , ergo lots of asbestos dusts,.ergo crook lungs.
Dont forget that the machanics that blew on the pads where probably heavy smokers as well......go figure.
2006-11-07 00:30:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
The discs, (actually, rotors) are cast iron.
Disc pads now are sintered material, Kevlar, even ceramic...and a few other materials.
2006-11-07 02:11:30 · answer #4 · answered by strech 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
carbon/hemp fibre mix,for most aftermarket
new fitted are molycorbon much harder compressed hot powders.
and no their not metal unless u want every car to squeeeeeeeeeelllklklklklkl
2006-11-07 00:09:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-brake-pads.htm
2006-11-07 00:10:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Little baby seals and kitten fluff.
2006-11-07 00:08:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Don't worry your pretty little head over such matters.
2006-11-07 00:09:05 · answer #8 · answered by A True Gentleman 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
all the recyclable junk
2006-11-07 00:18:16 · answer #9 · answered by nbr660 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋