October 2014 | Page 48

Replacement Parts feature Serious about Safety Passionate about Performance Delphi is a full service, global brake supplier providing components, modules and complete brake/chassis systems to the automotive industry. D emands for higher performance and overall weight reduction on modern vehicles have led to material changes, resulting in increased use of supplementary processes to counteract vibrations. Noise fixes include shims, slots, chamfers and underlayers within the friction material. For example, Delphi carefully selects friction materials, using more than 19 different compounds in their brake pad product line to ensure the closest possible match to OE comfort characteristics and performance. These compounds are developed to provide consistently high levels of performance. All Delphi brake pads incorporate underlayer technology. This is a process used by many OE manufacturers to dampen noise-producing vibrations and ensure a higher bonding strength with the pad back plate. Delphi brake pads also feature shims, slots and chamfers that match OE specifications and provide superior performance and durability. All Delphi pads are designed to be compatible with the performance levels of original equipment parts. Our commitment is to maintain the highest standards of braking performance. You never know when you are going to need to use your brakes in an emergency. And when you do, you want to be assured that they will not let you down at the wrong moment. That is why we subject Delphi brake pad technology to the most vigorous testing, designed to exceed the demands of modern driving. We test our brake pads in many different driving conditions which means you can rely on Delphi brake pads. Vigorous Friction Testing Stopping Distance to their limit. It is unlikely that brake pads would be subjected to such extreme forces during normal driving conditions. Stopping distance is measured using the AMS test carried out on a dynamometer. The result is the average of 10 stops, carried out at speeds of 68mph down to 3mph with 15 second intervals between stops. During the test, friction surface temperature can reach up to 600 degrees. Results from the AMS 1st cycle can be used to determine the average stopping distance achieved during the test. The results in the chart below show the average stopping distance in metres of Delphi, OES products and leading competitor’s equivalent brake pads. The coefficient of friction is a measure which represents the amount of friction between two surfaces. For example: Rubber on ice = Low coefficient of friction Rubber on tarmac = High coefficient of friction Independent performance testing has proven that Delphi pads perform as well as the OES product*. The testing was conducted by an independent test house – BTI, Brake Testing International. Delphi pads and the OES product were tested to SAE J2522 standard (AK Master). The test assesses the behaviour of friction material through different test cycles under varying pressure, temperature and speed combinations. The results in the panel below show the Delphi pads versus the OES product and two competitors. These demonstrate the close performance of the Delphi pads against the OES product and the superiority of the Delphi pads over their competitors. OES The OES brake pad has successfully passed all the tests after vigorous testing. It shows some wear but is still roadworthy. Verdict: Passed Delphi The Delphi brake pad shows similar results to the OES pad after extensive testing. Verdict: Passed Competitor This brake pad shows serious faults after undergoing the same tests the Delphi pad was subjected to. Verdict: Failed AK Master Test AMS tests completed by Brake Testing International have verified the excellent stopping power of Delphi brake pads. These industry standard tests are carried out at extreme conditions pushing the pads The AK Master test is used to measure friction performance under different braking conditions. These conditions are simulated on a dynamometer and the coefficient of friction is measured. As the graphs show, the coefficient varies by application. | words in action 46 october 2014