16th
June 2009 - Brake Rotor Safety
Public Awareness Message from Affinia Brake & Chassis
Thin Plate Rotors May
Cause Potential Problems
Affinia Global Brake & Chassis (a leading brake component
manufacturer whose family of brands includes Raybestos®) has recently
discovered a serious potential brake safety concern regarding the
replacement and use of certain imported brake rotors that are
significantly different from the Original Equipment (OE) rotors they
replace.
These replacement rotors
deviate widely in thickness, air gaps, vane configurations and overall
have a significant reduction in the effective thermal mass or weight.
These changes to the rotor makeup and design do not conform to the OE
specifications and adversely affect the product performance leading to
the possibility of rotor failure and braking system problems. Brake
rotors are a safety-related component and should never be compromised
from OE design without engineering validation.
As a result of these
changes, lightweight rotors run hotter and the brake system cannot
absorb and dissipate that heat properly. Therefore, the heat creates
thermal stress and strain which induces cracks in the rotor. These
cracks lead to, among other things, longer stopping distances and
potential wheel lock-up. The heat is also transferred to the brake pads,
caliper pistons, and brake fluid and can cause premature wear of these
components. Ultimately, left unrepaired, these thermal stresses lead to
brake system failures.
If you have had a brake
rotor replacement in the last year, and have encountered an early brake
rotor failure such as a cracked or separated disc brake rotor, we
recommend the following:
| 1. |
Return to
the service repair facility where your vehicle was serviced. |
| 2. |
After the
vehicle inspection, if the repair facility determines there
are cracks in the rotor, have the technician document the
incident, including: |
| . |
- Vehicle
year, make and model |
| . |
- Component,
i.e. brake rotor |
| . |
- Date of
original brake rotor replacement |
| . |
- Mileage at
time of replacement |
| 3. |
Evidence of
a defect or non-conforming product should also be registered
with NHTSA ODI. |
| . |
A defect
claim can be registered with NHTSA ODI (National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration Office of Defect
Investigation) directly at (888) 327-4236 or go to
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm
and file a complaint |
As a leading manufacturer
and supplier of brake rotors and total braking system components for
over 100 years, we can assure you that rotors manufactured and sold by
Affinia companies meet OE specifications of fit, form and function and
will meet or exceed the required performance levels in your vehicle’s
braking system. The safety of the driving public remains paramount in
our ongoing commitment to help assure that all importers and
manufacturers of brake rotors comply with OE specifications to avoid
safety-related defects and potential brake safety issues.
Affinia Group Inc. is a
global leader in the on and off-highway replacement products and service
industries. In North America the Affinia family of brands includes WIX®
filters, Raybestos®, AIMCO® and BrakePro® brake products, and McQuay-Norris®
and Raybestos™ Chassis parts. South American and European brands include
Nakata®, Filtron®, Urba® and Quinton Hazell®.
Source:
< Test > Press Release