How To Bed In Brakes Correctly
Bedding in your brakes is essential for optimal performance and long-lasting durability. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process to bed in your new brake pads and rotors, whether you're using standard or rust-proof coated rotors. Follow these instructions to ensure smooth braking and maximize stopping power.
Step 1: Preparing Your Brake Rotors
Before starting the bedding-in process, it's important to prepare your rotors properly based on their type.
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For Standard Un-Coated Rotors:
- Remove any contaminants, such as oil or metal shavings, using a high-quality brake cleaner and a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Remove any contaminants, such as oil or metal shavings, using a high-quality brake cleaner and a clean cloth or paper towel.
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For Rust-Proof Coated Rotors (e.g., DBA En-Shield):
- Perform several light brake applications at moderate speeds (around 50 km/h or 30 mph) to remove the protective coating from the rotor contact surfaces. This step prevents overheating and prepares the rotor for optimal bedding.
Step 2: The Bedding-In Process
After prepping the rotors, it's time to bed in the brake pads. Follow this process carefully:
- Drive at 50 km/h (30 mph) and apply medium brake pressure to slow down to 10 km/h (5 mph). Avoid coming to a full stop.
- Repeat this process 10 times, allowing a 30-second cool-down period between each brake application to prevent excessive heat build-up.
- Once complete, your brake pads will deliver effective stopping performance.
Post-Bedding Recommendations
After bedding in the brakes, it's best to drive normally, but avoid heavy braking for the first 200 km (120 miles) to prevent overheating and glazing of the brake pads. Excessive heat can lead to noise issues and reduced effectiveness over time.
Find the Right Brake Solutions for Your Vehicle
Explore our range of premium brake pads and rotors to enhance your vehicle's performance. Whether you're looking for standard or rust-proof options, we've got you covered.