Below is a list of Brake Band manufacturers from Chicago, Illinois. Brake bands are used in vehicles and engines to aid in creating friction which is used to slow down the movement in the vehicle or engine. Also known as brake pads, brake bands are strips of friction material, such as ceramic material, leather or metal which are tightened concentrically around a spinning shaft or drum when the brake is activated. The friction is caused by the increased tightening of the band.