What to know R90 regulation
Application, characteristics and importance of it.
Brakes are one of a vehicle’s most important safety features. Highest standards must be maintained in order to ensure security of drivers and their companions.
ECE R-90 normativity relates to aftermarket brake discs and drums, which besides of accomplishing homologation requirements for OE must overcome the speed sensitivity tests.
Where is it applicable?
Since 2016, is also demandable for light commercial vehicles, in addition to heavy duty vehicles (2014) and tourisms (2001) in Europe, which become R90 as a differentiator issue and even selective. However, it means a long and costly duty in terms of investment.
What does R90 normativity consist of?
It is essentially based in the evaluation of the features and characteristics of brake discs and drums to confirm the stability of friction coefficient (µ) and optimal performance.
Which are the homologation tests?
Field tests: The vehicle tested is equipped with sensors which evaluate the pressure involved in the braking system, the force in the pedal, the temperature of the disc and the acceleration of the vehicle. The tests performed are:
- A homologation test type 0: A sequence of braking is performed under different speed and charges to verify the appropriate operation in different situations.
- A fading test: To evaluate the performance under very high temperature as well as the last braking (Failure braking).
- An equivalency test of performance on cold: A sequence of braking on cold (under 100 ºC, at 80 Km/h) is done until the blocking pressure. The results must not differ more than 15 % compared to the OE product.
- A speed sensitivity tests: The deceleration capacity of the tested material must be independent of the vehicle’s speed.
Laboratory tests: Confirm mechanical properties of the material
- Compressibility test: Thickness of the material should not decrease more than 2 % at room temperature or 5 % at 400 ºC
- Shearing test: Friction material’s adherence at the metallic support is also evaluated.
Is this regulation mandatory worldwide?
Not yet. In many areas such as North America there are no standards or regulations for brakes, which allows manufacturers to use any materials they choose.
Which are the consequences in terms of safety of not having any regulation?
Friction material is a sophisticated composite designed to wear out gradually and be permanently fixed to the back plate. However, the use of untreated steel has the potential to fall apart as far as it corrodes.
Furthermore, in many cases brake pads are being painted, creating the perception of a quality product while it is rusting and rotting inside a caliper. As a consequence, the material starts to wear unevenly and get less fixed to the back plate.
Any economical consequence?
According to OEM specialist for 20 years, Mark Lavelle, who serves for the Global Brake Safety Council, if we rate an average brake job around 400$, North American consumers are spending unnecessarily over 9$ billion per year in substandard brake jobs and parts.
How rimsa is committed with safety concerns and homologation processes?
We produce OE quality products intended to enhance the performance of brake pads at high temperatures as well as reducing the environmental impact of Friction Industry.
We provide all information about our analyses, which are done with the latest methods and fits the corresponding certifications. Our technical sales team is trained to provide full assistance in the whole process of material testing and approval.
Security and comfort are main concerns in nowadays automotive industry. At rimsa we produce raw materials and additives with NVH properties and the capability to stabilize friction coefficient.
