What do all those brake terms mean?

Centric Parts just updated our glossary of braking terms, which defines dozens of terms that you may encounter when talking about brake components, systems, operation, installation, upgrades and more. The newest version of the glossary is available today on our website, under the tech support tab at the top. The glossary is posted online and also available for download as a pdf, in English or Spanish.

"The Glossary is the most complete documentation of its kind available anywhere and features detailed explanations of braking systems, components, processes, testing protocols and more," according to Centric President Dan Lelchuk. "The Glossary is a great educational tool and should be on the required reading list for counter people, sales people and technicians."

At Centric, we pride ourselves on being not only a great brake supplier and manufacturer, but also one of the best educators about brakes, providing our customers with not only the glossary, but also an extensive list of technical white papers, technical guides, wheel fitment charts and more on our CentricParts.com website. In addition, we have a tech support line that has handled tens of thousands of calls in the past several years - most about our products, but many about competitors' products as well.

Not only that, but Centric also contributes our expertise for magazine articles, web posts, TV shows, radio programs and more on a regular basis, to teach the public about proper brake operation and safety. This all works to help us achieve our goal of helping people better understand their brakes so they can make better, more informed decisions about one of the most important systems on their cars.

Now That's Dedication

Here's a great illustration of true dedication from a member of the extended Centric Parts family. Robert Geist, a member of the sales force at Parts Authority in Phoenix just got in touch to share the news that he had recently received his new personalized license plates. The new Arizona plate proudly reads, "Centric."

How cool is it to work for a company that makes distributors want to advertise your name on their personalized license plate? We see this kind of dedication from our employees and sales force in many different ways, but this being a distributor, we were truly humbled and we had to share.

Apparently Robert has been a longtime believer in Centric and its products, being known to wear a Centric cap wherever he goes. The new license plate really shows how deep-seated his dedication is. It's flattering, but not really surprising, to see this level of enthusiasm for Centric Parts products. Once they've tried Centric, it's hard to get people to switch to anything else!

Centric-Sponsored Challenger Project Supports Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charity

2011 WD-40 Dodge Challenger SRT/8 392 HEMI

100% of Purchase Price Goes to Charity!

Towards the end of 2011, Centric Parts^® was approached by Legendary Motorcar Company (LMC) of Dream Car Garage fame. They had been commissioned by the makers of WD-40 to help customize a car that would eventually be sold to support an important charity, the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program. Our response: “Just tell us what you need.”

The idea was to take a new 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT/8 - with the new 392 HEMI engine - and add some retro cosmetic pieces to give it the vintage Challenger T/A look with lots of modern day performance.

We contributed some big StopTech^® brakes for better braking performance. They really look great behind those Pirelli P-Zero-wrapped Forgeline wheels that should give a lot of extra grip. Eibach lowering springs with matching dampers from Koni were also added to give handling a boost.

The look of the Challenger, which was one of the rare inaugural edition models, was updated with Matte black hood and T/A hood scoop from Cervinis, Stainless Works side-exit cat-back exhaust, fully polished custom paintwork from LMC, custom striping with some special details, a removable trim package and custom embroidered WD-40 headrests.

With the excellent Challenger foundation as a starting point, this makes for a very impressive car.

The build is being featured on Dream Car Garage, and the car is for sale now through Legendary Motorcar – when it isn’t being shown off at major auto shows. Best of all, 100% of the sale price will go to support the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program, which has helped more than 100,000 kids in financial need participate in organized sports or recreation programs. 

So give LMC a call and make them a generous offer. The money goes to a great cause and you’ll end up with one very special Challenger. info@legendarymotorcar.com | 905-875-4700

Centric Helps San Jose Fire Department Find Better Solutions

Recently, we participated in a Public Fleet Supervisors (PFSA) meeting in Northern California.  We met City of San Jose, CA Fleet Manager Dan Sunseri. The very next day, Dan reached out to us and our distributor, asking if we would visit the shop to help locate front brakes for a “brush truck.”

Dan’s fleet had six 1988 F150 2wd pickups that were having some braking issues. Closer inspection of the vehicles revealed that the trucks had been fitted with Marmon Harrington front axles. Prior repairs had never been an issue for Dan because Marmon had plenty of spares, but now they could no longer get replacement brake parts for this obsolete front axle. It looked like the only solution was to change the entire axle on each vehicle at a cost of about $6,000 apiece!

Photos were provided to Centric’s Tech Line to see if there was possibly a better solution. The rotors and calipers were then shipped down to Centric for a closer look. Rotors were quickly located so the only issue was going to be the calipers. After a lot of research it was determined that these units could not be rebuilt as they were a non North American application. That’s when Tech got to work finding a suitable alternative.

After further exhaustive research, it was determined that the calipers in question were identical to ones being used on a German SUV.  Replacements were shipped back up and installed on one of the trucks for testing. Rocco Capossele (San Jose Equipment Maintenance Supervisor) says they are very happy with the solution.

Now the remaining fire trucks will be able to be kept in service, saving the city thousands of dollars.