Asbestos in Auto Brakes and Clutches

As brakes wore down, fine dust collected inside drums and housings. When mechanics removed the drums, that dust was released. A common practice was blowing it out with compressed air, which sent a cloud into the shop. Mechanics also sanded, beveled or ground new linings to fit, creating more dust. Clutch replacement involved similar dust inside the bell housing. Because these tasks were routine, a mechanic might perform them many times a week for years. Some shops used brushes or rags instead, which still stirred dust. Few mechanics wore respirators during these years, and shop floors were often swept dry.

Asbestos brake products remained common well after many other asbestos uses declined, and aftermarket replacement parts containing asbestos continued to be sold for years. Older vehicles on the road still needed parts, and imported parts sometimes contained asbestos. As a result, mechanics who worked in the 1980s and beyond may still have had exposure. Garages, dealerships, fleet maintenance shops, gas stations and military motor pools were all places where brake and clutch work took place. Heavy truck, bus and farm equipment brakes used similar materials. Mechanics who serviced those vehicles may have had particularly heavy exposure because the components were larger.

Product identification is central. Mechanics are often asked which brands of brake pads, shoes and clutches they used and where they bought them. Parts store names, suppliers and the makes of vehicles serviced can all help. Shop owners, coworkers and even customers may confirm working conditions. Hobby mechanics should note the years and types of vehicles they worked on at home. These details help investigators match products to time periods. Receipts, old catalogs and shop manuals can also help. Mechanics who worked at several shops should list each one, since different shops may have used different suppliers and brands.

1. 1

   List the brands of brake and clutch parts you remember installing.

2. 2

   Write down each shop, dealership or motor pool where you did brake work.

3. 3

   Note whether compressed air was used to clean drums in your workplace.

4. 4

   Include any home or hobby brake work, with vehicle types and years.