QA

Question: How To Break In New Pads And Rotors

Do you need to break in new brake pads and rotors?

Once those brake pads and rotors are mounted, it is essential to properly break them in. Bedding in, commonly known as breaking in, 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.

How do you break in new rotors?

How to break in new brake rotors and pads Engage hard braking at 40 mph. Do not come to a complete stop. Go 50 mph and jam the brakes just to the point of engaging ABS all the way down to 10 mph. Then go 65 mph and slow the car down to 15 mph to finish it up. Park the car and let the brakes cool down for 20 minutes.

How long does it take for new brakes and rotors to break in?

“Bedding-in new pads and rotors should be done carefully and slowly Most brake pad compounds will take up to 300-400 miles to fully develop an even transfer film on the rotors.” Failure to follow these procedures may result in brake judder, excessive noise, or other difficulties in bedding-in the new brake pads.

What happens if you don’t break in new rotors?

The consequences of failing to bed in a rotor include reduced braking power, uneven braking power, noisy brakes, reduced lifespan of pads, though not typically the rotors. In the main, these consequences are long term, though permanent might be an over reach.

Is it normal for new brakes and rotors to smoke?

Your new brakes aren’t burning up; they aren’t faulty from the shop. The smoke smell you incur are gases formed during this curing process. It’s important to be gentle with your new brakes for the first few miles. If new brake pads overheat too quickly, it can cause something called brake fade.

How long does it take for new brake discs and pads to bed in?

Bedding-in. All you have to do is make about 20 complete stops in the car – from 30-0mph – or about the same number of slow-downs from 50-20mph. This will start the bedding-in, for your customer to continue when you hand back the keys. This practice is particularly recommended when you have new coated brake discs.

How do new brake pads feel?

Brakes are self-adjusted so you should never feel any difference (except for that first pump after the change). The range of travel should be the same with a brand new pad versus one that is complete worn, since the brake cylinders don’t retract back to a fixed position.

Is it normal for new brakes to rub?

The brake pads are constantly in contact with the disk, it’s natural to hear some rubbing when new brake pads are installed, but this shouldn’t last for long, as the pads wear out evenly on the disk the noises reduce, there should be no issue.

Why are my brakes spongy after changing pads?

Air in the brake fluid is the most common cause of low, spongy brake pedal feel. Moisture in the fluid will not substantially change the pedal feel until the fluid temperature exceeds the boiling point of any water in the fluid, then the pedal feel gets very soft.

Do you have to pump brakes after changing pads?

As mentioned, you always start car, pump up brakes after a pad change – simply to move piston/pad combo back out into contact with rotor after you have retracted the piston fully during swap. This should take like 3-5 pumps on the pedal max, not 5 minutes of pumping.

Do new brakes have a break in period?

Many brake experts recommend breaking in new brake pads with a 30-30-30 procedure: 30 gradual stops from 30 mph with 30 seconds in between each stop for the brakes to cool. After the last brake application, accelerate back up to 60 mph and drive for several minutes without braking so the brakes can cool.

Why are my new brakes and rotors grinding?

New rotors will make the run out caused by a damaged wheel bearing worse. When you step on the brakes the pads will try and force the rotor which is spinning off axis to try and straighten the wheel bearing that is already damaged. This can cause a very bad grinding noise in some instances.

Do you need to clean new brake pads before installing?

If it seems to be dirty, clean it using brake cleaner. This is one of the most crucial steps of any brake component change. Whenever you install new brake pads or brake rotors or both (new pads and rotors), you MUST complete a bedding procedure.

Is bedding in brakes necessary?

Anytime you install new brake rotors, brake pads, or both, it’s advantageous to bed in your new brakes. Bedding in your brakes helps transfer an even layer of brake pad material onto the brake rotor which assists in smoother brake operation and improved braking power.