Could I Have Fake Brake Pads?

[derekod]

I am trying to diagnose if my recently purchased 2006 Ford Galaxy Zetec 130BHP has fake brake pads fitted.  The car has obviously been sitting around for a little while as there was a light coating of surface rust on the discs.

 

I am after bleeding the brakes all round with fresh fluid to flush out the lines.

I am after removing each calliper and pad assembly to make sure that everything is moving freely.

The pads look as though there is about 1000 to 3000 miles on them from new.

 

FERODO brake pads are fitted all round, should there be any stamping on the pad itself? or is there just the marking on the backing material which will rub off with solvent. Researching online I have only noticed anti-counterfeit measures which FERODO have on there packaging.

 

If I thought these were fake pads I would have no hesitation in replacing them, and I feel this issue should be highlighted and placed on the forum

 

Is there anyone on the forum here that would have Genuine FERODO brake pads at there disposal that they could upload pictures that might help distinguish between Genuine and Fake brake pads.

 

 

[chromedome]

I can't help with Ferodo but I know Mintex are having major issues with Chinese clones.

[BrianH]

It might be best to try contacting ferrodo. Alternatively buy another set and compare?

http://www.ferodo.com/en-gb/ToolsServices/Pages/AntiCounterfeit.aspx < this is what they provide, all seems to be packaging related to me.

 

NGK spark plugs also have a chinese copy problem....

 

Why do you think they might be fake though?

[derekod]

The reason that I think that they might be fake is because the car has poor stopping power compared to my 2002 Ford Galaxy.

I left a message through their webform but I never received any reply.

Edited April 7, 2014 by derekod

[xavier]

Is it still a Mk2? Could be a couple of things causing the problem, I'd be inclined to replace the pads anyway if you don't have any confidence in them and see if that helps, if not you can start looking further afield.

[derekod]

Yeah it is still the MKII model, I think they are starting to improve a little but it might also be me getting used to the brakes.

The car will be going on a rolling road test in a few weeks and that should let me know how good or bad they are.

[BrianH]

Have a check over the vacuum lines if it appears to still be a problem - they split at the ends allowing vacuum to be lost without making noticeable difference to the pedal pressure

[derekod]

I have actually just replaced the vacuum pipe recently it was split in three places.