Having new brake pads and rotors installed happens on a regular basis. The process is essential as it prevents break failure that is common with unmaintained breaks. Once those brake pads and rotors are mounted, it is essential to properly break them in. Bedding in, commonly known as conditioning new brake pads and rotors is necessary for new brakes to work properly.
The process works to put a layer of material onto the friction surface of the rotor from the brake pad. The transfer layer, as it is known, improves the brakes’ performance and extends their lifespan by enhancement of the friction generation of the brakes and rotors.
The Process of Bedding in New Brakes
Once the new brakes or rotors are installed by a mechanic, the next step is to bed them in.. This is done by rapid acceleration and then quick deceleration.
It’s important to remember safety when attempting to bed in the new brakes. To maintain the safety of anyone on the road, it is best if bedding in is done in an area with little to no traffic. Most people travel a little way out of their city to bed in new brakes.
Bedding in the brakes is usually done in two rounds. During the first round, the vehicle is driven at a speed of 60 Kph, with a medium-to-easy slow to stop, repeated three or four times. The brakes should be allowed to cool for a few minutes.
The car should be subjected to an aggressive slow-down from 100kph to 20kph eight to ten times. The vehicle should be allowed to sit, or driven at a low speed on the empty road, for a few minutes to allow the brakes to cool before using the brakes again.
After doing this, the brake pads should show a distinctive color change from when they were first applied. This change is the transfer layer. Once bedding in has been completed, the brakes should provide the driver with smooth braking.
