Brakes and Clutches, Focus Feature

TRW Premium Solutions

TRW is at the cutting edge of brake development.

Its technology-led approach to the design and advanced development of brake components ensures it continues to be a major supplier to passenger car manufacturers across the globe.

And from that has grown continual business as a supplier of original equipment specification replacement as well as upgraded brake components for the automotive aftermarket worldwide, including Australia.

TRW’s most notable recent innovation was the world’s first aftermarket brake pad for electric vehicles.

Called ‘Electric Blue’, the new brake pad has been produced in response to the global move toward hybrid and electric vehicles, and the impending demand in the aftermarket for specialised brake pads to suit such applications.

While for more traditional petrol and diesel-powered vehicles, COTEC is an advanced silicon coating that TRW applies to the majority of its brake pads.

It results in improved contact between the brake disc and pad, promoting shortened stopping distances of up to seven metres during the first few stops after fitment, compared with other premium brake pads.

This innovative COTEC coating means that TRW brake pads consistently outperform rival major brands during the bedding-in period, when the friction co-efficient and therefore brake performance is traditionally lower than usual.

In addition to COTEC, TRW has also recently developed DTEC, a premium quality ceramic brake pad which reduces brake dust exfoliation onto the surface of the wheel rim by up to 45 per cent.

TRW produces over 12 million brake discs worldwide every year for both original equipment and the aftermarket.

It developed its High Carbon Discs as a means of reducing weight, which is often seen as the ‘enemy’ of braking systems with vehicle manufacturers worldwide seeking ever greater reductions as a means of improved efficiency, economy and dynamics.

These High Carbon Discs not only offer reduced weight but also improved braking performance and lower NVH (noise vibration harshness) properties, via optimal thermal conductivity.

Fundamentally this technology allows the discs to run cooler, for more consistent brake performance, better stability, plus increased resistance to distortion and thermal cracking.

Tighter production tolerances also ensure original equipment quality on these aftermarket TRW components, with DTV (Disc Thickness Variation) of 12um or less, and run-out of 30um or less. All castings are made from top-quality GG15HC high carbon materials.

Black Painted brake discs are another TRW signature product.

Special gloss black paint is used to coat the disc, to provide a protective barrier against corrosion (as well as enhancing their appearance) and, packed in VCI paper which is moisture inhibiting, means that the discs don’t have to be cleaned of oil or rust preventative prior to fitting.

The Black Painted Discs can be taken straight out of the box and fitted, a time and money saver for the installer.

TRW also has a range of cast iron discs made from GG20 grey cast iron material, and then a further range of discs with integrated bearings, ABS ring sensors and fixing accessories, all to suit a myriad of original-equipment replacement and aftermarket applications.

TRW’s area of expertise is broader than just brakes, offering full ‘Corner Module’ components consisting of braking, steering and suspension parts for passenger cars.

Contact ZF Services Australia via 1800 ZF SALES (93 72537).

For more information on TRW aftermarket components, go to http://aftermarket.zf.com/au

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