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WHAT IS THE BREAK-IN PROCEDURE?

By Treso Dobo / June 28, 2023

The break-in process is essential to the effectiveness of the brakes. To ensure that the brake pads deposit a uniform coating of friction material on the rotors, a proper break-in period must be performed. It’s important to spread this first layer of friction material uniformly. Also check Power Stop brakes for car lovers

How can I properly break in new pads with drilled and slotted rotors?

  1. Stop 5 times from 40 mph to 10 mph without letting the brakes cool. If you must stop, shift into neutral or leave space in front to let the car roll while waiting for the light. The brake pedal will imprint the heated rotors. This may cause judder.
  2. Do five fast moderate stops from 35 mph to 5 mph without letting the brakes cool. Hot brakes smell like resin.
  3. After this, drive for 5 minutes at a reasonable pace without overheating the brakes.
  4. Cooling stage. It cools and cures brake pad resin.
  5. You may operate the brakes normally when they cool.

DO THE BRAKES NEED TO HAVE THEIR PADS AND ROTORS BROKEN IN?

New brakes need “bedding.” Gradually heating and cooling brakes improve performance. “Bedding” involves applying a consistent brake pad coating to the brake rotors. This may avoid brake fade and release gas from the pad material.

You should always break in new rotors before using your brakes for the first time. In this way, we guarantee:

  • Use of brakes as intended.
  • Quieter and less jarring stops
  • An authentic experience with your new brakes Superior efficiency
  • If you don’t let new brake pads wear in before pressing them against new rotors, your car won’t stop as well.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T BREAK IN NEW ROTORS?

Breaking in rotors enhances braking performance. Your car won’t brake well until you bed your rotors.

To understand how failure to bed new rotors impacts braking, you must understand friction. Friction converts kinetic energy to heat in brakes. Friction occurs in two ways:

  1. Abrasive friction: Friction happens when brake pads rub against the rotor. Abrasive friction stops the rotor from spinning. Friction creates heat. Heat can soften the rotor and cause brake failure.
  1. Adherent friction: This friction involves the pad material on a rotor’s surface. The material bonds with the pad when brakes are applied. The pad creates friction by breaking and reforming bonds as it moves. Adherent brake pads last longer by not grinding the rotor’s surface. Less brake dust is common.

Abrasive friction cleans the rotor surface, while adherent friction forms, breaks, and reforms pad material layers. These friction types stop your vehicle. No pads with only abrasive or adherent friction are sold.

Broken-in brakes clean debris from the rotor. This leads to a smooth surface for optimal friction. Bonds between the rotor and pad break and reform due to friction during rotation. This creates a smooth pad layer for the next rotation.

Bad rotor and pad bedding can cause poor friction function. High temperatures cause brake systems to create uneven brake pad deposits on rotors. This issue can cause brake pedal pulsation, steering wheel vibration, and vehicle vibration.

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