🚗 Borg-Warner Automotive Inc. – Asbestos Exposure from Clutches & Brake Components

Borg-Warner Automotive Inc., a major automotive parts manufacturer, produced and distributed asbestos-containing clutches, brakes, and friction materials for decades. These components were widely used in both OEM (original equipment manufacturer) and aftermarket applications, putting assembly line workers, mechanics, auto technicians, warehouse handlers, and even car owners at risk of inhaling asbestos dust released during installation, servicing, or repair.

🏢 Company Overview

• Founded: 1928

• Headquarters: Auburn Hills, Michigan

• Industry: Automotive parts and drivetrains

• Peak Asbestos Use: 1950s–1980s

• Current Status: Operating as BorgWarner Inc. (publicly traded)

• Asbestos Trust Fund: ❌ No trust established

⚠️ How Borg-Warner Used Asbestos

Asbestos was valued for its:

• 🔥 Heat resistance

• 🛞 Durability under friction

• 💥 Fireproofing in high-temperature settings

Borg-Warner incorporated asbestos into:

• 🛞 Clutch facings

• 🛠️ Brake pads and linings

• 🔧 Transmission gaskets and friction plates

Mechanics were most at risk when removing, sanding, grinding, or blowing out brake dust, especially in poorly ventilated garages.

👷 Who Was Exposed?

Asbestos exposure from Borg-Warner products affected:

• 🧰 Automotive mechanics and service techs

• 🏭 Assembly line and plant workers

• 📦 Warehouse personnel and shippers

• 🧑‍🔧 Auto parts store employees

• 🚘 DIY car owners handling their own repairs

• 👪 Family members of exposed workers (via contaminated clothing)

⚖️ Lawsuits & Legal History

Borg-Warner has been named in thousands of asbestos-related lawsuits, especially from:

• Mechanics diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer

• Factory workers who handled raw friction materials

• Individuals exposed to brake dust in closed environments

Despite high litigation volume, no asbestos trust fund has been established. Cases have typically been handled through civil court or group litigation involving multiple defendants.

📅 Timeline of Asbestos Use

📊 Exposure Estimates

👷 Borg-Warner Employees Exposed

➡️ Total Direct Employees Potentially Exposed: ~7,700+

🌍 People Exposed to Borg-Warner Products

➡️ Total Non-Employee Product-Related Exposure: ~90,000+

🪖 Military & Government Use

Though Borg-Warner was primarily a civilian supplier, its products were used in:

• 🪖 Military vehicles and transport trucks

• ⚙️ Government fleet maintenance garages

• 🏢 Public transportation systems (city buses, police cars)

Mechanics working on military base fleets or government vehicles may have unknowingly encountered Borg-Warner clutches and brakes with asbestos.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

⚖️ Can I still sue Borg-Warner?

✅ Yes. You can still pursue legal action through:

• Individual product liability lawsuits

• Group/mass tort claims

• Multi-defendant asbestos exposure litigation

Even without a trust, many cases have reached successful verdicts or settlements.

⏳ Is there a time limit?

Yes. You must typically file within 2–3 years of diagnosis (varies by state). It’s crucial to act quickly if you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer.

📋 What documentation helps?

• Proof of work around Borg-Warner brakes or clutches

• Repair records, invoices, or auto shop receipts

• Medical documentation confirming asbestos-related illness

• Eyewitness testimony or employment verification

🧾 Known Asbestos-Containing Products by Borg-Warner

📌 Summary – Borg-Warner Automotive Inc.