Abstract: A brake pad comprises a layer of friction material the working face of which engages a braking surface, and an electrical lead terminating in a contact positioned to engage the braking surface when the friction material is wearing thin, the electrical lead being composed of a flexible strip of insulating material carrying a flexible strip of conductive material, e.g. flexible printed circuit material.

Abstract: A brake wear indicator system includes a brake pad having a support plate, a layer of friction material secured thereto and an electrical contact assembly which extends through the support plate to project into the layer of friction material and which comprises two terminal portions electrically insulated from each other and a connecting portion which electrically connects the terminal portions and is located wholly within the layer of friction material. The connecting portion is arranged to be exposed and abraded after prolonged abrasion of the friction material by contact with a braking surface whereby electrical contact between the terminal portions is broken.