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Many members will already be aware that currently asbestos brake linings can only legally be fitted to vehicles first registered prior to 1st January, 1973, and it is anticipated that at some time in the near future a total ban on asbestos brake linings will be applied to all vehicles regardless of age.
Our extensive enquiries over the last year indicate that ongoing supplies of asbestos brake lining materials are no longer available and current supplies are limited to old stock materials already held.
Modern vehicles have servo-assisted brakes with bonded brake linings; this material is not suitable for riveting and performance on old vehicles is doubtful to say the least.
Therefore it appears that the only way forward is to find (If available) asbestos free roll form material that
i) can be economically processed;
ii) is suitable for riveting;
iii) is sufficiently flexible to readily bend to brake shoe radius for fitting;
iv) gives satisfactory performance.
After 18 months of continual investigation and trials we have only found two materials which we believe meet the above requirements, but performance testing on these materials is still to be completed.
Did we hear you say, Is there any more bad news?"
Well, Yes there is! There will be a price increase in the region of 60% to 100% for asbestos free lining sets, relative to the asbestos brake linings currently being supplied.
We apologise for the bad news now for the good news Clutch Linings are not currently causing a problem!
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