This section provides an overview for brake pads as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 43 brake pad manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked brake pad companies as of November, 2024: 1.Brake Parts Inc LLC, 2.XTREME POLISHING SYSTEMS, 3.CENTRIC PARTS.
Table of Contents
Brake pads are one of the components of brake calipers in disc brakes, and together with disc rotors, they are one of the most important components that directly affect the braking action of a car or motorcycle.
Brake pads are installed so that the disc rotor is sandwiched between the brake pads from the inside and outside. By sandwiching the disc rotor, which rotates together with the wheels of the car or motorcycle, the brake pads generate frictional heat to stop the rotation of the wheels.
Since these parts generate friction directly with the disc rotor, brake pads gradually wear out with use. As they wear out, braking power decreases, so they are also a component that needs to be replaced periodically.
Brake pads are components directly related to the operation of disc brakes. Therefore, they are installed in automobiles and motorcycles equipped with disc brakes, or in railroads, aircraft, construction machinery, and agricultural machinery that uses disc brakes.
In recent years, along with the spread of EBS (electronically controlled brake systems), disc brakes are now being used in commercial vehicles, where drum brakes were the norm.
Although the method of brake actuation differs from that of a car, in which the brake pedal is depressed, to that of a motorcycle, in which the brake lever is pulled, the method and principle of brake actuation are the same.
By depressing the brake pedal in the driver's seat of a car or pulling the brake lever of a motorcycle, this force is amplified by a doubling device called a brake booster.
This force is then converted to hydraulic pressure at the master cylinder, which applies pressure to the pistons in the Brake Calipers. The pressure pushes the piston against the disc rotor, causing friction between the Brake Pads and the disc rotor.
The energy of the rotational motion is released outward as thermal energy generated by the friction, and this is how the wheel stops rotating. Therefore, a brake can be said to be a device that mechanically converts kinetic energy into heat and reduces the kinetic energy of the wheel.
Brake pads can be broadly classified into the following four categories according to the materials used.
"Non-asbestos materials" are widely used in general, and each type has its own merits and demerits.
This material is most commonly used in brake pads for Japanese automobiles and motorcycles because it causes less brake noise (squeal), brake dust, and load on the disc rotors.
Although its heat resistance is not very high, it is said to be the most suitable material for driving in urban areas. If you are not particularly particular about driving performance, non-asbestos material Brake Pads are the best choice.
Semi-metallic brake pads have excellent controllability and wear resistance, and provide stable braking performance even when driving on circuits or in other conditions where the brakes are subjected to heavy loads. On the other hand, it has disadvantages, such as a tendency to generate brake noise (squeal) and to stain wheel wheels.
Semi-metallic material is recommended if you want to use one brake not only for city driving but also for circuit driving.
This material is mainly used as brake pads for vehicles that are driven on circuits, such as racing cars. It has excellent heat resistance performance, and it provides outstanding braking and control performance even at high speeds and under high brake loads such as in circuit driving.
However, it is also prone to brake noise (squeal) and wheel contamination, and is difficult to brake at low speeds, placing a high load on the disc wheel.
Another disadvantage is that they deteriorate more quickly than non-asbestos or semi-metallic materials and must be replaced more frequently. It is not suitable for city driving and is best suited only for circuit driving.
This material has excellent heat resistance and braking performance, and like metallic materials, it is also used in racing cars that are driven on circuits. It is prone to brake noise (squeal) and wheel contamination, and places a heavy load on the disc rotor.
However, it can also be used for city driving, as braking does not deteriorate at low speeds, as with metallic materials. They are best suited for sports cars and other vehicles where you want to enjoy a stable driving feel.
Brake pads are used as friction materials, so they will wear out and braking performance will deteriorate over a long period.
Therefore, it is necessary to periodically replace brake pads at one's own discretion when the brake pads have decreased to 3 mm or less, or when the vehicle has traveled 30,000 to 50,000 km in terms of mileage.
In addition, regardless of the decrease in brake pads or the mileage, if the brakes become less effective or if abnormal noises are heard when braking, it is likely that there is something wrong with the operation of the brake pads. Since these parts are directly related to vehicle safety, it is important to inspect and replace them as soon as possible in case of an emergency.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
Sort by Area
Brake Parts Inc. (BPI), founded in 1902 to produce Raybestos Brakes and now with facilities in China, India, and Mexico and headquarters in the USA, is a manufacturer and distributor of brake system components to the automotive aftermarket industry. The company's product line includes vehicle brake pads, vehicle brake rotors, calipers, drum brake shoes, and trailer brake assemblies. Brake Parts Inc.'s product supply covers passenger cars, light trucks, medium-duty trucks, and commercial vehicle fleets. The company's brands include Raybestos, AIMCO, BRAKEPRO, Vortex, and American Brakeblok.
CENTRIC PARTS, established in 2000 and based in Southern California, is a manufacturer, supplier, and exporter of aftermarket braking system parts and components for passenger cars, fleet vehicles, and medium-duty trucks. The company offers brake pads, hydraulics, calipers, rotors, drums, and other auto parts. Its brake pad range includes lines such as OE brake pads, C-Tek, Centric Premium, and Posi Quiet Premium. Its entire catalog comprises more than 40,000 brake system parts designed for every make and model, made since 1937. The company’s products are mainly sold through an established network of repair centers and warehouse distributors.
Safecutters, Inc. an American company founded in 2005 and headquartered in Muskegon, Michigan, specializes as a distributor of safety knives and utility blades. The company's product portfolio includes guarded blades, heavy-duty cutters, tape splitters, spring-back blades, and vanishing blades. These products are utilized across various sectors, including retail, agriculture, the food industry, healthcare, and warehousing and distribution. The company offers services including customized ordering, a product catalog, warranties, product selection assistance, and shipping and delivery. The company represents various brands, including Safecutters, Adco, Spellbound, Riteknife, and Pacific Handy Cutter.
MZW Motor, based in Ruian, China, is a manufacturer of a diverse selection of aftermarket starter motors and related products. The company mainly crafts starter solenoids, starter armatures, suspension parts, steering wheels, and radiators. It also fabricates brake rotors, brake pads, fuel tanks, oil filters, and cabin air filters. Its starter solenoids go through various tests, including coil resistance, volt drop, additional travel, hold current, as well as release volt tests, and have passed ISO/TS 16949 quality standards.
AP Racing Ltd., established in 1966 and headquartered in Coventry, United Kingdom, is a manufacturer of brake and clutch systems. The company specializes in providing a wide range of automotive components, including brake calipers, discs, clutches, and associated products. These components are engineered to meet the demands of various industries and applications, from motorsports to commercial and passenger vehicles. Its products are utilized by automotive manufacturers, racing teams, and aftermarket consumers, as the company's brake systems enhance the stopping power and reliability of race cars, ensuring driver safety and vehicle performance.
Hardex Brakes Corp., founded in 2008 and located in Vancouver, Canada, is a manufacturer of brake shoes, brake pads, and brake linings for various makes and models of commercial vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, and passenger cars. The company’s brake pads line includes HARDEX PREMIUM CERAMIC brake pads, HARDEX PREMIUM DYNAMIC brake pads, and HARDEX PREMIUM GREENX brake pads. These OE-quality products are made and supplied under ISO 9001 and ISO/TS 16949 certifications and have successfully passed the FMVSS-105, FMVSS-121, and FMVSS-135 tests. The company exports its products to markets in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
EBC Brakes, a privately owned company, is a major manufacturer of brake components, established in 2003, based in the UK. The company’s product range includes brake pads for cars, trucks and SUV, brake rotors (discs) for wind farms, for military applications such as the Humvee, armored cars and tanks, railway brake products. Its rotor brake disc range includes cast iron brake rotors for automobiles, stainless steel brake rotors for motorcycles and bicycles and ATV brake pads made in the UK. With a worldwide workforce of over 400 people, it has also a network of fitting centers and stockists all over the world.
Duralast Products Corporation is a manufacturer of aftermarket automotive parts established in 1986 and headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. The company supplies repair shops and consumers with its product portfolio which includes brake pads, starters, ignition coils, hub assemblies, and brake rotors. These products which are available exclusively at AutoZone are available in more than 20 categories. Duralast offers products that are compatible with most vehicles in operation today including import, domestic, light, and even medium-duty trucks.
Liverani s.r.l. is a CE compliant manufacturer of presses and pumps established in 1977 and based in Lugo, Italy. The company’s product lineup includes self-priming stainless steel pumps for standard fluid transfer applications, marine pumps designed for the nautical sector, and liquid ring pumps for industrial applications such as wastewater management. It also offers piston pumps designed for industrial filter presses, and continuous presses for industrial processing applications. The company chiefly serves clients in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and offshore marine sectors.
Jurid, founded in 1915 and headquartered in Glinde, Germany, is a manufacturer of brake parts. Its aftermarket range includes other key parts needed for repairs, such as brake discs, fluids, wear indicators, and Evo-Kits. These products are designed for all vehicles and are used in various applications, including light and commercial vehicles. With 14 OE production facilities worldwide, the company produces in excess of 40 million brake pad pieces per year.
Ferodo was established in 1897 and is based in High Peak, Derbyshire as the first and foremost manufacturer of brake components for almost all types of vehicles. The product portfolio includes brake pads, brake discs, calipers, brake fluids and other related accessories. These products are used in drum brake, disc brake, ABS brake and hydraulic brake depending upon the nature of braking system. The company is manufacturing brake components for automotive industry giants like Mercedes, Ford and Volkswagen.
ATE, established in 1906 and headquartered in Schwalbach, Germany, is a manufacturer of a large assortment of brakes and related products. The company fills the gap by providing disc brakes, drum brakes, and brake fluids. It also comes with hydraulic parts, clutch parts, as well as wheel speed sensors. The subcategories of its disc brakes, original brake pads, naturally comply with all the provisions of the ECE regulations and independent tests have confirmed their outstanding friction values.
CryoSnow GmbH, incorporated in 2005 and established in Berlin, Germany, is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of CO2 snow blasting and dry ice cleaning equipment. The company offers automated blasting systems designed for cyclical or continuous operation, CO2 snow blasting machines for residue-free or dry surface cleaning operations, and manual blasting machines in a range of specifications. It also offers related accessories, including CO2 nozzle arrays for pre-treating plastic components. The company’s products are used by clients in the automotive, consumer electronics, and aerospace industries.
Wagner, an innovator of braking technologies which started in 1891 in St Louis, Missouri, is a manufacturer of brakes and all brake components for passenger cars, medium-duty, and commercial applications. The company’s main products include brake pads which are designed with comprehensive coverage for different automobile types, driving habits and conditions with superior braking performance and lighting products including headlights, taillights, and all other vehicle lights which meet the SAE standards. Wagner also provides services such as brake system inspection, brake pad testing, as well as technical resource tips to guide their customers.
Project Mu Co., Ltd., established in March 1988, and based in Shuunan-shi, Yamaguchi, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier of racing brake systems. Its offerings include genuine repair models, low noise and low dust pads, and pads for hybrid vehicles. It also offers street sports models, pads for rear inner-drum equipped vehicles, and rear pads for drifting. These are designed to improve the performance of vehicles, enhancing initial braking force, and ensuring a comfortable feeling through the pedal.
EP Hipot Electric Co., Ltd., established in 2005 and headquartered in Wuhan, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of high-voltage test equipment. The company's product portfolio includes transformer ohmmeters, impulse voltage test systems, circuit breaker analyzers, AC resonance test systems, and other high-voltage test equipment. These products have applications in various sectors, including electrical utilities, power generation, electrical equipment manufacturing, industrial facilities, and research and development. The company is ISO 9001 certified, and it provides services including technical support, maintenance, repair, and training and workshops.
ZF Friedrichshafen AG, established in 1869 and based in Friedrichshafen, Germany, is a manufacturer and supplier of commercial vehicle technologies. The company's product range includes air brake systems, hydraulic brake systems, suspension controls, driveline controls, and clutch control. These products enhance the safety, efficiency, and control of commercial vehicles. The company primarily serves the commercial truck, bus, trailer, car, and off-highway manufacturing industries. Besides product manufacturing, it offers services such as fleet management solutions, software as a service (SaaS), and a global service network.
Modern Tools Manufacturers, founded in 1958 and headquartered in New Delhi, India, is a manufacturer and supplier of tapping and drilling machines. The company's product portfolio includes spindle drilling machines, gang drilling machines, geared drilling machines, hydraulic drilling machines, and tapping machines. These products are used in various sectors, including manufacturing, renewable energy, furniture manufacturing, construction, and metalworking. The company offers services including technical support, customization, training, spare parts supply, and maintenance.
Amrut Machine Tool, founded in 1991 and headquartered in Gujarat, India, is a manufacturer and supplier specializing in welding machines and drilling machines. The company's product portfolio includes pillar drill machines, tapping cum drilling machines, tapping machines, vice tools, and industrial blowers. These products are utilized in various industries, including woodworking, the fabrication industry, construction, metalworking, and manufacturing. The company offers services including technical support, delivery, customization, product consultation, and the handling of bulk and urgent orders.
Masibus Automation And Instrumentation Pvt. Ltd., established in 1975 and based in Gujarat, India, is a manufacturer and supplier of industrial automation and instrumentation solutions. The company's product portfolio includes process controllers, data acquisition devices, digital indicators, process indicators, and various other automation instruments. These products find applications in various industries, including manufacturing, chemical processing, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and transportation and logistics. The company has maintained a global footprint in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and far East countries.
Galleon Systems, established in 1993 and based in Birmingham, England, is a manufacturer and supplier of Network Time Protocol (NTP) servers and time synchronization products. The company's product portfolio includes network time servers, time receivers, NTP client software, antennas, and modules. These products are used in various industries, including Information Technology (IT), telecommunications, manufacturing, scientific research, and aerospace and defense. The company offers services including technical support, customization, warranty, and inquiries and contact.
Innovus Rollers Private Limited, founded in 2020 and headquartered in Ahmedabad, India, is a manufacturer and supplier specializing in rubber rollers. The company's product portfolio includes air shafts, square bar holders, cantilever air shafts, bow banana rollers, and Teflon-coated rubber expanders. These products find applications in various industries, including the leather, tire, plywood, steel, and packaging industries. The company provides services, including fast delivery and after-sales support, with a global reach in Europe, the USA, the UAE, Africa, and Asia.
RT Air Shaft Group, established in 2005 and based in Bacau, Romania, is a manufacturer and supplier specializing in machine spare parts for rotogravure machines and flexographic printing machinery. The company’s product portfolio includes adopters, pneumatic shafts, safety chucks, special rollers, and spare parts. These products are utilized in various industries, including the plastic packaging industry, textiles, and the newspaper industry. The company provides services including free consulting, technical assistance, fast delivery, a warranty, and spare parts stock supplies.
Minful Friction LTD, established in 1986, is a Taiwan-based manufacturer and supplier of brake pads and friction solutions for automotive, agricultural, industrial, and motorsports applications. The company manufactures and sells disc brake pads and brake linings for passenger vehicles, motorbikes, and bicycles. These products are available in metallic, ceramic, and copper-free ceramic materials. The company supplies the global aftermarket industry with disc brake pads for various passenger vehicle makes and models. With more than 1300 part numbers, the company can offer automotive brake pads for American, European, Korean, and Japanese applications.
NRS Brakes, founded in 2007, is a Toronto-based manufacturer and supplier of galvanized brake pads to aftermarket customers in North America. The company's brake pads use special friction materials and galvanized backing plates to prevent rust. It also offers mechanical attachments, noise-canceling piston inserts, and electronic wear sensors, providing an accurate measurement of the remaining brake pad life. Recently, the company extended its brake pad coverage by introducing 57 new brake pad SKUs, expanding its support for a wider range of domestic vehicles. The company serves major vehicle brands, including Honda, Ford, BMW, Nissan, and GMC Trucks.
Fricmart, founded in 2009 and located in New Delhi, Delhi, India, is an ISO 9001-2008-certified manufacturer, supplier, and exporter of parts and brake testing solutions for motorcycles, passenger cars, buses, and trucks. The company offers brake pads, brake blocks, brake shoes, and brake linings for two wheelers, three wheelers, and four wheeled automobiles. All brake pads, brake blocks, brake shoes, and linings are suited to popular makes and models of motorcycles, passenger cars, and buses. The company works with sales and supply partners in almost every country in North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
TRW was launched in 2002 in Livonia, Michigan and is a manufacturer and supplier of automotive safety products for the personal cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles markets It supplies braking equipment such as disks, calipers, steering racks and pumps, stabilizer links and shock absorbers. Its motorcycle products catalog includes motor clutch, footrest, handlebars, brakes and chassis systems. The company also stocks brake calipers, shock absorbers, steering gears, and linkage and suspensions for the commercial vehicle industry.
ADUI Brake Industry, Inc, established in 1997, is a brake pads manufacturer and supplier based in Taiwan. The company offers various brake pads, including car, motocycle, bicycle, mountain bike, and train brake pads. It also provides car tuning brake pads, electromagnetic motor brake pads, and brake pads for agricultural machinery. Hybrid mixers, optical comparators, weighing scales, and similar products are also available. These products are used in applications such as cars, motorbikes, industrial vehicles, racing cars, car tuning, and industral machinery. The company serves local and international OE part buyers and aftermarkets.
Supergrip Friction Products, founded in 1982 and located in Haryana, India, is a manufacturer, supplier, and exporter of disc brake pads, brake linings, brake shoes, roll llinings, and pad bracking plates. The company’s products find applications in passenger cars, two wheelers, three wheelers, light commercial vehicles, and agricultural equipment. Its products are supplied to nationwide customers through a well-established distributor network and also exported to countries in Europe, America, Africa, and the Middle East.
Scotch Brand, an American company established in 1930 and based in East Meadow, New York, is a manufacturer and supplier of adhesive tapes. The company's product portfolio includes packaging tapes, painter's tapes, laminating pouches, thermal laminators, and specialty tapes. These products are used by various industries, including education, retail, manufacturing, construction, and packaging and shipping. The company offers services including technical support, tips and uses of its products, and shipping and delivery.
Zhengzhou Baiyun Industrial Co.,Ltd, established in 1977 and located in Zhengzhou, Henan, China, is an ISO 9001:2008-certified manufacturer and supplier of all kinds of brake pads, brake shoes, brake linings, and brake machinery for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles. It also provides molds and equipments for automating friction materials production lines. The company is currently a supporting partner and supplier for many local and overseas vehicle brands, including DONGFENG, FOTON, SHACMAN, and YUTONG. Its supplies its products to customers throughout the country and in over 10 countries in Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia, and South America.
MULLER BRAKES AMERICA, founded in 1984 in New York, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of brake pads, disc brake rotors, brake shoes, brake linings, and brake fluid for various makes and models of commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and trucks. The company also offers private labelling services to established global brands while handling all details from packaging and artworks to logistics and manufacturing. The company’s core products, brake pads, are certified for quality, and has won several awards, including LeafMark, AMECA, and the E-Mark ECE R90 designation.
Masuma Auto Spare Parts Co. Ltd., founded in 1998 in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier of passenger car systems and auto parts. The company’s products include car engine systems, chassis systems, electronic control systems, oil maintenance systems, and auto parts which are suitable for many car models all over the world. The company holds ISO-9001, ISO-14001, and SGS IATF16949 manufacturing and quality management certifications, and has established joint ventures in China, Japan, Russia, Central Asia and other regions.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Brake Parts Inc LLC |
6.3%
|
2 | Ferodo |
6.2%
|
3 | XTREME POLISHING SYSTEMS |
5.2%
|
4 | CENTRIC PARTS |
4.8%
|
5 | Wagner |
4.3%
|
6 | Brembo S.p.A. |
3.5%
|
7 | Jurid |
3.4%
|
8 | EBC Brakes |
3.1%
|
9 | Safecutters, Inc. |
3.0%
|
10 | Duralast Products Corporation |
3.0%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the brake pad page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
India | 6 | 22.2% |
United States of America | 5 | 18.5% |
United Kingdom | 4 | 14.8% |
China | 3 | 11.1% |
Canada | 2 | 7.4% |
Taiwan | 2 | 7.4% |
Japan | 1 | 3.7% |
Germany | 1 | 3.7% |
Romania | 1 | 3.7% |
Netherlands | 1 | 3.7% |
Poland | 1 | 3.7% |