How to break in new pads
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FROM TIRERACK.COM:
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All brake pads must be bedded-in with the rotor they will be used against to maximize brake performance. Recommended bed-in procedures for newly installed brake pads and rotors are as follows:
AKEBONO
400 to 500 miles of moderate driving is recommended. Consumer should avoid heavy braking during this period.
BAER
See SBS procedure below.
BREMBO Gran Turismo
In a safe area, apply brakes moderately from 60mph to 30mph and then drive approximately 1⁄2 mile to allow the brakes to cool. Repeat this procedure approximately 30 times.
EBC
400 to 500 miles of moderate driving is recommended. Consumer should avoid heavy braking during this period.
NOTE: If a higher than normal amount of brake dust or excessive pad squeal from EBC pads and rotors is experienced, they may be glazed. Remove this glazing by decelerating aggressively from 60mph to 20mph in a safe area. This should be repeated 3 times. Then allow the brakes to cool by driving normally.
HAWK
After installing new pads make 6 to 10 stops from approximately 35 mph with moderate pressure. Make an additional two to three hard stops from approximately 40 to 45 mph. Do not allow the vehicle to come to a complete stop.
NOTE: Hawk racing pads (Blue, Black, HT-10, HT-12) may require a different bed-in procedure. Contact your sales specialists at The Tire Rack for racing application information.
KAZERA
Follow the brake pad manufacturers recommended break-in procedure taking care not to produce excessive heat in the system. Avoid heavy braking for the first 400-500 miles.
POWER SLOT
Follow the brake pad manufacturers recommended break-in procedure taking care not to produce excessive heat in the system. Avoid heavy braking for the first 400-500 miles.
SATISFIED
For Gransport GS6 Carbon Ceramic Pads
Step 1: Make 10 stops from 30 mph (50 kph) down to about 10 mph (15 kph) using moderate braking pressure and allowing approximately 30 seconds between stops for cooling. Do not drag your pads during these stops. After the 10th stop, allow 15 minutes for your braking system to cool down.
Step 2: Make 5 consecutive stops from 50 mph (80 kph) down to 10 mph (15 kph). After the 5th stop, allow your braking system to cool for approximately 30 minutes. This completes the break-in of your pads to the rotor surface.
During Steps 1 & 2, a de-gassing process occurs which may produce an odor coming from your pads as they complete the break-in cycle. This odor is normal and is part of the process your pads must go through to achieve their ultimate level of performance. The odor will go away after allowing your braking system to cool for approximately 30 minutes.
As with any new set of pads, do not tow a trailer or do any hauling during the break-in period.
Full seating of your new brake pads normally occurs within 1,000 miles.
For all other Satisfied pads
400 to 500 miles of moderate driving is recommended. Consumer should avoid heavy braking during this period.
SBS
400 to 500 miles of moderate driving is recommended. Consumer should avoid heavy braking during this period.
NOTE: SBS racing pads (ProTrack, ProRace) may require a different bed-in procedure. Contact your sales specialist at The Tire Rack for racing application information.
FROM HAWK:
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Q: What is the proper procedure for braking in new brake pads?
A: Brake pad break-in procedure.
- After reaching medium speed engage brake pedal to slow car without coming to a complete stop. Release pedal quickly and do not drag brakes. Repeat four or five times.
- At higher speeds engage brake pedal to slow car without coming to a complete stop. Release pedal quickly and do not drag brakes. Repeat five times.
- At or near race speed engage brake pedal to slow car without coming to a complete stop. Release pedal quickly and do not drag brakes. Repeat three times. Allow a few seconds between brake engagements while car is in motion.
- Do not hold brake pedal. Park car for approximately 20 minutes or until brake rotors are completely cool to the touch.
- If during the above steps the brake pedal becomes soft or brake fade is noticed, park the car immediately for approximately 20 minutes. Do not hold brake pedal.
Important reminders:
- Do not attempt to use badly worn or damaged rotors with new pads.
- Do not drag brakes while car is moving during break-in procedure.
- Do not engage pedal while car is stopped at any time following the break-in procedure.
- Upon completing the procedure, allow the brake system to completely cool before racing.
- Applying the pedal a few times before the start of the race will allow the pads to heat up before attempting to reach race speeds.
- Clean a used rotor surface with fine sand paper or steel wool, rinse with water, dry and install before bedding new pads.
- Some forms of racing don't allow time for the proper break-in procedure to be performed. However, it is still very important to attempt to perform at least the core of the procedure: slow heat build up and complete cool down.
