Automotive & Mechanical Friction

The automotive and mechanical friction industry has historically relied on asbestos for the production of critical components such as brake linings, clutch facings, and other friction materials. These components are essential for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of vehicles and machinery, as they manage the transfer of kinetic energy into heat during braking or clutch engagement. From the early 20th century through the mid-1900s, asbestos became a cornerstone material in this industry, particularly as the demand for automobiles and industrial machinery surged. Its use extended beyond road vehicles to include railways, industrial equipment, and specialized machinery, making it indispensable in both civilian and military applications.

The widespread adoption of asbestos in this industry was driven by its ability to meet the rigorous demands of friction materials. However, as awareness of the health risks associated with asbestos exposure grew, its use in automotive and mechanical friction applications began to decline. Today, many countries have implemented strict regulations or outright bans on asbestos-containing friction materials, leading to the development of safer alternatives. Despite this, asbestos-containing components remain in use in some regions, particularly in older vehicles and machinery, necessitating careful handling and replacement.

Why Asbestos Was Used in Automotive & Mechanical Friction

Asbestos was extensively used in automotive and mechanical friction applications due to its unique combination of properties that made it ideal for high-performance and safety-critical components. Its high thermal resistance allowed it to withstand the intense heat generated during braking and clutch operation, while its durability and tensile strength ensured long-lasting performance under constant mechanical stress. Additionally, asbestos fibers could be easily molded or woven into friction materials, enabling manufacturers to produce components that were both effective and cost-efficient.

Another key advantage of asbestos was its ability to dissipate heat rapidly, a critical factor in preventing overheating and maintaining the reliability of braking and clutch systems. Its non-flammable nature further enhanced its suitability for use in high-temperature environments. These properties made asbestos an indispensable material in the automotive and mechanical friction industry for decades. However, the health hazards posed by airborne asbestos fibers, particularly during the manufacturing, installation, and repair of friction components, eventually led to its decline and replacement with safer alternatives.

Types of Asbestos Used in the Industry

The automotive and mechanical friction industry extensively utilized asbestos fibers due to their unique properties, which made them ideal for high-friction and high-temperature applications. The primary types of asbestos used in this industry were:

Chrysotile (White Asbestos): Chrysotile was the most commonly used type of asbestos in the automotive and mechanical friction industry. Its flexibility, durability, and heat resistance made it a key component in the production of brake linings, clutch facings, and other friction materials. Chrysotile fibers were particularly valued for their ability to withstand the intense heat generated during braking and clutch operations, ensuring reliable performance and safety.

Amosite (Brown Asbestos): Amosite was rarely used in brake linings and other friction materials, and its use was largely limited to applications before 1970. When used, it was valued for its superior heat resistance and strength, particularly in heavy-duty applications. However, its use in the automotive industry was minimal compared to chrysotile.

Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos): Crocidolite was used in specific automotive applications, such as transmission bands and, to a lesser extent, in some brake linings. Its exceptional chemical and heat resistance made it suitable for these specialized uses, although it was not as widely employed as chrysotile.

Tremolite: Tremolite was not intentionally used in the automotive and mechanical friction industry but was commonly present as a contaminant in chrysotile asbestos. Tremolite contamination occurred naturally in chrysotile deposits and could inadvertently be included in friction materials. This contamination posed additional health risks, as tremolite fibers are known to be particularly hazardous when inhaled.

The use of asbestos in the automotive and mechanical friction industry was driven by its ability to absorb and dissipate heat effectively, resist wear, and maintain structural integrity under high-stress conditions. However, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure have led to the development of safer, non-asbestos alternatives in modern friction materials.

Learn more about the six minerals that we call asbestos.

Common Types of Asbestos Products in the Automotive & Mechanical Friction Industry

The automotive and mechanical friction industry extensively used asbestos in the production of components that required high durability, heat resistance, and frictional properties. These products were critical for ensuring the safety and performance of vehicles and machinery. Common types of asbestos products in this industry include:

Asbestos Brake Linings: Used in drum brakes and disc brakes for their ability to withstand high temperatures and provide reliable friction. The unique properties of asbestos allowed these linings to endure the intense heat generated during braking while maintaining consistent and reliable friction. This made them indispensable for ensuring the safe and effective operation of braking systems in automobiles, industrial machinery, and even aircraft. The ability of asbestos to dissipate heat efficiently further enhanced the performance and longevity of brake linings, making them a preferred choice for decades.

Asbestos Clutch Facings: Incorporated into clutch systems to ensure smooth engagement and resistance to heat and wear. These facings were designed to resist the high levels of heat and wear generated during operation, ensuring durability and consistent performance. The inclusion of asbestos fibers in clutch facings provided the necessary strength and thermal stability to handle the demanding conditions of automotive and industrial applications.

Asbestos Gaskets and Seals: Designed for use in engines and machinery to handle high-pressure and high-temperature environments. These components were designed to provide reliable sealing solutions, preventing leaks and ensuring the efficient operation of mechanical systems. The heat resistance and compressibility of asbestos made it an ideal material for gaskets and seals, particularly in environments where other materials might fail.

Asbestos Disk Pads: Utilized in braking systems for their durability and heat dissipation properties. These pads were used in various types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and trains, where they provided consistent braking performance under extreme conditions. The incorporation of asbestos fibers allowed disk pads to maintain their structural integrity and frictional properties, even during prolonged use.

Asbestos Insulation for Automotive Components: Applied in heat shields and other parts to protect against high temperatures. This insulation protected sensitive components from thermal damage, ensuring the longevity and reliability of automotive systems. The heat-resistant properties of asbestos made it an ideal choice for these applications, particularly in engines and exhaust systems where temperatures could reach extreme levels.

Companies That Manufactured Asbestos Products

Several companies were prominent in the production of asbestos-containing automotive and mechanical friction products. These include:

Raybestos-Manhattan, Inc.: Raybestos-Manhattan, Inc. was a prominent manufacturer of asbestos-based friction materials. Their product line included asbestos brake linings, which were widely used in drum and disc brakes for their heat resistance and durability. They also produced asbestos clutch facings, designed to withstand the high friction and heat generated during power transmission. Additionally, the company developed other friction materials incorporating asbestos for various industrial applications.

Johns-Manville Corporation: Johns-Manville Corporation was a major producer of asbestos-containing products, including brake linings and insulation materials for automotive applications. Their asbestos brake linings were valued for their ability to provide reliable friction and heat dissipation in braking systems. The company also manufactured asbestos insulation for automotive components, such as heat shields, to protect against high temperatures in engines and exhaust systems.

General Motors Corporation: General Motors Corporation utilized asbestos in the production of brake and clutch components for their vehicles. These components included asbestos brake linings and clutch facings, which were integral to the performance and safety of their automotive systems. The use of asbestos allowed GM to produce durable and heat-resistant parts that met the rigorous demands of their vehicles.

American Brake Shoe Company: The American Brake Shoe Company specialized in the production of asbestos-based brake linings and other friction materials. Their products were used in both automotive and industrial applications, where the heat resistance and durability of asbestos were critical. The company’s molded brake linings were particularly notable for their widespread use in various types of vehicles and machinery.

Lasko Brake Products Corporation: Lasko Brake Products Corporation was known for manufacturing asbestos-based brake linings and related products. Their offerings included friction materials designed for use in automotive braking systems, providing reliable performance under high-stress conditions. The company’s focus on asbestos-based products highlighted the material’s importance in the friction industry during its peak usage.

The use of asbestos in the automotive and mechanical friction industry was widespread due to its unique properties. However, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure have led to the development of safer, non-asbestos alternatives in modern automotive and industrial applications.

Learn more about the kinds of products made with asbestos.

Automotive and Mechanical Friction Workers are at Risk of Asbestos-Related Diseases

Historically, asbestos was a key component in automotive friction materials due to its exceptional heat resistance, durability, and ability to withstand high friction. However, the processes involved in handling these materials often released asbestos fibers into the air, putting workers at risk. Medical research has conclusively demonstrated that asbestos exposure can lead to the following health complications:

Mesothelioma: Automotive and mechanical friction workers are at an elevated risk of developing mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. This risk arises from inhaling airborne asbestos fibers released during tasks such as grinding, beveling, or blowing out brake drums, which were common practices in brake and clutch repair and manufacturing.

Lung Cancer: The repair and manufacturing of automotive friction materials, such as brake linings and clutch facings, often involved disturbing asbestos-containing components. This disturbance released asbestos fibers into the air, significantly increasing the risk of lung cancer for workers who inhaled them. The lack of adequate protective measures in earlier decades left many workers vulnerable to this serious health risk.

Throat Cancer: Inhalation of asbestos fibers during tasks such as grinding or cutting asbestos-containing brake linings and clutch facings can lead to cancers of the larynx and pharynx. Poor ventilation and insufficient protective equipment in the past further exacerbated this risk for automotive and mechanical friction workers.

Stomach Cancer: Workers could inadvertently ingest asbestos fibers, particularly if they ate or drank in contaminated areas or failed to follow proper hygiene practices. This exposure has been linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer over time. The handling of asbestos-containing materials in automotive repair and manufacturing contributed to this risk.

Colon Cancer: Known as colorectal cancer, this condition may result from ingesting asbestos fibers. Automotive and mechanical friction workers were frequently exposed to airborne fibers, which could settle on surfaces and contaminate food or drinks, contributing to the development of this type of cancer.

Asbestosis: Asbestosis, a chronic lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers, is a significant risk for automotive and mechanical friction workers. The disease results in scarring of lung tissue, leading to severe breathing difficulties and reduced lung function. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of asbestos fibers during tasks such as grinding and beveling brake linings is the primary cause of this condition.

Automotive and mechanical friction workers played a crucial role in producing and maintaining materials essential for vehicle safety and performance. However, the nature of their work placed them at significant risk of asbestos exposure. Modern safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper ventilation, and regular health monitoring, are essential to protect workers from the long-term health effects of asbestos exposure.

Learn more about the diseases asbestos can cause.

Asbestos Exposure in the Automotive & Mechanical Friction Industry

In the automotive and mechanical friction industry, workers were frequently exposed to asbestos during the production, installation, and repair of friction materials such as brake linings, clutch facings, and gaskets. Manufacturing tasks often involved mixing asbestos fibers with resins and other materials to create molded or woven friction products. Workers cutting, grinding, or drilling these materials to achieve the desired shapes and sizes were exposed to significant amounts of airborne asbestos dust. Additionally, sanding and beveling operations, which were common in the finishing stages of production, released fine asbestos particles into the air, further increasing exposure risks.

In repair and maintenance settings, workers were exposed to asbestos while servicing automotive brakes and clutches. Tasks such as grinding used brake linings, beveling new linings, and blowing out brake drums with compressed air generated high concentrations of asbestos fibers in the immediate environment. Even those not directly performing these tasks, such as nearby mechanics or support staff, could be exposed to asbestos through secondary contamination in the workshop.

The risk of take-home exposure was a serious concern in this industry. Workers often carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, shoes, and tools, unknowingly exposing their family members to the hazardous material. Activities such as shaking out or laundering contaminated work clothes could release asbestos fibers into the home environment, putting family members at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. This underscores the widespread and long-lasting impact of asbestos exposure in the automotive and mechanical friction industry.

Our Law Firm Assists Automotive and Mechanical Friction Industry Workers with Asbestos-Related Conditions

Workers in the automotive and mechanical friction industry were frequently exposed to asbestos while manufacturing, repairing, and handling asbestos-containing brake pads, clutches, gaskets, and other friction materials. Prolonged exposure to asbestos dust has led many mechanics, factory workers, and technicians to develop serious asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation. Our law firm is committed to helping affected workers and their families navigate the legal process, providing comprehensive support in the following areas:

Asbestos Trust Claims
Many companies that manufactured or supplied asbestos-containing friction products have established trust funds to compensate workers diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses. Filing a claim with these trusts does not require a lawsuit and can provide financial relief for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs. Our legal team can help determine your eligibility and guide you through the claims process.

Asbestos Lawsuits
Manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos-containing automotive and mechanical parts can be held accountable through legal action. Workers who developed asbestos-related diseases from exposure to brake dust, clutch materials, or other friction components may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Compensation from these lawsuits can help cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of those affected.

Asbestos Disability Claims
Workers diagnosed with asbestos-related conditions may qualify for Social Security disability benefits if their illness prevents them from working. Additionally, veterans who were exposed to asbestos while servicing military vehicles or working in defense-related manufacturing may be eligible for veterans’ disability benefits. These claims can provide essential financial support for individuals and their families.