Global Brake Shims Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

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Brake Shims Market Analysis

The brake shims market is experiencing notable growth due to advancements in materials and manufacturing technologies. Modern innovations focus on reducing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels, enhancing the comfort and performance of brake systems. One major technology advancement is the development of advanced noise-damping materials like high-performance friction composites and multi-layered shims that offer superior vibration control. These materials are integrated with enhanced coatings, such as ceramic and anti-corrosion layers, improving durability and resistance to wear, which significantly extends the lifespan of brake components.

Additionally, advancements in laser cutting and precision manufacturing allow for more accurate and efficient production of brake shims, ensuring consistent quality and performance. The use of computer-aided design (CAD) and simulation technologies further optimizes the shim design for better fit and performance.

The growing demand for high-performance and eco-friendly vehicles is driving the market, as automakers seek to enhance braking systems safety and noise reduction. These innovations also support the rising adoption of electric vehicles, which require quieter and more efficient braking solutions. The market is expected to continue expanding with these technological advancements.

Brake Shims Market Size

The global brake shims market size was valued at USD 2.91 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 3.84 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2032. In addition to the market insights such as market value, growth rate, market segments, geographical coverage, market players, and market scenario, the market report curated by the Data Bridge Market Research team includes in-depth expert analysis, import/export analysis, pricing analysis, production consumption analysis, and pestle analysis.

Brake Shims Market Trends

“Increased Demand for Noise Reduction Technologies”

One specific trend driving growth in the brake shims market is the rising demand for noise reduction technologies in automotive applications. Brake noise, a common issue in vehicle braking systems, is a significant concern for both consumers and manufacturers. Brake shims, which are designed to reduce friction and vibration between brake pads and rotors, are increasingly being incorporated into high-performance braking systems to enhance comfort and safety. Manufacturers like TMD Friction and Bosch are focusing on producing advanced brake shims with enhanced noise-absorbing properties, catering to the growing demand for quieter, more efficient braking systems in passenger vehicles and commercial trucks. This trend is boosting the brake shims market globally.

Report Scope and Brake Shims Market Segmentation

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Brake Shims Market Definition

Brake shims are thin layers of material placed between brake pads and the brake caliper or rotor. Their primary function is to reduce noise and vibration, enhancing the braking system's performance and comfort. By absorbing vibrations, shims prevent the unwanted squealing sounds that can occur during braking. They also act as a thermal barrier, reducing the transfer of heat from the brake pads to the rest of the braking components. Brake shims are typically made from rubber, metal, or composite materials and are essential for ensuring smooth, quiet, and efficient braking, especially in modern vehicles.

Brake Shims Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Increasing Demand for Performance Vehicles

The rising popularity of high-performance and luxury vehicles is significantly driving the brake shims market. These vehicles, such as sports cars and premium models from manufacturers like Ferrari, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, require advanced braking systems to meet higher performance standards. Brake shims play a crucial role in reducing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), which is essential for ensuring a smooth and quiet ride. As consumers prioritize both performance and comfort in luxury vehicles, the demand for high-quality, precision-engineered brake shims increases. This trend encourages manufacturers to invest in premium materials and innovative designs, thereby fueling the growth of the brake shims market within the performance vehicle segment.

• Expansion of the Global Automotive Industry

The global automotive industry’s growth, especially in emerging markets like China, India, and Brazil, is a major driver for the brake shims market. As vehicle production increases in these regions, the demand for automotive components, including brake shims, also rises. For instance, China’s automotive market, the largest in the world, has seen a significant rise in car manufacturing, which directly boosts the demand for brake systems and related parts. The rise in vehicle ownership in India, coupled with a growing middle-class population, has led to higher demand for automotive components, including brake shims, to ensure safety, efficiency, and performance of braking systems. This growth directly contributes to market expansion.

Opportunities

• Increasing Electric Vehicle (EV) Adoption

The growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) presents a significant opportunity for the brake shims market. EVs have unique braking requirements, including quieter braking systems and different material needs due to the regenerative braking mechanism. Traditional brake systems are often supplemented with electric braking, creating a need for specialized brake shims that reduce noise and ensure optimal braking efficiency. For instance, manufacturers like Tesla and Rivian are designing their EVs with advanced brake components, increasing demand for noise-reducing brake shims. As more consumers opt for EVs, the need for tailored brake solutions, including high-performance brake shims, is expected to accelerate, fueling market growth.

• Growing Aftermarket Demand

The growing focus on vehicle maintenance and repair is fueling the expansion of the aftermarket for brake shims. As vehicles age, car owners increasingly opt to replace or upgrade brake components to ensure optimal performance. High-quality brake shims are in demand for reducing noise, vibration, and enhancing braking efficiency, especially for older vehicles that may require more frequent maintenance. For instance, in North America, where vehicle ownership is high and many vehicles are 5+ years old, there has been a notable rise in brake part replacements, including shims. This trend presents an opportunity for manufacturers to cater to the expanding aftermarket, offering superior, cost-effective brake shims to meet evolving consumer needs.

 Restraints/Challenges

• Rising Raw Material Costs

Rising raw material costs are a significant challenge for the brake shims market. The prices of materials such as steel and rubber, commonly used in the production of brake shims, have been fluctuating. This volatility directly affects manufacturing costs, making it difficult for producers to predict expenses and maintain consistent pricing. As a result, manufacturers may face challenges in balancing profitability while offering competitive prices. Such price instability can also discourage new entrants into the market, limiting competition and innovation. Furthermore, the increased cost of raw materials can lead to higher final product prices, which could reduce demand from cost-conscious consumers and negatively impact the market’s growth.

• Competition from Alternative Materials

Competition from alternative materials such as carbon-ceramic composites poses a significant challenge to the brake shims market. These materials are gaining popularity due to their superior performance, including enhanced heat resistance, durability, and reduced weight, which offer advantages in high-performance automotive applications. As a result, brake shims, which primarily use metal or rubber-based materials, face declining demand in sectors where performance is prioritized. The higher costs associated with carbon-ceramic composites also make them more attractive to manufacturers seeking long-term reliability and reduced maintenance, further hindering the market growth of traditional brake shims. This shift toward advanced materials threatens to limit the market share of brake shims, especially in premium and high-performance vehicle segments.

This market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth.

Brake Shims Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of material, sales channels, noise reduction level, and application. The growth amongst these segments will help you analyse meagre growth segments in the industries and provide the users with a valuable market overview and market insights to help them make strategic decisions for identifying core market applications.

Material

• Rubber Material
• Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) Material
• Thermoset Material
• Others

 Application

• Two Wheeler
• Passenger Vehicle
• Commercial Vehicle

 Sales Channels

• OEM
• Aftermarket

Noise Reduction Level

• Standard
• High
• Ultra-High

Brake Shims Market Regional Analysis

The market is analysed and market size insights and trends are provided by material, sales channels, noise reduction level, and application as referenced above.

The countries covered in the market report are U.S., Canada and Mexico in North America, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Rest of Europe in Europe, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific (APAC) in the Asia-Pacific (APAC), Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, South Africa, Egypt, Israel, Rest of Middle East and Africa (MEA) as a part of Middle East and Africa (MEA), Brazil, Argentina and Rest of South America as part of South America.

Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the brake shims market due to the rapid adoption of advanced technologies and increased investments by major automotive manufacturers. The high demand for vehicles, particularly motorcycles in India, is driving the demand for rubber brake shims in the region.

Europe is expected to show lucrative growth in the automotive brake shims market due to the presence of leading automotive companies. Innovations in advanced materials for automobile components are boosting vehicle demand, further driving market growth in the region.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in regulation in the market domestically that impacts the current and future trends of the market. Data points such as down-stream and upstream value chain analysis, technical trends and porter's five forces analysis, case studies are some of the pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, impact of domestic tariffs and trade routes are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.   

Brake Shims Market Share

The market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to market.

Brake Shims Market Leaders Operating in the Market Are:

• Wilwood Engineering, Inc. (U.S.)
• A.T.E. Private Limited (India)
• Brembo S.p.A. (Italy)
• EBC Brakes (U.K.)
• ICER BRAKES S.A. (Spain)
• Nisshinbo Holdings Inc. (Japan)
• J. Wagner GmbH (Germany)
• Showa Denko Materials Co., Ltd. (Japan)
• Hawk Performance (U.S.)
• Hunan BoYun Automobile Brake Materials Co., Ltd. (China)
• Sangsin Brake Co., Ltd. (South Korea)
• KFE Brake Systems (Germany)
• Brakewel Automotive Components India Private Limited (India)
• TMD FRICTION HOLDINGS GMBH (Germany)
• GUD Holdings Limited (Australia)
• Sundaram Brake Linings Ltd (India)
• CENTRIC PARTS (U.S.)
• Ford Motor Company (U.S.)
• Allied Nippon (India)
• Tenneco Inc. (U.S.)
• ZF Friedrichshafen AG (Germany)
• MAT Holding, Inc. (U.S.)
• Rane Brake Lining Limited (India)
• Akebono Brake Corporation (Japan)

Latest Developments in Brake Shims Market

• In April 2022, EBC Brakes Racing introduced titanium motorsport brake pad shims designed to withstand extreme temperatures encountered in high-performance motorsports. These innovative shims were made available for a wide array of high-performance car applications, providing enhanced durability and reliability under the intense heat generated during motorsport activities, ensuring better braking performance and longevity in competitive environments
• In November 2021, NRS Brakes expanded its product portfolio by introducing galvanized brake pads for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. These brake pads are equipped with advanced noise-canceling piston cushions and shims, specifically designed to enhance driving comfort by minimizing noise. This new offering underscores NRS Brakes’ commitment to delivering superior quality and performance for hybrid electric vehicles like the Outlander PHEV, ensuring quieter and more efficient braking
• In August 2021, Continental AG renewed its focus on the development of advanced disc brakes for electric vehicles (EVs). The company unveiled a minimalist brake caliper design, strategically removing excess material to achieve the lightest possible weight, which is critical for EV performance. Continental is also investigating the potential of lightweight aluminum brake components, aiming to optimize braking performance while lowering costs, weight, and braking demands specific to electric vehicles
• In February 2020, Delphi introduced a new line of brake pads designed for the latest Volkswagen Golf, branded as the “Five Layers of Quality.” These pads integrate advanced noise-absorbing underlayer technology, along with specially designed shims, chamfers, and slots to enhance performance. This new brake pad offering aims to provide superior braking efficiency, quieter operation, and improved overall durability, specifically tailored to meet the requirements of modern vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf

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