celect brake pad update

The Future of Braking: Celect’s New CF29 Copper-Free Pads Meet the Challenges of Transit Buses and Heavy-Duty Vehicles

The Future of Braking

Selecting the right copper-free brake pad is essential to meet the challenges for the safety and performance of buses and every heavy-duty vehicle. In a previous KIRKS blog, we covered the Better Braking Law and how the Celect Brake Pad meets new EPA standards for copper-free pads.

Building on the foundation of the outstanding CF26 Celect pad, Celect is introducing a second copper-free option in mid-2024 to address the higher brake pad demands of heavy-duty vehicles in the transit industry. 

The new Celect CF29 super-duty brake pad is specifically designed for transit, coach, and special-purpose vehicles. Customers may now choose between two heavy-duty friction levels, the current CF26 – Copper-Free Heavy-Duty and the new CF29 – Copper-Free Super-Duty.

Let’s take a closer look at the CF29’s unique attributes, highlight its advantages over the earlier CF26, and explain its preference in transit applications.

The Need for Superior Heat Management in Transit, Coach, and Heavy-Duty ADB Systems

Braking generates heat, and the increased levels from transit vehicles’ frequent stops in city traffic and passenger pick-up locations present specific challenges:

  • Overheating Risks: Excessive heat due to demands of frequent stopping may diminish braking effectiveness.
  • Increased Costs: A shorter brake pad life span leads to more frequent replacements.
  • Potential Risk of Failure: Prolonged overheating could reduce stopping power or cause complete brake system failure.

These factors pose serious safety and financial risks that transit authorities must avoid.

Additionally, fleet managers must comply with the EPA requirement of copper content in brake pads. So, where can you find copper-free compliance with exceptional performance?

Comparing Celect’s CF26 Heavy-Duty and CF29 Super-Duty Copper-Free Brake Pads

Celect’s release of the CF26 copper-free pad demonstrated its commitment to the auto industry’s agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce copper content.

By 2025, engineered to meet strict European R90 standards that assure OEM performance and safety, the CF26 provides outstanding wear characteristics for heavy-duty use.

Building on the quality performance of the CF26, Celect’s CF29 addresses greater heavy-duty transit challenges, including frequent stops, heavy loads, and high temperatures.

The CF29 offers transit authorities several enhancements over the CF26:

  • Increased Durability and Performance: Built to withstand the punishment of stop-and-go urban transit, the CF29 minimizes pad wear and extends service life, translating to fewer replacements and lower maintenance costs.
  • Superior Heat Management: The CF29, with its advanced materials and innovative design, efficiently handles intense heat, ensuring sustained braking power and preventing brake fade.
  • High Load Capacity: Rated for up to 29,000 pounds compared with 26,000 pounds for the CF26, it delivers dependable performance in challenging urban environments.
  • Optimal Safety and Reliability: The CF29 meets transit operators’ stringent demands, boosting vehicle safety and performance – an essential fleet upgrade.
  • Eco-Friendly: The CF29 is copper-free and fully complies with the latest U.S. and state environmental regulations, and is an N-rated pad. The authenticity of the parts can be verified by looking for the “three-leaf symbol” on the packaging.

Traditional brake pads may fail under the punishing heat generated by transit vehicle braking systems. Fleet Managers and Maintenance Technicians can confidently rely on Celect’s CF29, which successfully addresses these challenges while still achieving the EPA’s copper-free standard.

Friction and Heat Performance Data on the Celect CF26 Heavy-Duty and CF29 Super-Duty Brake Pads

Coefficient Number– The “coefficient of friction” tells us how well the brake pads grip the rotors. If this number is small, the brakes might slip more easily when applied, so you need to push harder to stop. Regular brake pads usually have a coefficient of friction around 0.3 to 0.4, while better ones might have it around 0.4 to 0.5. Higher numbers mean stopping the vehicle with a light press on the brakes is easier.

Optimally, brakes perform well on demand, not after a delay, and in extreme temperatures.

Pad Thickness Wear Comparison – Under similar vehicle speed and temperature conditions, the CF29 dramatically reduces wear at 100 degrees centigrade compared with the CF26. The result is longer life at higher temperatures and reliable safety in the long term.

Engineered for Greater Eco-Friendly Stopping Power: The CF29 Super-Duty Copper-Free Brake Pad

The CF29 brake pad boasts superior durability, performance, and heat management. This makes it ideal for vehicles operating in challenging city environments, as it can handle heavier loads (29,000 lbs) and adheres to stricter safety regulations. You can confidently choose the environmentally friendly CF29, which complies with the latest U.S. and state regulations. The CF29 checks all the boxes for transit, fleet, and heavy-duty vehicle stopping power.

Partner with KIRKS for Reliable and Competitive Pricing on Braking System

As your partner for parts, KIRKS works to source reliable ADB systems, and we have confidence in Celect’s braking technology and production. Discover our extensive selection of Celect brake solutions tailored for all heavy-duty vehicles, whether diesel, hybrid, or electric.

Your KIRKS Account Manager is dedicated to helping you find the perfect match for new or Approved Equal Replacement Parts. For seamless upgrades or expert advice, contact a KIRKS product specialist here, email us at sales@kirks.com, or call (313) 933-7030.