The Importance of Galvanized Steel for Brake Pad Backing Plate

New Galvanized Steel Brake Pad Backing Plate Eliminates Premature Rust Failures

NUCAP, a manufacturer of OE innovative brake products, announced the introduction of their own line of brake pads that incorporate a new concept in brake pad backing plate design, a galvanized steel NRS™ backing plate. Premature backing plate rust causes the brake friction material to detach from the backing plate, causing squeal, screech, and even friction material to break off. Losing a portion of the friction material can dramatically increase the stopping distance and put you at risk.

Ordinary brake pads fail prematurely because of rust

All brake pads are mounted to a steel backing plate. Most brake pad manufacturers paint the steel plate to enhance product appearance and reduce corrosion. However, brake pads operate in an incredibly harsh environment, going from freezing cold to upwards of 400°F in a single brake application. Over time, the extreme temperature changes and high heat cause the paint and bonding adhesive to degrade and crack. That’s when corrosion sets in.

Rust expands as it spreads and can exert extreme outward

Brake pad friction material delamination AND break-off

pressure on the friction material and glue that holds it on the steel backing plate. This expansion is referred to as “rust jacking” or “rust burst” and eventually forces the friction material to separate from the steel. This separation is referred to as delamination. As rust jacking progresses, the brake pad can actually break apart, with portions falling off the vehicle. With less friction material, you can experience a dramatic reduction in braking power and a corresponding increase in stopping distances.

Galvanized steel resists corrosion and delamination

The galvanization process coats the base metal with zinc, which prevents rust from forming.

NUCAP NRS galvanized steel brake pad backing plate with mechanical attachment

In addition to using galvanized steel, NUCAP brake pads also incorporate a mechanical retention system to secure the friction material to the backing plate. The NUCAP NRS retention system eliminates glue and all the problems associated with glue degradation caused by high heat and rust. Instead, the galvanized NRS steel brake pad backing plate is built with integral hooks that fasten to the friction material during the molding process.

Galvanized steel reduces premature brake pad failure due to rust and delamination. Since a typical brake job can cost $400 or more, it makes sense to spend just a bit more for brake pads made with galvanized steel instead of black steel and NUCAP’s NRS retention system. For more information on brake pad backing plates and premature brake pad failure, read this post.

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DISCLAIMER: In accordance with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules regarding endorsements, please note that I have not received any financial remuneration from NUCAP or any other company in return for posting this press release or images on my site.