Abstract: A brake having a brake element, such as a brake pad for engagement with the flat surface of a disc or like moving element of a brake system, has a relatively soft layer (4) of elastomeric material interposed between a layer of friction material (3) of the pad lining (1), and the backing plate (2) to which the lining (1) is secured. The elastomeric material is required to have a Rockwell value greater than 0.30 millimetre penetration. The elastomeric material may have a Rockwell value of a depth of penetration at least twice that of the friction material. Hot-spotting and thermal damage to the moving element are thus reduced, and so is wear of the lining (1) itself.

Abstract: A non-asbestos clutch facing has an actual density such that the facing is permeable to air. The clutch facing is preferably a moulded facing containing short reinforcing fibres and having an actual density not greater than 90% of theoretical.The facing may be made by a technique in which a pre-form is prepared, moulded to the desired density and then cured under a pressure such as not to cause substantial further density change.