What is truck brake lining and how does it work?

16 Jun.,2025

 

What is truck brake lining and how does it work?

Truck brake lining is a crucial component of the braking system of a truck that helps to slow down or stop the vehicle. It is a replaceable part that is attached to the brake shoe, which is pressed against the rotating drum to create friction and bring the truck to a halt. Brake lining is typically made of a composite material consisting of heat-resistant fibers, binders, and friction modifiers. These materials are formulated to withstand high temperatures and provide consistent stopping power and durability over the life of the brake lining.

When the driver presses the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure is generated, which forces the brake shoe to press against the rotating drum. As a result, the friction between the brake lining and the drum generates heat, and the kinetic energy of the moving truck is converted into thermal energy, which is then dissipated into the surrounding air. Over time, the brake lining will wear down, and the thickness of the lining will decrease. This wear and tear are normal and expected, but it is essential to replace the brake lining before it becomes too thin, as this can compromise the braking performance of the truck and increase the risk of accidents. In summary, the truck brake lining is a critical component of the braking system, providing friction against the rotating drum to slow down or stop the vehicle. It is made of heat-resistant materials and needs to be replaced periodically to ensure the braking system's proper function and safety.

Guide to Brake Lining - Leading Condenser Coil Manufacturer in UAE

What are brake linings, and what do they do? In this guide, I will take you through everything you need to know about brake linings. Is it time to change your heavy commercial vehicles or machine brake linings? To make the best choice when buying brake lining, you need to consider a couple of things, including the material and suitability. You also need to know more about the brake lining. 

With competitive price and timely delivery, ALLMAX sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

The brake system operates under the principle of friction. In a drum brake system, levers linking the linings to the brake cylinder attach the linings.

When you step on the brake pedal, pressure is generated within the brake cylinder, and pistons are pushed against the brake levers. The force on the brake levers pushes the linings against the inner drum surface. The friction generated by the pushing force resists the rolling motion of machines or vehicles and brings it to a stop.

If your vehicle has a disc brake, the linings are mounted on calipers and are surrounded by a rotor. When you step on the brake pedal, a piston forces the brake pads against the rotor, and friction created stops your moving truck.

Linings also have reverse side damping. These components, usually springs and sheets of metal, reduce the noise during braking.

The ceramic fiber brake linings are primarily used in high-performance vehicles. Because they are lightweight, they are efficient in stopping metal-to-metal wear. They also have stable and predictable friction properties. Ceramic fiber also provides a consistent pedal feel regardless of the temperatures.

Despite their ability to remain steady when exposed to heat, they are not suitable for heavy commercial vehicles that require strong braking force. They are also costly and might not be economical when you have a fleet of trucks or machines.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of heavy duty truck brake lining. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Semi-metallic linings are made with 65% metal. The main types of metal mixed to make them are iron, steel, brass, and copper. If you want to change your trucks’ brake linings, semi-metallic linings are more durable and suitable for heavy trucks and machines where brakes run hot and work harder.

Semi-metallic linings also resist heat and wear less compared to ceramic fiber linings. They work better in heavy commercial vehicles and machines because they have a high percentage of iron or steel.

The downside of using semi-metallic linings is that they easily wear when used in vehicles whose brake system does not produce high temperatures. They are noisier and produce a lot of dust than ceramic fiber linings.

We cannot state with certainty how long linings for your heavy commercial vehicles and machines can last. When driven in urban areas, you need to replace the linings after every 25,000 to 35,000 miles. However, if they are regularly driven in less demanding areas along the highway, they can last up to 80,000 miles.

The service life of your trucks’ linings also depends on the following factors:

When you drive your trucks in areas with high traffic, you engage your brakes constantly. When you keep applying force on the linings, their service life reduces. On the other hand, when you drive in areas with less traffic where you are not required to brake often, your linings last longer.

When driving in hilly areas where you constantly need to brake, your linings won’t last long compared to an individual driving in a relatively flat area.

For more Truck Brake Pads manufacturerinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.