Failing to inspect and maintain the braking system on industrial machinery properly can unnecessarily cost you thousands of dollars.
Catastrophic failure could even result in injury or death to your employees.
Replacing major parts can get very expensive, in many cases, a brake shoe relining provides the same results at a fraction of the cost.
Use this easy-to-follow guide to learn more about the benefits of relined brake shoes.
What is Brake Shoe Relining?
Brake shoe liners are a significant component of industrial drum brakes. They’re used in a wide range of industries, including:
- Marine
- Heavy Machinery
- Mining
- Construction
- Agriculture
Relining a brake shoe replaces the friction pads that cause a mechanism to come to a halt. Drum brake liners are considered a consumable part and need to be replaced as part of routine maintenance.
There are many different materials used as brake linings. Some of the most common are rubber, Kevlar, ceramic, and semi-metallic linings. It’s important to consider the intended use of your equipment when deciding on the brake lining material to use.
How the Process Works
Brake relining works by opening up the sealed drum of your brake and removing the spent lining. There are specific steps that must be followed depending on the type and manufacturer of your brakes.
Industrial drum brakes deal with significantly more kinetic energy than something like a car brake. Depending on the location of the brake within your machinery it will be more or less difficult to access.
Once you’ve opened up your drum, it’s a simple matter of removing the spent lining and replacing it with a new made one. You can use either OEM linings or have ones custom fabricated for your needs.
It’s a good idea to inspect the other components of your brake whenever you have your brake shoes relined. The most important part to look at is the brake shoe itself. If you notice significant gouges or scratches in the material it’s probably a good idea to have it machined or replaced.
What to Expect from Relined Brake Shoes
If you need brake relining services, make sure to check out the service provider thoroughly. Industrial brakes have much higher maintenance requirements than car or truck brakes.
A good servicer will perform a full disassembly and cleaning of your entire brake apparatus. They will inspect each part individually and provide you with a detailed report on their status and recommendations on replacements parts.
Once they have replaced all consumable or damaged components, they should apply a coating of high-quality paint as well. This helps you to identify issues or increased friction damage down the road and prevents damage from corrosion.
Any reputable shop will also offer a full warranty for its work. It’s a very bad sign if it does not.
Save With Brake Relining
Industrial brake shoe relining can save you a significant amount of money over a replacement. Always compare the cost of a repair vs. replacement when considering your maintenance schedule.
To learn more about industrial brake services or to request a free quote, contact us here.