GEM reveals dangerous brake parts on UK sale

GEM has been informed of dangerous brake parts that have entered the UK market. Whether you work on your car from home, or entrust a garage to conduct brake repairs, be wary of buying inferior components that will create a safety risk.

Poor quality brake callipers discovered

Based in North Wales, Brake Engineering has supplied high-quality braking components to private motorists and the motor trace for over forty years. The poor quality of spare parts has become an increasingly concerning topic but this has rarely affected safety-critical brake parts. This is what made the appearance of fake/non-compliant brake pads several years ago an unusual and worrying development

However, Brake Engineering's recent independent research on brake callipers found serious defects that could result in braking system failure. Brake callipers are the units that contain the necessary hydraulic mediums that force brake pads into contact with a rotating brake disc to slow down your car.

The test involved scrutinising three new brands of brake callipers, all of which failed to reach the quality standards set by car-makers. While Brake Engineering reports that these parts appeared to be fit for purpose, closer inspections revealed 29 structural defects, caused by them being made from lower-grade (and, presumably, cheaper) materials.

Even if the weakened brake calliper did not fail, the porosity and oxide contaminations found within its casting could result in higher vibrations, increased noise and a lack of brake pedal consistency.

While we were disappointed that Brake Engineering did not reveal the calliper brands that failed its tests, it remains a concerning development. Therefore, should you (or a garage) decide to buy new, or remanufactured/reconditioned callipers, ensure that they are of reputable brands from reputable sellers. Generally, avoid online marketplaces, unless the shop concerned is from a reputable brand.

Brake fluid warnings

Another recent concerning finding comes from the Verification of Lubrication Specifications.

Responding to an allegation that Mannol's Brake Fluid DOT 4 3002 failed in performance testing, the organisation procured and tested a sample. It found that the brake fluid did not perform as required, specifically under the US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 116 DOT 4 specifications.

The VLS approached the UK importer, Lubriage Ltd, trading as Mannol UK, with its evidence. Mannol UK is reported to have stopped selling the product in the UK marketplace and it has asked distributors to quarantine the affected batch number until further notice. However, the VLS alleges that it has neither seen evidence of this alleged sub-standard brake fluid being withdrawn, nor attempts to warn customers that this product has been recalled. Therefore, the VLS told GEM that it has escalated the case to Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards, as a consumer product safety issue.

Commenting formally, the VLS's Company Secretary advises that,

“We urge motor factors, mechanics and end users alike to check for the affected batch number MD46_PEA-230526. Whilst we appreciate that Mannol has taken steps to stop supplying the product, any remaining stock on shelves and in vehicles could pose a safety risk. Sufficient action must be taken to protect driver safety.”

Therefore, we join the VLS in warning any of our members who have procured Mannol DOT 4 brake fluid, to check the batch number (MD46_PEA-230526) and return it immediately to the vendor.

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