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What is the meaning of the friction code letter printed on the edge of brake linings and pads?

Author

Olivia Shea

Updated on February 27, 2026

What is the meaning of the friction code letter printed on the edge of brake linings and pads?

Notes: These edge codes are located on the edge of the friction material of every brake pad by government regulation, along with some other codes. The first letter is a grading of the C.F. at 250 F and the second letter is a grading of the material at 600 F. Each letter grade can actually have quite a range of C.F.

Accordingly, what is the meaning of the last two letters of the lining or pad edge code?

The final two letters (EE, FF, FE, GG, etc.), simply represent the coefficient of friction values taken from a standardized Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended practice. Some would have you believe that one friction material is better than another purely on the basis of the friction edge code.

Secondly, what is an edge code? Edge Code is a lightweight text editor for web developers and designers who work with HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Built on the foundation of the open source Brackets project and designed to work in the browser, it speeds up development time by displaying code changes directly on the screen.

Likewise, what does FF mean on brake pads?

normal coefficient of friction

What information is provided by automotive friction material edge codes?

The “Edge Code” can tell you information about the product you are about to install. These letters and numbers can help you select the right friction material for a vehicle and its driver.

What do brake pad numbers mean?

The numbers represent the amount of life left on the brake pads. But they're just estimates, made by a mechanic who uses his eyeballs, not the Hubble Space Telescope. So a 5 means the mechanic estimates you've got about 50 percent of the pads' life left. In which case, there's no need to replace them.

What does HH mean on brake pads?

Made from sintered copper alloy, these brake pads benefit from the highest friction HH rating for maximum stopping power. EBC Double-H Superbike pads™ are perfect braking under all riding conditions, be it wet, dry, hot or cold.

What type of binder is used in all brake friction materials?

What type of binder is used in all brake friction materials? An edge code reading for coefficient of friction is EF. This means______. Brake pads and linings that use synthetic material such as aramid fibers instead of steel are usually referred to as_____________.

Where do I find my brake code?

Brake Edge Codes can be found on the edge of the friction material or on the backing plate of every brake pad, along with some other codes.

Who invented brake pads?

Brake linings were invented by Bertha Benz (the wife of Karl Benz who invented the first patented automobile) during her historic first long-distance car trip in the world in August 1888. The first asbestos brake linings were developed in 1908 by Herbert Frood.

When the brakes are released the caliper pistons are retracted by?

Calipers don't retract. The caliper piston, as just about everybody has explained, is PUSHED into the brake pads when you depress the brake pedal. It deforms a seal that is stretched towards the brake pads, being pulled by the piston moving in the same direction. Think of it like stretching a rubber band.

Are disc brakes self energizing?

Self Energizing
The rotation direction is arranged so the direction of free rotation is the same as the hollow brake "disc". Thus, the disc tends to pull the ring in the direction that further applies the brake. A shallower cone angle increases the amount of self-energizing effect.

What is the quietest brake pad material?

Ceramic Pads
Made primarily of ceramic material with copper fibers, these are the quietest pads available. In addition, they're practically dust-free and create low wear on the rotors.

What are the best type of brake pads?

Typically, ceramic is the best brake pad material in terms of brake dust buildup, with organic brake pads coming in second. Semi-metallic brake pads usually generate the most brake dust, though the exact amount depends on the manufacturer's unique friction formulation. Quieter operation.

What are the best brake pads?

The 5 Top-Rated Brake Pads
Editor's PicksBrandRating
Best OverallPower Stop Z23-1650 Z23 Evolution Sport4.8
Runner UpACDelco 14D883CH Advantage Ceramic Rear Disc Brake Pad Set4.6
Best Budget BuyV-Trust Top Quality Ceramic Brake Pad5.0
Best Ceramic Brake PadsBosch BC905 QuietCast Premium Ceramic Rear Disc Brake Pad Set4.3