Brake Engineering is simplifying brake caliper supply to the aftermarket with a major reduction in surcharge costs across its best-selling range, removing a key barrier for garages and motor factors when purchasing remanufactured components.

Effective from Monday 13th April, the company’s top 110 best-selling brake calipers will now be completely surcharge-free, while the next 90 best-selling calipers will carry a maximum surcharge of just £5. The move represents a significant shift in the traditional remanufacturing model, where surcharges have typically been applied as a refundable deposit linked to the return of old units.

By removing surcharges entirely on its highest-volume lines, and dramatically reducing them across a further 90 products, Brake Engineering is streamlining the buying process and responding to growing demand from workshops.

Cyril Daly, Head of Passenger Car Sales ZF Aftermarket, said: “This is a major step forward  in making remanufactured calipers easier to buy and easier to work with. We know that surcharges can sometimes be seen as an extra layer of complexity, so by removing them across our most popular products, we’re helping garages save time and reduce admin, while still benefiting from a high-quality, OE-standard solution.”

Traditionally, surcharges have played an important role in ensuring used calipers are returned for remanufacturing, supporting both sustainability and the circular economy. However, Brake Engineering recognises that the process can be seen as cumbersome in a fast-paced workshop environment, particularly when compared to alternative products that do not carry a surcharge at point of purchase.

The change is designed to remove that friction, making it easier for garages to choose remanufactured products without compromising on quality, while still maintaining a strong return flow of used units through simplified processes.

The announcement comes at a time when the aftermarket is under increasing scrutiny over parts quality, following Brake Engineering’s recent independent study into new calipers entering the market. The study identified 29 structural and mechanical defects across three new brands, all of which failed to meet original equipment manufacturer standards and critical tolerances.

Testing revealed issues including porosity within the casting, oxide contamination and inconsistent microstructures, all of which can weaken the component and impact braking performance. Further concerns were raised around material composition, structural integrity and seal quality, with potential consequences including increased vibration, inconsistent pedal feel and, in extreme cases, catastrophic failure.

Daly added: “There’s a growing conversation in the aftermarket about quality and safety, particularly as more lower-cost components enter the market. Our focus is on removing barriers to doing the right thing. By simplifying the surcharge model, we’re making it easier for garages to choose a product that meets OE standards and delivers reliable performance.”

All Brake Engineering calipers are remanufactured in the UK to original equipment specifications, with full replacement of wear components including seals, pistons and sliders, and comprehensive multi-stage pressure testing to ensure consistent performance.

Brake Engineering believes the move to reduce and remove surcharges across its most popular products marks an important step in modernising the remanufacturing model, aligning it with the needs of today’s aftermarket while reinforcing the importance of quality, safety and sustainability.