do oem brake pads contain asbestos?

[karlooz]

i was wondering because the mintex pads i bought to replace the oem say asbestos free.

c

[steve_wilwerding]

I'm quite certain that no one is allowed to use asbestos in brake pads anymore.

[nova996]

Yep, I'm pretty sure of that, too. No more asbestos in any brakepads.

Edited February 2, 2004 by nova996

[kerminator]

ALL organic brake do contain asbestos, the government banned it for a few years a while back but that ban soon stopped because they realized asbestos is the only abundant material we have right now that holds the organic pads under high heat and pressure. I have heard of Mintex and I'm almost 100% sure they are organic pads because OE pads are almost always organic because they are cheaper to mass produce. Asbestos is used widely in almost all cars in some form, whether it be from the pads or clutch material in the transmission. Ceramic pads and certain metallic pads are asbestos free but semi-metallic pads do contain asbestos. You can see asbestos easily on vehicles by taking a look at the rims, all that black powder on them you can see is asbestos. The only adavantage a ceramic pad has compared to an organic pad is it is asbestos free and doesn't wear down. The major disadvantage of ceramic pads is you have to purchase composite drums and rotors and instead of the pads wearing down, the rotors and drums do, which will cost you more in the end. That is why you NEVER use compressed air anymore to clean the drums and rotors, only a professional should clean your brakes using an asbestos vacuum machine or water type cleaner. A good site to check out is www.asbestosnetwork.com/exposure/ex_automotive_ptr.htm. Asbestos is dangerous and only until recently in the past decade or two have people found out the horrible affects of asbestos. Basically a pad is a pad, most of the aftermarket junk out there is just a way to rip people off, an organic pad is basically the same for all brands, MIntex supposedly says they are better because they provide better friction than most pads out there, give me a break. If you set up your brake system right all you really need is OE parts, unless you race, then you might consider strengthening your systems and upgrading to steel hoses.