Brake pad backing plates look similar across many references, but small differences in ears, holes, slots, embossing, sensor positions and thickness can affect production stability and pad fitment. Overseas buyers should not rely on one short model number when preparing a custom steel back inquiry.
Fuxin Brake / FuXinbrake, the public brand of Hangzhou Fuxin Auto Parts Co., Ltd., supports brake pad component sourcing for brake pad manufacturers, friction material factories, importers and distributors. The company is positioned as a one-stop brake component supplier for backing plates, brake shims, truck and bus hardware kits and tooling/dies.
1. When FMSI, WVA or OE numbers are enough to start
Reference numbers are useful for the first search. They help a supplier locate the pad shape family, application, cross-reference and existing model coverage. However, one reference can sometimes have market variants or customer-specific changes.
- FMSI: often used for North American pad shape identification.
- WVA: often used by global aftermarket buyers for pad references.
- OE: useful when the buyer follows a vehicle or caliper program.
- GDB/FDB/MDB or local references: useful for cross-checking distributor catalog numbers.
If the buyer only has a reference number, Fuxin Brake can start with existing-model checking. If several similar backing plates appear, the buyer should confirm drawings, photos or samples before sample production.
2. When a drawing or physical sample is required
A drawing or physical sample becomes important when the buyer needs a custom version, an uncommon model, a modified hole position, a special ear design or a new brake pad project. Drawings should show outside profile, hole positions, slot dimensions, thickness, chamfer or embossed areas and tolerance notes where available.
For samples, send front and back photos before shipment. Mark key dimensions on the photos, especially total length, width, plate thickness, hole diameter, pin location and any features that affect pad assembly.
3. RFQ checklist for custom backing plates
| RFQ item | What to send | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Reference numbers | FMSI, WVA, OE, GDB/FDB, customer code or application. | Helps locate existing coverage and avoid wrong pad-shape families. |
| Drawing / sample | 2D drawing, CAD file, marked photos or physical sample. | Confirms exact geometry before sampling or tooling review. |
| Dimensions | Length, width, thickness, hole diameter, slot and tab positions. | Reduces delays when several similar models exist. |
| Material requirement | Buyer-specified material if required; otherwise default material option can be discussed. | Material should follow the buyer’s specification instead of being treated as a selling point. |
| Surface treatment | Buyer process requirement, coating or default/customizable option. | Surface treatment should match the buyer’s bonding and rust-prevention process. |
| Quantity and stage | Sample, trial order, mass production quantity and target market. | Helps decide whether existing inventory, modified tooling or new tooling is practical. |
4. Existing inventory vs new tooling
For mainstream references, the fastest route is to check existing backing plate coverage first. Around 10 million pcs backing plate inventory can help buyers compare available models, reduce sample lead time and support repeat purchasing for common applications.
For a new or modified model, tooling review is needed. Fuxin Brake’s in-house tooling center supports mold processing, development and modification based on drawings, samples and expected volume. Buyers should state whether the project is for prototype development, small-batch testing or regular production.
5. How backing plates connect with shims and hardware kits
Many brake pad factories source backing plates together with anti-noise shims, hardware kits or related tooling. This is useful when a new pad program must confirm steel back shape, shim outline and kit components at the same time. A combined RFQ can reduce mismatch between the backing plate, shim and fitting accessories.
If the inquiry also includes shims, truck/bus hardware kits, clips, springs, pins or guide plates, send kit content photos and packing requirements together with the backing plate references.
Recommended RFQ message
- “We need custom brake pad backing plates for the attached FMSI/WVA/OE references.”
- “Please check whether you have existing inventory or need new tooling.”
- “Attached are drawings/photos/samples with marked dimensions.”
- “Please quote sample cost, lead time, tooling route if needed, MOQ and packing method.”
- “If matching shims or hardware kits are available, please quote them together.”
FAQ
Can Fuxin Brake check backing plates only from a model number?
Yes, a model number can start the check. For final confirmation, drawings, photos, dimensions or samples are recommended when similar variants exist.
Can material and surface treatment be customized?
Yes. Material and surface treatment are customizable according to the buyer’s drawing, sample or agreed specification. Default options can be discussed only when the buyer has no special requirement.
How do buyers contact Fuxin Brake for an RFQ?
Use the RFQ page, email sales@fuxinbrake.com, WhatsApp +44 7593 791012 or WeChat hibo888. Send references, drawings, sample photos, quantity and packing details for checking.
Need custom backing plates checked?
Send FMSI, WVA, OE, GDB/FDB references, drawings, sample photos, quantity and target market. Fuxin Brake will check existing backing plate inventory first and review tooling if a new model is required.
Open RFQ inquiry page