Machine for heeling brake pads: what is it called, types and where is it used

The braking system of a car is a complex mechanism where every part plays a critical role. One of the little-known but important elements is brake pad heels - metal plates to which friction material is riveted or glued. Over time, these heels wear out, become warped, or require adjustment after the lasts are replaced. To restore them, specialized equipment is used, which in car services is often called "heel machine".

But what exactly is this machine officially called? What types of equipment are available for working with brake pads? And is it possible to do without it when repairing the brake system? In this article we will analyze all the nuances: from terminology to practical application, and also give recommendations on choosing equipment for a service station or garage.

Many car owners encounter the term “heeled car” for the first time when the service technician says: “You need to sharpen the heels on a machine, otherwise the pads will creak.”. In fact, this name hides a whole group of devices - from simple manual devices to automated CNC machines. Their main task is to restore the geometry of the metal base of the pad to ensure a tight fit to the brake disc or drum.

If you repair brake systems or are planning to open a car repair shop, this information will be especially useful. We will not only reveal the official names of the equipment, but also tell you how it works, which models are popular among professionals, and what to look for when purchasing.

The official name for a "heel car" in the auto industry

In a professional environment the term "heel machine" is a slang name that has taken root in Russian and post-Soviet car services. Officially, this equipment is called:

• 🔧 Machine for straightening brake pads - the most common name used in manufacturers' catalogs.
• 🔧 Machine for restoring the geometry of brake pad heels - a more accurate definition, since the machine is not only straightened, but also restored to its original shape.
• 🔧 Equipment for processing the base of brake linings - found in technical documentation of foreign brands.
• 🔧 Heel press - a simplified name sometimes used for manual or hydraulic devices.

In English-language catalogues, such equipment is designated as Brake Shoe Grinder (brake pad grinding machine) or Brake Shoe Arcing Machine (machine for arc processing of pads). The latter term is due to the fact that the heels of drum brake shoes are often arched, and the machine restores this radius.

It is important to understand that a “heel machine” is not one universal device, but a whole line of equipment, which is divided into types depending on its purpose:

Types of machines for processing brake pad heels

All machines for working with heel pads can be divided into three main categories, each of which is designed for specific tasks. Let's take a closer look at them.

1. Machines for straightening heels

This is the simplest and most common equipment that is used to eliminate deformations of the metal base of the pad. Typically, such machines operate on the pressing principle: the heel is clamped between two plates, and with the help of a hydraulic or mechanical drive it is returned to its original shape.

Model examples:

• 🔧 BendPak BS-100 — hydraulic machine for straightening brake pads of cars and trucks.
• 🔧 Hofmann Brake Shoe Bender - a manual machine with a lever mechanism, popular in European service stations.
• 🔧 SOROKIN SK-1 - a domestic analogue, often found in Russian car services.

2. Machines for grinding (grooving) heels

These machines are designed to remove roughness, burrs and corrosion from the metal base of the pad. They are equipped with abrasive wheels or belts and allow you to achieve a perfectly smooth surface, which is especially important for disc brakes.

Model examples:

• 🔧 Ammco 4000 Brake Shoe Grinder — a professional machine with the ability to process pads of different radii.
• 🔧 Blackhawk BSG-100 — compact model for small service stations.
• 🔧 KEDR KS-500 — Russian machine with automatic feed function.

3. Machines for arc processing (arc machines)

The most complex and expensive equipment that is used to restore the radius shape of the heels of drum brake pads. Such machines copy the bend of the brake drum, ensuring maximum fit of the pad.

Model examples:

• 🔧 Hofmann Geodyna 752 — automated CNC machine for high-precision processing.
• 🔧 BendPak BS-300 — semi-automatic machine with the ability to adjust the radius.
• 🔧 SOROKIN ARK-200 — domestic machine for brake blocks of trucks.

Each of these types of machines solves its own problem, and services often use a combination of several machines. For example, first the block is straightened on a straightening machine, and then ground on abrasive equipment.

When is brake pad heel treatment necessary?

Many car owners and even some craftsmen underestimate the importance of treating heels, believing that it is enough to simply replace the friction material. However, ignoring this procedure can lead to serious problems:

• ⚠️ Creaking and vibration when braking — a deformed heel does not ensure uniform adhesion of the pad to the disc or drum.
• ⚠️ Accelerated wear of brake discs — if the pad does not fit evenly, grooves and waves form on the disc.
• ⚠️ Reduced braking performance — poor contact between the pad and the disc increases the braking distance.
• ⚠️ Overheating of the brake system — uneven load distribution leads to local overheating.

Situations when heel treatment is required:

⚠️ Attention! If you are installing new friction pads on old heels, they necessarily need to be checked for deformation. Even a slight bend in the metal can cause the pad to touch the disc only with the edge and not the entire surface.

• 🔧 After replacing the friction material (riveting new linings).
• 🔧 If corrosion or deep scratches are detected on the metal base.
• 🔧 If the pads have previously been subjected to severe mechanical stress (for example, after an accident or aggressive driving).
• 🔧 When installing pads on cars with drum brakes (the arc shape of the heel is especially important here).

In some cases, treating heels may not be economically feasible. For example, if the metal base is very worn or cracked, it is easier to replace the entire pad. However, in most situations, straightening or grinding is cheaper than buying new parts, especially for commercial vehicles.

How does a heel processing machine work?

The operating principle of the equipment depends on its type, but the general diagram looks like this:

1. Fixing the pad

The block is installed in a special clamp of the machine, where it is securely fixed. Some models provide replacement adapters for different types of pads (disc, drum, for cars or trucks).

2. Setting parameters

The wizard sets the necessary parameters:

• 🔧 The thickness of the metal (so as not to sharpen the heel through).
• 🔧 Arc radius (for drum brakes).
• 🔧 Straightening force (for straightening machines).

3. Processing

Depending on the machine type:

• 🔧 Straightening: a hydraulic or mechanical press acts on the deformed area, returning it to its original shape.
• 🔧 Sanding: an abrasive wheel or tape removes the top layer of metal, eliminating irregularities.
• 🔧 Arking: the machine copies the radius of the brake drum, giving the heel a perfect arched shape.

4. Quality control

After processing, the pad is checked on a special template or using a micrometer. It is important that:

• 🔧 The surface was smooth, without burrs.
• 🔧 The metal thickness was not below acceptable (usually at least 2-3 mm).
• 🔧 The radius of the arc (for drum pads) coincided with the radius of the brake drum.

On modern CNC machines (for example, Hofmann Geodyna) the process is fully automated: the operator just needs to load the block and select a processing program. Manual or semi-automatic models require more involvement from the technician.

What happens if you treat your heel incorrectly?

If you overdo it with grinding and make the metal base too thin, the pad may become deformed during the first intense braking. Also, errors in arc processing lead to the fact that the block will touch the drum only at one point, and not over the entire area. This causes vibrations, squeaking and accelerated wear of both the pad and the drum.

Popular machine models and their characteristics

The choice of equipment depends on the specialization of the car service and the budget. Below is a comparison table of popular models of machines for processing brake pad heels:

Model	Type	Max. block length, mm	Power, kW	Price (approximate), rub.	Features
BendPak BS-100	Straightening (hydraulic)	400	1,5	180 000 – 220 000	Suitable for trucks and cars, simple operation
Ammco 4000	Grinding	350	2,2	350 000 – 400 000	High precision, automatic feeding
Hofmann Geodyna 752	Arching machine (CNC)	500	3,0	800 000 – 1 200 000	For drum brakes, copying the drum radius
SOROKIN SK-1	Straightening (mechanical)	300	0,8	90 000 – 120 000	Budget option, popular in Russian service stations
Blackhawk BSG-100	Grinding	300	1,1	250 000 – 300 000	Compact, suitable for small services

When choosing a machine, pay attention to:

• 🔧 Maximum pad sizes, with which the equipment can work. Trucks require a machine with a large working area.
• 🔧 Processing type: If you specialize in drum brakes, an arching machine is a must.
• 🔧 Power and Performance: For a large service station, it is better to choose a CNC model to speed up the process.
• 🔧 Availability of spare parts and service — is especially important for imported equipment.

Domestic machines (for example, the SOROKIN brand) often outperform imported analogues in terms of price-quality ratio, especially when it comes to budget models for small car repair shops.

Where to buy a brake pad heel machine?

There are several ways to purchase equipment for processing brake pads. Let's look at the main options:

1. Official dealers of manufacturers

This is the most reliable, but also the most expensive method. Benefits:

• 🔧 Manufacturer's warranty (usually 1-2 years).
• 🔧 Opportunity to learn how to operate the machine.
• 🔧 Original spare parts and consumables.

Where to look:

• 🔧 BendPak — official website or dealers in Russia (for example, "AutoTechService").
• 🔧 Hofmann — representative office in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
• 🔧 SOROKIN - manufacturing plant in Samara, there are regional dealers.

2. Online platforms for car services

Here you can find both new and used equipment at lower prices. Popular platforms:

• 🔧 Avito - many offers from resellers and service stations that are closing.
• 🔧 AutoDeal — a specialized platform for auto tools.
• 🔧 StankoTrade — wholesale supplies of machines for car services.

3. Auctions and bankruptcy sales

Sometimes equipment is sold at a bargain price at auctions of liquidated car services. Follow:

• 🔧 Torgi.ru
• 🔧 B2B-Center
• 🔧 Lots of banks (for example, Sberbank-AST).

⚠️ Attention! When buying a used machine, be sure to check:

• 🔧 Hydraulics condition (if it is a straightening machine).
• 🔧 Wear of abrasive elements (for grinding machines).
• 🔧 Availability of documentation and connection diagrams.

Often a “bargain” purchase results in additional expenses for repairs or replacement of components.

4. Order from China

On AliExpress or Made-in-China You can find cheap analogues of famous brands. However, there are high risks here:

• 🔧 Low quality metal and assembly.
• 🔧 Lack of spare parts and service.
• 🔧 Long delivery times (1–3 months).

If you still decide to order a machine from China, choose sellers with a rating of at least 95% and read reviews of other car services.

Is it possible to do without a machine? Alternative methods for treating heels

Not every car service center can afford to purchase specialized equipment, especially if we are talking about a small workshop. In some cases, alternative methods can be used, but they have their limitations.

1. Manual straightening with a hammer

The simplest, but also the most unreliable method. Suitable for minor deformations only.

• 🔧 The block is clamped in a vice through soft spacers (for example, aluminum plates).
• 🔧 With careful blows of a hammer (it is better to use a copper or rubber one), the deformed area is leveled.
• 🔧 After editing, the flatness must be checked using a ruler.

⚠️ Attention! This method requires a lot of experience, since careless editing can damage the metal or change the geometry of the pad. Not recommended for drum brakes where radius accuracy is important.

2. Sanding with sandpaper or grinder

If you need to remove burrs or minor corrosion, you can use an angle grinder (grinder) with a flap wheel.

• 🔧 The block is securely fixed in a vice.
• 🔧 Grinding is carried out at low speeds so as not to overheat the metal.
• 🔧 After treatment, all hangnails are removed with a file.

3. Using a lathe

In some workshops, the heels of the lasts are processed on a lathe using special devices. This allows for high precision, but requires the skills of a turner.

4. Replacing pads instead of machining

If the heels are badly worn or warped, it is sometimes cheaper and safer to replace the entire pads, especially for passenger cars where the cost of new parts is low.

When alternative methods are not suitable:

• 🔧 For drum brake pads (precise arc shape required).
• 🔧 When working with commercial vehicles (trucks, buses), where the pads are large and expensive.
• 🔧 If you need to process a large number of pads (alternative methods are too labor-intensive).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about brake pad heel machines

🔧 Is it possible to make a machine for straightening heels yourself?

Theoretically, yes, but in practice it is difficult and not always justified. To make a homemade machine you will need:

• 🔧 Durable metal frame (preferably made from channel).
• 🔧 Hydraulic jack or press (for straightening).
• 🔧 Precise guides for fixing the pad.
• 🔧 Abrasive wheel or tape (for grinding).

However, without experience in turning and metalworking, it will be difficult to achieve the required accuracy. Ready-made machines pay for themselves faster than spending money on materials and time on making homemade equipment.

🔧 How much does it cost to treat heels in a car service?

The cost of the service depends on the region and type of machine:

• 🔧 Straightening (editing) - from 300 to 800 rub. for one block.
• 🔧 Grinding - from 500 to 1200 rub. per block.
• 🔧Arking (arc processing) - from 1000 to 2000 rub. per set (for drum brakes).

For commercial vehicles, prices are higher - up to 3000–5000 rub. for processing a set of pads.

🔧 How often should brake pad heels be treated?

There are no clear regulations, but there are recommendations:

• 🔧 Every time you replace friction linings (if the heels are not new).
• 🔧 If deformation or corrosion is detected on the metal base.
• 🔧 After strong mechanical stress (for example, after an accident or aggressive braking).
• 🔧 For drum brakes - with every major repair of the brake system.

On average, passenger cars require treatment once every 80–100 thousand km, for freight - once every 40–60 thousand km.

🔧 Which pads cannot be machined?

Not all brake pads can be rebuilt. Processing is prohibited if:

• 🔧 The thickness of the metal base is less 2 mm (risk of deformation when braking).
• 🔧 The heel has cracks or deep corrosion damage.
• 🔧 The block has already been processed more 2–3 times (metal loses strength).
• 🔧 The pad manufacturer directly prohibits restoration (this is indicated in the technical documentation).

It is also not recommended to treat pads with ceramic or composite linings - their base is often thinner than traditional pads.

🔧 Where to learn to work on a heel machine?

Training can be completed in several ways:

• 🔧 Courses when purchasing equipment - many dealers (for example, Hofmann or BendPak) provide training for buyers.
• 🔧 Professional courses for car mechanics — the program often includes work with brake systems.
• 🔧 YouTube and specialized forums — there are many video instructions on setting up and operating the machines.
• 🔧 Internship in a car service The best way to learn is by doing.

Operating CNC arcing machines may require additional training in programming the equipment.