Bosch recently introduced Bosch EuroLine Disc Brake Pads for popular European vehicles on the road in North America today. According to Bosch, the EuroLine disc brake pads were developed as an Original Equipment (OE) replica line to match the look, feel and performance of the OE brake pads on European vehicles.
Bosch said the pads are "rigorously tested, validated and certified to meet or exceed European ECE R90 standards for performance and durability."
Additional features of the Euroline pads, according to Bosch, include:
• A consistently high coefficient of friction in severe braking conditions
• High shear strength that stands up to heat without separating
• Low compressibility that ensures exceptional pedal feel
• Vehicle-specific friction materials for consistent and durable braking
The new EuroLine pads utilize fine blank steel backing plates where available. The fine blank steel provides improved braking performance attributed to precise abutment dimensions and smooth edge surfaces that glide across the slipper, hardware or other caliper components, Bosch says. The shims are thermo-bonded and wrap around the pads, when applicable, to match the European OE pads.
“The new EuroLine brake pads provide European service specialists a brake pad that they can install with confidence, knowing the Bosch EuroLine replicates the brake pads originally equipped on the European vehicles. Many European vehicles require a specific fitment that not just any pad can match and that is one reason many installers who specialize in European vehicles insist on installing brake pads that match the Euro OE fit, feel and performance,” said David Terry, senior product manager for friction, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Brake Components North America. "Regulation 90 (ECE R90) is the European certification standard for replacement brake pads and linings. This standard compares the front and rear brake performance to ensure they comply with European braking requirements for strength and performance within 15 percent of the OE pads.
“In addition to being ECE R90-certified, Bosch EuroLine brake pads incorporate additional dynamometer and vehicle testing by independent third party laboratories to ensure the ultimate braking experience for each European vehicle. Additional testing involves noise behavior, brake juddering, fading, thermal conductivity, pad wear and rotor wear,” Terry added.
Bosch says each EuroLine brake pad is clearly marked with an ECE R90 edge code, which includes an “E” logo and a number indicating the location of the authority that approved the pad. These markings are stamped on the pad’s backing plate, making it easy for brake specialists to verify the pads are appropriate for European vehicles.
The EuroLine program is being phased in within the North American market, with 62 vehicle-specific part numbers covering Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes, Saab, Volkswagen and Volvo vehicles currently operating in North America. A second phase of 70 more EuroLine brake pad part numbers will be introduced later this year.
“Bosch disc pads are the fastest- growing independent aftermarket disc pad line in Europe, and we are excited to bring this program of certified brakes with European characteristics to our North American brake specialists and motorists,” Terry said.
Additional information is available online at www.bosch.com.
