New Rotors + Pads Bedding In
05-31-2012, 10:48 AM
#3
Three Wheelin'
I agree with above that you should look at the brake manufacturers recommendations. In general, you want to gradually bring the rotors up to operating temp versus shocking them with hard braking out of the box. This typically takes the form of doing several braking runs from "X" speed to "X" speed (you do not come to a stop) using gradually harder brake pressure as you bring the rotors up to temp. A couple of notes - allow a short cooldown period between each run (30-60 seconds) and do not "ride" the brakes.
Of course, if you are using stock pads you may not have to much or any of this. I use PFC's and they require no bed-in
Of course, if you are using stock pads you may not have to much or any of this. I use PFC's and they require no bed-in
05-31-2012, 02:42 PM
#5
Rennlist Member
typically you dont want to bed in new rotors and pads at the same time. I usually do about 5-10 good slow downs from about 80-90 to about 30-40mph. Make sure you leave some time inbetween the slows to let the brakes cool a bit. DO NOT COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. Cool the brakes after the last slow down before stopping, and do not keep the brakes applied when coming to a stop after you are done bedding them in.
05-31-2012, 03:29 PM
#7
Rennlist Member
Stoptech has a good article on the subject, but essentially track pads operate in two modes both friction and adhesion. Adhesion only takes place at high temps and only if there is pad material on both the pad and the rotor. The main point of bedding track pads is to deposit that layer of material on the rotor. Street pads, not so much...
That being said, I still try to wear in street pads to do two things 1) scrub them in so all of the wear marks can get aligned and 2) to boil off any residue. For a street car here is what I do:
1) Drag the brakes for a little while (by drag, I mean place your pinky toe on the pedal not much more) The idea here is to introduce the pads and rotors so they can scuff in and align the wear marks. You don't want to generate a lot of heat now, just slowly bring them up to 100deg or so. Should only take a couple of hundred yards at 45mph.
2) Slowly heat them till they smoke (just a little smoke, not your bong from college). For street pads, 4 or 5 hard stops from 60-20 should do... You don't want to generate heat too fast you will need to have a little soak time between each stop... Again the idea is to allow the heat to normalize throughout the system, but not let them cool off. Once they begin to smoke try to let them cool off slowly and keep moving.
