01/01/2011
In the world of automotive components, few elements are as critical to safety and performance as the braking system. When you press that pedal, you expect an immediate, controlled, and effective response. But how do you truly know if your vehicle's brake pads are up to the task, especially when faced with extreme conditions or emergency situations? Delphi Technologies, a leading name in aftermarket solutions, recently put its brake pads through a series of exhaustive tests against original equipment (OE) and several top aftermarket competitors, yielding results that redefine expectations for stopping power, control, quietness, and durability.
- Emergency Stopping Power: The Touareg Test
- Precision and Control: The Passat Test Insights
- Whisper-Quiet Performance: Silencing the Squeal
- Durability and Longevity: Reduced Wear, Extended Life
- The Optimal Balance: Performance Without Compromise
- Comparative Test Results at a Glance
- Frequently Asked Questions About Brake Performance
Emergency Stopping Power: The Touareg Test
To truly push the boundaries of brake pad performance, Delphi Technologies conducted a demanding test on a VW Touareg II V6 TDI. This high-end vehicle shares its robust platform with other performance SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7, making it an ideal candidate for assessing braking under stress. The test simulated real-world emergency stops at various operating temperatures, ranging from a cool 50°C to a scorching 400°C. This temperature range is crucial, as increasing engine power and potential for higher speeds place immense demands on braking systems, leading to the risk of brake fade – a significant challenge for high-performance vehicles.
The results were conclusive and highly impressive. At speeds just over 105 miles per hour (mph), the vehicle fitted with Delphi Technologies' pads stopped sooner than all four aftermarket brands in every single test. This wasn't just a marginal victory; the differences were profound. At 50°C, the Delphi-equipped Touareg stopped in 114 metres. Crucially, even at 400°C, the stopping distance increased by a mere two metres, demonstrating remarkable consistency and resistance to brake fade across the entire temperature spectrum. This consistency ensures predictable and reliable braking when it matters most.
In stark contrast, several competitors exhibited a noticeable decline in responsiveness as temperatures soared. For instance, at 400°C, when the Delphi Technologies equipped vehicle had already come to a complete halt, the next best aftermarket brand was still three metres behind. The second best trailed by a significant 17 metres, while the third and fourth worst-performing brands were a staggering 52 and 56 metres behind, respectively. To put this into perspective, the vehicle with the worst-performing pads took an extra 37 metres to stop at 400°C compared to 50°C. When the Delphi Technologies vehicle had stopped, those two worst-performing brands would still have been travelling at over 54 mph, highlighting the potentially catastrophic consequences of inferior brake pads in an emergency. This outperformed result is a testament to Delphi's material selection and engineering.
Neil Fryer, vice president, global marketing, product and strategy, Delphi Technologies Aftermarket, emphasised the meticulous approach to material selection: “We routinely select the very best friction materials for the application they are designed to fit. And for high-performance vehicles, that means a pad compound that can deliver both a high and stable braking coefficient, for optimal stopping power and control, whilst also accommodating the higher energy generated during braking at higher speeds.”
Precision and Control: The Passat Test Insights
Building on the success of the Touareg tests, earlier evaluations on a VW Passat 2.0 TSI at ECE R90 speeds further solidified Delphi’s superior performance. While the Touareg test focused heavily on stopping distances under extreme heat, the Passat tests delved deeper into the nuances of braking control and stability, equally vital aspects of vehicle safety.
At 100 mph, the Delphi-equipped Passat stopped more than four metres ahead of the next best brand, nearly nine metres ahead of the OE, and a massive 17 metres ahead of the worst competitor. While four metres might seem insignificant, in an emergency, every single metre counts. It could literally be the difference between avoiding a collision or not. Furthermore, in those crucial last four metres, a vehicle could still be travelling at 10 mph. Worse still, in the last 17 metres, it could be at 35 mph, where a pedestrian hit at that speed has a one in three chance of being killed. In both these critical scenarios, the Delphi-equipped vehicle would have already come to a complete halt.
Beyond raw stopping distance, the manner in which a vehicle stops is paramount. When the brake pedal is depressed, a quick yet controlled stop is essential. The tests closely examined ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) modulation. For stable braking, the brake fluid pressure modulated by the ABS control module should follow a uniform pattern – a rapid and successive release of pressure to prevent wheel lock, followed by a build-up to slow the wheel. The Delphi pad consistently mirrored the OE pattern, which is considered the 'holy grail' as the vehicle’s braking system is designed to work harmoniously with the OE pad. Other brands, however, showed inconsistency, with some failing to generate sufficient braking power for the ABS to even engage, leading to uncontrolled and unstable stops. Similar consistency was observed in front and rear braking pressure distribution. The Delphi pad again followed the OE example, ensuring balanced braking. Other brands displayed signs of excessive rear braking (risking oversteer) or excessive front braking (risking understeer), both leading to an unstable vehicle and compromised driver control.
These tests involved fully bedded pads, performing two emergency stops with maximum deceleration: a medium-speed stop from 50-0 mph and a high-speed stop from 100-0 mph, with both front and rear axles evaluated on a VW Passat Variant (2.0 TSI, 162kW / 220HP, 2168 kg total weight). It's important to note that while these tests were carried out at speeds up to 100 mph in accordance with Regulation 90 procedures, Delphi does not condone driving at such speeds and advocates strict compliance with legal speed limits.
Whisper-Quiet Performance: Silencing the Squeal
Beyond raw stopping power and control, noise is a significant concern for both drivers and technicians. Squealing brakes are not only annoying but can also lead to customer dissatisfaction and costly comebacks for garages. Delphi Technologies has proven once again that its brake pads are among the quietest on the market, surpassing even the OE in many instances. During testing, Delphi pads registered noise above 70db on very few occasions, indicating exceptional acoustic performance.
On the noise index, where seven or below is audibly noticeable and ten is silent, Delphi pads achieved a near-silent 9.0. This remarkable quietness is not accidental; it’s the result of deliberate engineering. All Delphi pads feature proven noise fixes such as OE shims, chamfers, and advanced underlayer technology. These design elements work in concert to dampen vibrations and eliminate the high-frequency sounds that cause brake squeal. As Neil Fryer reiterates, “Noise related comebacks are an issue for many garages and this is why all our pads feature proven noise fixes such as OE shims, chamfers and underlayer technology. Clearly these do their job, delivering a pad that’s even quieter than the OE.”
Durability and Longevity: Reduced Wear, Extended Life
The performance of a brake pad isn't solely judged by how well it stops or how quietly it operates; its durability and impact on disc wear are equally vital for overall component longevity and cost-effectiveness. Delphi Technologies’ brake pads achieved equally strong wear results across the board.
On the front axle, where the majority of braking force is applied, Delphi pads wore 0.1mm less than the next closest aftermarket brand and a full 1mm less than the worst competitor after 2140 stops at varying speeds and pressures. The results on the rear axle were similarly impressive, this time even outperforming the OE. Crucially, the Delphi Technologies pad also caused significantly less wear to the brake disc on both the front and rear axles. This reduced wear on the discs translates directly into lower maintenance costs and extended service intervals for vehicle owners, providing a tangible benefit beyond immediate braking performance.
The Optimal Balance: Performance Without Compromise
Achieving excellence in one area of brake performance is commendable, but achieving it across all critical parameters – stopping power, control, quietness, and wear – is what truly sets a product apart. As Neil Fryer concluded, “On the VW Touareg, our pads achieved the optimal balance between noise, wear and stopping performance, whilst also meeting the additional demands that come with high-performance vehicles. This ensures a superior quality pad, that both technicians and drivers know will perform on every level.”
The comprehensive testing undertaken by Delphi Technologies clearly demonstrates their commitment to producing brake pads that not only meet but exceed the demands of modern vehicles, particularly those with high performance. For technicians, this means fewer comebacks and more satisfied customers. For drivers, it means enhanced safety, greater peace of mind, and a more comfortable driving experience, knowing that their braking system will perform reliably, quietly, and effectively in every situation.
Comparative Test Results at a Glance
VW Touareg II V6 TDI Emergency Stop (105+ mph)
| Brake Pad Brand | Stopping Distance at 50°C (metres) | Stopping Distance at 400°C (metres) | Difference at 400°C vs. Delphi (metres) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delphi Technologies | 114 | 116 | 0 |
| Aftermarket Brand 1 | ~117 | ~119 | +3 |
| Aftermarket Brand 2 | ~125 | ~133 | +17 |
| Aftermarket Brand 3 | ~140 | ~168 | +52 |
| Aftermarket Brand 4 | ~140 | ~172 | +56 |
VW Passat 2.0 TSI Emergency Stop (100 mph)
| Brake Pad Brand | Stopping Distance at 100 mph (metres) | Difference vs. Delphi (metres) |
|---|---|---|
| Delphi Technologies | X (shortest) | 0 |
| Next Best Aftermarket | X + 4m | +4 |
| Original Equipment (OE) | X + 9m | +9 |
| Worst Aftermarket | X + 17m | +17 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Brake Performance
Q: What is brake fade and why is it dangerous?
A: Brake fade is a reduction in braking power that occurs when the braking system, particularly the pads and discs, becomes excessively hot. As temperatures rise, the friction material can lose its effectiveness, and gases can be released, creating a cushion between the pad and disc. This leads to a longer stopping distance and a 'spongy' pedal feel. It's extremely dangerous because it reduces a driver's ability to stop the vehicle effectively, especially during repeated hard braking or high-speed driving, significantly increasing the risk of an accident.
Q: How do brake pads affect vehicle control during an emergency stop?
A: Brake pads play a critical role in maintaining vehicle control during an emergency stop. High-quality pads, like those from Delphi, ensure consistent friction and allow the ABS system to modulate brake fluid pressure effectively, preventing wheel lock-up and maintaining steering control. Poor quality or inconsistent pads can cause uneven braking, premature ABS activation, or even insufficient braking power for ABS to engage properly, leading to instability, veering, or loss of control, such as oversteer or understeer, making the vehicle unpredictable.
Q: Why are quiet brake pads important?
A: Quiet brake pads are important for both driver comfort and as an indicator of quality. Persistent squealing or grinding noises can be irritating and suggest a problem with the braking system, leading to unnecessary garage visits for inspection. High-quality pads with features like shims and chamfers are designed to minimise vibrations and noise, providing a smoother, more pleasant driving experience and instilling confidence in the product's engineering and performance. For garages, it means fewer customer comebacks related to noise issues.
Q: Does brake pad wear affect disc longevity?
A: Absolutely. While brake pads are designed to wear down over time, the composition and quality of the friction material significantly impact the wear rate of the brake discs. Inferior pads can be overly abrasive, leading to accelerated wear, scoring, or warping of the discs. High-quality pads, such as Delphi's, are formulated to provide optimal friction while being gentle on the discs, ensuring both components wear evenly and last longer, ultimately saving the vehicle owner money on replacement parts and labour.
Q: What does 'OE-level braking' mean?
A: 'OE-level braking' refers to a performance standard that matches or exceeds the braking characteristics of the original equipment parts fitted by the vehicle manufacturer. This includes not just stopping distance, but also pedal feel, noise levels, fade resistance, and consistency across various conditions. Achieving OE-level performance means that aftermarket parts integrate seamlessly with the vehicle's existing braking system, maintaining the safety and performance standards the vehicle was originally designed for, which is a key indicator of a premium aftermarket product.
In conclusion, the comprehensive testing undertaken by Delphi Technologies provides compelling evidence of their brake pads' superior performance. Whether it's the critical difference in stopping distances at high temperatures, the precision and stability offered during emergency manoeuvres, the remarkably quiet operation, or the impressive durability and reduced disc wear, Delphi pads consistently demonstrate an optimal balance of attributes. For motorists and technicians alike, this translates into enhanced safety, reliability, and peace of mind on the road, proving that choosing Delphi Technologies means choosing a truly high-performance braking solution.
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