Proper Brake Bed-in ;)

[T04GTR]

hi all. ive been reserching brakes again and i came across this usful info from pagid.

just fitted some race type pads? then follow these precedures to get the best from them

GUIDANCE ON PAD INSTALLATION

When installing Bremsen Technik Racing Pads, we recommend you observe the following:

CLEANING DISCS

It is always good practice to clean the surface of the disc to remove any previous pad deposits and contamination. This can be done with a specific deglazing tool or a medium to coarse abrasive paper. This will allow the new pad to achieve better contact with the grain of the disc surface. As many high performance friction materials impart a friction transfer layer on the disc surface, this should be cleaned away when new pads are fitted. This is especially the case when a change of compound is made.

Failure to clean the disc surface will result in reduced friction and reduced brake pad life.

MOUNTING NEW PADS ON USED DISCS

When fitting new pads to used discs care must be taken to file top and bottom edges to 45 degrees to allow pads to clear high ridges on disc radius. This will allow the pads to fully contact the disc surface. If the contact area is reduced, hot spots can occur and damage friction material reducing efficiency. If you are changing to Bremsen Technik pads from another manufacturer, please take care to remove all surface deposits from the disc. If this is not done, bedding in may prove difficult and reduce life and performance of the pads.

BRAKE DISC CONDITIONING (NEW DISCS)

When fitting new discs, care must be taken to heat cycle the disc by gradually introducing moderate temperatures into the disc before high temperatures are reached. The introduction of high temperatures into the brake disc too quickly can result in thermal shock causing cracking and disc distortion. Thermal shock can be reduced by also allowing the disc and pad combination to cool gradually after extreme use and allowing the vehicle to come to a complete stop when the brakes are at extreme temperatures should be avoided (e.g. holding the vehicle in the pit lane on the foot brake). Thermal shock can result from the level of thermal energy applied, or from the rate the heat is applied and removed. Try to keep the energy levels gradual by using warming up cycles and cooling down cycles where possible.

This practice will prolong the life of both pad and disc, improve overall brake performance and help to prevent failures.

GUIDANCE ON BEDDING IN PROCEDURE

When bedding in Bremsen Technik Racing Pads, we recommend you observe the following:

GEOMETRIC ALIGNMENT OF PAD TO DISC SURFACE (BASIC BEDDING IN)

3-4 brake applications with light to medium pedal pressure from approx 90mph to 60mph without allowing wheels to lock. Allow for a distance of 300-400 metres between brake applications for cooling period. Pads should not reach temperatures above 300-400ºC during initial bedding in. Check that pad surfaces have at least 80 percent contact with disc before allowing more heat into pad surface.

BEDDING IN AT HIGH SPEED (Immediately after Basic Bedding In)

1 brake application with medium to high pedal pressure from approx 110mph to 60mph without allowing wheels to lock. Allow 2-3 recovery brake applications with light pedal pressure. Repeat high speed applications including recovery applications a further 1-2 times. Allow a cooling off distance of 500 metres between high speed applications. For Ceramic materials, allow another 1-2 high speed applications to attain slightly higher temperatures in the pad.

BRAKE FADE TROUBLESHOOTING

Brake Fade can be separated into two groups:

PEDAL FADE

This is the result of the brake fluid boiling in the calipers. This will cause the brake pedal to feel spongy and pedal travel will increase. If the brake fluid in the system has boiled, it should be immediately replaced as its ability to resist boiling has been greatly reduced. Fluid testing should be regularly done as a matter of course. It should be replaced regularly, or when tests show it has degraded. ALWAYS USE THE HIGHEST GRADE FLUID POSSIBLE.

PAD FADE

This is the result of friction being lost between pad and disc surface due to the friction material exceeding its maximum operating temperature. The pedal feel remains constant but the vehicle is not retarded. If pad fade regularly occurs, an upgrade to a material with a higher operating temperature should be considered. If the highest specification material is being used, consideration should be given to increasing disc size if possible, or improving cooling to the brakes. The main problem area with high performance braking systems is always the control of the thermal energy. Brake disc and pad temperature analysis can be used to indicate the temperature range the brakes are operating in. With this information, material alternatives and cooling aspects can be considered and tried.

[N1GTR]

Good work Dave

[R34GTX]

Different procedures for different brake manufacturers.

[Eug]

Different procedures for different brake manufacturers.

general idea is the same though...

high speed and solid braking, cool down, rinse and repeat.

what pads are you using pete?

[R34GTX]

Yeah, somewhat similar. Hawk HP PLUS ftw. Track and road prove. Can be alittle dusty for every day driving if you have bling wheels, but I don't have to worry about that!! lol

general idea is the same though...

high speed and solid braking, cool down, rinse and repeat.

what pads are you using pete?

[Eug]

they are a pretty sweet pad hey.

i just had a set put in, maaaan!! the puff of smoke/dust when you bed them in!