Braketech is unique in that its roots are firmly placed in best practice engineering of workshop and brake installation. This includes the introduction of foundation brake profiling and drum machining programs, disc brake machining, caliper maintenance and electronic brake system diagnostic services.

Each and every Braketech member must have the highest standard of workshop, machinery and staff. All of these areas are independently examined every single year and a strict accreditation process is followed.

This ensures that all of our members provide a quality of service and finished component that is unique in the UK aftermarket.

Drum Skimming

The geometry of a brake drum is complicated; the perfect matching of two concentric circles is no easy matter. Even when all the components in the system are manufactured to exact dimensions minute variations in brake actuation can throw out performance and output of the brake. Add up slightly different variations in output on each brake on the vehicle or trailer and you have a major problem with in-balance, enough to fail an M.O.T. test or seriously affect performance, and that’s not considering the possible implications of excessive wear in associated components like tyres, bolts and bushes. Many operators believe that the answer to these problems is to ‘bed in’ in the newly fitted drums and shoes before returning the vehicle to service. This is not always the answer to problems as the irregular wear may continue and the initial period of contact may damage and distort both drums and shoes, so that in future operation the problem becomes exaggerated and not alleviated. Brake profiling may involve a higher initial cost investment but by matching the geometry of shoes and drums from fitment a long, problem free lining and drum life can be ensured, as can M.O.T. test success, quiet and smooth operation with no irregular component wear.

Disc Skimming

	Unlike a brake disc system where the nature of the brake requires the mating of two flat surfaces, a brake drum system requires the perfect alignment of two circles of different diameter. When brake profiling, the diameter of the new or machined drum is carefully recorded using a Braketech approved gauge. This diameter measurement is then used to machine the linings to the optimum radius to achieve ideal contact between friction and drum from first operation. This careful matching of geometry will address and correct any degree of distortion and/or eccentricity between the brake assembly and the drum. Profiling is performed either using an on-axle machine or on a bench profiler adapted to cut floating shoe assemblies such as the Z-cam brake. As well as matching new or machined drums to linings in the workshop, Braketech have mobile profiling units that can machine drums and linings on the vehicle at the customers premises, eliminating service problems or test failure.