Bedding in new brake pads and discs is an essential part of maintaining your vehicle's braking system. It ensures that the components function properly, last longer, and provide better stopping power. In this blog post, we'll discuss the steps to follow for properly bedding in new brake pads and discs, as well as some common mistakes to avoid.
Step 1: Prepare the Components
Before you begin the bedding in process, it's important to properly prepare the new brake pads and discs. Start by cleaning the discs with brake cleaner to remove any grease or contaminants. Next, ensure that the brake pads are properly seated in the calipers and that the calipers move freely.
Step 2: Initial Break-in Period
During the first 100 miles of driving with new brake pads and discs, it's important to avoid heavy braking. This allows the components to settle into place and prevents glazing. Additionally, this break-in period will help the brake pads and discs wear in a way that complements each other.
Step 3: Begin Bedding In
After the initial break-in period, you can begin the bedding in process. This process involves a series of moderate stops followed by more aggressive stops. The goal is to bring the components up to a temperature where they begin to transfer material. This transfer of material between the pads and the rotor creates a layer of friction material on the rotor, providing better braking performance.
If you have metallic brake pads, it's best to use a moderate amount of pressure to gradually increase the temperature. If you have ceramic brake pads, it's best to use more aggressive stops to bring the temperature up quickly.
Step 4: Cooling Down
Once you've completed the bedding in process, it's important to allow the components to cool down gradually. If you stop the vehicle immediately after completing the bedding in process, it can cause uneven cooling and lead to warping of the rotors. Instead, drive the vehicle at a moderate speed for several minutes to allow the components to cool down gradually.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using aggressive braking during the initial break-in period can cause glazing and reduce the effectiveness of the new brake pads and discs.
- Not properly cleaning the rotor with brake cleaner can cause contamination and uneven wear.
- Not properly seating the brake pads in the caliper can cause uneven wear and reduce braking performance.
- Not following the manufacturer's recommendations for bedding in new brake pads and discs can lead to reduced effectiveness and a shorter lifespan of the components.
In Conclusion
Properly bedding in new brake pads and discs is crucial for ensuring that your vehicle's braking system performs at its best. By following the steps outlined in this blog post and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure that your new components last longer and provide better stopping power. Remember to take your time, follow the manufacturer's recommendations, and be patient during the bedding in process.