Preliminary experimental research of tribological properties of bus brakes friction linings

Experience gained from the use of buses in urban conditions showed that the working conditions of friction elements of the braking system, ensuring traffic safety, are associated with high loads. This leads to the intensive wear and premature replacement of the worn friction components, which reduces the overall reliability of the brake system and road safety. On the other hand, the friction linings of brake mechanisms may act as abrasives that cause the wear of brake discs or drums. Their replacement during operation is associated with a significant increase in the cost of spare parts. Therefore, it is assumed that the determination of the tribological properties of the brake linings in the brake mechanisms, before their exploitation, will increase the efficiency and safety of the vehicles' operation, which justifies the choice of the research subject matter for its real and practical significance. The paper presents the preliminary results of the research into the main elements of the brakes in a city bus on a test stand mapping the real working conditions. For the testing, brake shoes of different manufacturers were used. Their tribological characteristics, reasons for their wear, and operational recommendations were determined. © 2016 Helsinki University of Technology. All rights reserved.