PMF reports on Borg & Beck’s latest braking range.
To ensure that factors are providing technicians with premium quality braking components, they need to sell a brand they trust and that their customers can depend on. Under its Borg & Beck brand, First Line claims to offer such an option. Its range of BECKTEC coated brake discs and brake pads – featuring BECKTEC multi-layered shim technology – provide an ideal solution for the discerning professional.
BECKTEC coated discs incorporate water-based technology to produce a fully protected disc, which not only looks the part, but more importantly saves time during installation, as technicians do not have to remove any oil residue before fitting, so they can go straight from the box to the hub.
As well as protecting the disc inside and out against rust and corrosion, the water-based coating, which incorporates zinc-aluminium flakes, also provides improved thermal properties that result in better braking performance.
With their BECKTEC multi-layered shim technology, these brake pads offer a copper-free semi-metallic compound that is consistent with the OE formulation. This mitigates the corrosive effects and noise associated with coarser, cheaper pads that wear quickly and perform less effectively. On top of this, the pads are chamfered and grooved, and, where applicable, are supplied with integral wear leads, sensors, bolts and accessories.
An advisory role
First Line recognises that factors play a vital role in advising their customers on best practice and tips, as well as upselling other products in the process.
For example, when it comes to installing brake pads and discs, it is essential that vital procedures are not overlooked, as this may lead to premature failure of the new components. Calipers, for example, need to be able to operate freely, so they must be clear of dust, dirt and corrosion, and caliper bolts, where applicable, should be replaced, as many are single use only and must not be reused.
If there are slider pins, these need to be cleaned and lubricated with a suitable silicone-based lubricant, and, if they have been on the vehicle for a long period of time, any clips should be replaced, as their tension will have been severely reduced. Wear leads that are not an integral part of the pad should also be replaced when required for the application.
As a result, when purchasing brake pads, factors need to check to see what’s included, as Borg & Beck follows what is supplied in the OE box, which varies by manufacturer, and therefore, references that don’t include replacement caliper bolts, springs and clips provide an opportunity to be sold separately as fitting kits.
Borg & Beck claims that its range of more than 630 brake fitting kits and in excess of 200 wear leads provides a comprehensive solution for both pads and shoes, ensuring the correct operation of the braking assembly is achieved, minimising the possibility of noise, uneven wear, or unequal brake effort following complete replacement.
To help factors promote Borg & Beck braking products, the company has made useful POS material available, which includes an informative reception/workshop poster highlighting ‘best practice’ brake disc installation. Copies can be downloaded here.
The Borg & Beck braking range now encompasses more than 8,200 references, and it continues to grow on a monthly basis. For total reassurance, the company insists that these references are all manufactured to the highest standard and undergo rigorous testing to ensure their reliability and durability.
