Abstract: A method of making a vehicle brake rotor is provided, including manufacturing a friction ring with an opening, an annular flange projecting axially relative to a face of the friction ring, and a plurality of spaced lugs projecting radially from the flange. A hub is manufactured with a plurality of recesses integrally upon the friction ring. Next, the hub is manufactured or machined so that outermost ends of the lugs are visible from an exterior of the hub.

Abstract: A brake pad assembly is provided that includes a backing plate including a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and at least one opening. Also included are a friction material associated with the backing plate and a shim plate having a first shim surface and a second shim surface, and a tab projecting from the second shim surface. The shim plate is securely fastened to the backing plate by inserting the tab into the opening such that the friction material, when plastic, embeds the tab inside the opening by flowing through the opening, and subsequently hardens around the tab.