Comline Auto Parts has today announced major development plans for its market leading Comline and Allied Nippon branded all-makes brake pad programmes for cars and light commercial vehicles; taking the product to the next level in terms of noise reduction, product fitment and security and in line with original equipment (OE) specification.

From autumn 2012, all newly developed brake pads will come as standard with: the next generation in three layer, rubber-metal-rubber (RMR) shims which exceed aftermarket standard to achieve that of OE; back plate and friction profile design as per OE specification. In addition, all fitted accessories on brake pad sets will be supplied with advanced Trivalent coating.

Comline’s Sales and Marketing Director, Malcolm Rosher, explained: “Our braking programmes are a cornerstone of the business. From our own two braking factories, we offer one of the largest ‘ECE R90’ approved brake pad programmes in the world; a true ‘one stop shop’ for all makes of European, Japanese and Korean cars and vans, and have recently introduced a range for commercial vehicles.”

“The level of financial and engineering investment directed at our brake pad programmes is testament to Comline’s commitment to this growing product area,” Malcolm added. “These exciting developments further support our main objectives of offering the highest quality product at competitive prices, as well as highlighting our focus on customer service.”

The RMR shim sits on the back plate and its main purpose is noise insulation. Shims designed using the rubber-metal-rubber layer configuration utilise a new generation of rubber fibre and are proven to offer a more substantial noise reduction, particularly during the ‘bedding-in’ period. This advanced shim also employs a revolutionary ‘clip-on’ design which helps attach the shim to the back plate more securely; ensuring that it doesn’t rotate within the caliper, thereby maximising noise reduction efficiency.

Trivalent coating offers significant environmental benefits. It reduces the amount of material used in electroplating (Hexavalent chromate) in the environment without sacrificing corrosion resistance.

Below are the results of tests carried out by Comline on an average sized vehicle; a Volkswagen Golf.

Maximum Noise Level at different Speeds

Speed (Kmph)
Quality                            3       10       50      80     100
Without Shim               105   104    107     81     76
Current Metal Shim     96     98      103     96     77
Rubber Shim                97     98      101    78      76


Maximum Noise Level at different Pressure

Pressure (Bar)
Quality                        2.5    5     10     15      20    25    30     34   38   46   51
Without Shim            83     97   105   105  107  101  103   70   78   72   72
Current Metal Shim 77    103  100    91    93    92    91     77   77   78   77
Rubber Shim            89    101  92      97    76    77    87     76   76   76   75

Maximum Noise Level at different Temperature

Temperature (ºC)
Quality                          50    75    100   125   150   175   200    225   250    300   400    450   500   550
Without Shim             102  104  106   103   107   103   104    90      98      79     69       70     69      69
Current Metal Shim   98    94    103    93     98     77     94      86      100    78     73       75     75      74