This article is not a simple list of suppliers, but provides a professional evaluation framework to help purchasing managers change from ‘request for quotation’ thinking to ‘value assessment’ thinking, and to identify strategic suppliers with real value for long-term co-operation.

At Yida Friction, we've partnered with OEMs for years, and we understand that selecting a clutch facing supplier goes far beyond a simple price comparison. It's about ensuring performance, reliability, and long-term value for your vehicle platform.

1. The Automotive-Grade Quality System: Moving Beyond Basic Certification

ISO 9001 is a quality management requirement that covers all industries. But for the automotive industry or supply chain, the real ‘ticket’ is quality management competence according to IATF 16949. It is the global standard for the automotive industry and fulfils the requirements of automotive customers. High quality requirements: For companies involved in automotive safety, reliability and zero-defect requirements, IATF 16949 provides a higher level of quality assurance.

While Yida is proudly ISO9001 certified, our internal processes for production line management and quality control are developed with the principles of IATF 16949 in mind. This ensures that every batch of clutch facings we deliver maintains the same high standard of performance and durability, a crucial factor for our OEM clients in Europe and Southeast Asia.

2. Mastery in Material Science: The Key to Customized Performance

According to the Chinese national standard GB/T 5764-2011 [9], clutch facings are mainly classified into two main categories according to the production process: - Winding type clutch facings: usually made of yarn containing reinforcing fibres (e.g. glass fibres) impregnated with binder and then wound and hot-pressed into shape. - Non-wound (moulded) clutch facings: pre-mixed friction materials (containing reinforcing fibres, friction modifiers, binders and fillers) are hot pressed in a mould. A good supplier not only produces, but also provides customised formulations and process selection recommendations based on customer needs (e.g. torque, heat resistance, NVH).

A true OEM partner is also a technical consultant. At Yida, our expertise covers a wide range of asbestos-free formulations and manufacturing processes, including advanced woven clutch facings ideal for high-torque applications. We work with our clients' engineering teams to select or even develop the perfect friction material that balances performance, lifespan, and cost for their specific powertrain system.”

3. A Resilient Supply Chain: Ensuring Stability in a Volatile World

Automotive supply chain security is the key to ensure stable operation of automotive manufacturing companies. As a purchasing manager in an automotive plant, supply chain security is of utmost concern. In today's competitive business environment, a supplier's capacity, raw material sourcing stability, production scheduling flexibility and international logistics experience are particularly important. A reliable supplier can effectively reduce the risk of supply cut-offs on the purchaser's side.

Having a diverse product portfolio, including both braking and transmission friction products, gives Yida a resilient and efficient supply chain. Our proven track record of exporting to demanding markets in the Middle East and Europe demonstrates our robust logistics management and our commitment to on-time delivery, giving our OEM partners peace of mind.

4. The Proof is in the Performance: Rigorous Testing and Field Validation

OEM suppliers must provide complete bench test data (e.g. coefficient of friction, wear rate, heat resistance). More importantly, it is important to be able to provide successful examples of the product's long-term operation on real vehicles or equipment.

A construction equipment customer in Malaysia has seen a significant reduction in field failures and warranty costs by using Yida's long-life clutch facings, which have been rigorously tested and validated by us".

5. The Partnership Approach: Achieving a True Long-Term Cost Reduction

In the procurement process, we should pursue the lowest total procurement cost rather than the lowest unit price of the product. The value of a high-quality clutch disc is reflected in the reduction of vehicle breakdowns during the break-in period, the reduction of after-sales warranty claims, and the enhancement of end-users' driving experience and brand loyalty. This is the real value that the purchasing manager can bring to the company.

A true commercial vehicle clutch facing cost-down solution isn't about shaving a few cents off the component price. It's about long-term reliability. For instance, a client in the construction machinery sector found that by using Yida's long-life clutch facings, they significantly reduced field failures and warranty costs, ultimately lowering the total cost of ownership for their end-users and enhancing their brand's reputation for durability.

In summary, there are several key hallmarks to look for in a top clutch facings OEM supplier: a culture of quality that goes beyond certification, deep R&D capabilities, a robust supply chain, and the ability to deliver long-term value.

Choosing the right clutch facing supplier is a strategic decision. If you're looking for a partner who understands the nuances of OEM requirements and is committed to delivering long-term value, our team at Yida is ready to discuss your specific needs.
Yida Friction – Empowering Braking. Driving Performance.