Heat temper brake pads

[thejimrose]

Pad beding is very critical, our engineers battle this constantly, people
spending 3 grand on brakes then not bedding them in and wondering why they
vibrate. The baking concept is essentially what happens in a properly done
bedding session, you're supposed to start slow to face the rotors and pads,
then get more aggressive to slowly build up heat in the system. There's a
pretty good summary in our brake install documents. I would say just skip
the toaster and bed the pads properly. Save the toaster for toast! =)

jim @ stasis

19. Verify that all bolts are tight and torque the wheel lug bolts. Test
drive the car
using the brakes gently.
WARNING: Do not test the ultimate performance of the brakes until they are
bedded in.
20. Bedding Pads and Rotors: Your must bed the pads and heat cycle the
rotors
before they may be used aggressively. This procedure allows the resins in
the
pads to burn off slowly to avoid uneven deposits or pad glazing. It also
allows
the rotors to relieve any thermal stresses. We suggest that you use the
brakes
gently for approximately 25 brake applications to allow the pad and rotor
surfaces to conform before bedding in at temperature. Once the rotors and
pads are making even contact as evidenced by an even shine to the rotor you
should proceed with a higher temperature break in. Apply the brakes in a
series of five to ten increasingly aggressive applications (approximately
50mph – 10mph) with the final application force being approximately 75% of
the brakes capacity. Let the pads and rotors cool completely. Do not come to
a complete stop until the brakes have reached temperature. Do not rest the
vehicle with the brakes applied. If necessary roll the vehicle a few feet
without the brakes applied after coming to rest for the cool off process.
21. A second bedding is recommended if possible. Apply the brakes in a
series of
five to ten increasingly aggressive applications (approximately 50mph –
10mph) with the final application force being approximately 90% of the
brakes capacity. Let the pads and rotors cool completely. As before do not
come to a complete stop until the brakes have reached temperature and do not
rest the vehicle with the brakes applied.
Aggressive early use of the brakes will cause rotor and pad overheating due
to
elevated temperatures at the microscopic high spots on the rotors and pads.
Bedding in allows these high spots to be worn down under mild braking so
that
complete rotor and pad contact can occur. Proper bedding in leads to
increased
rotor and pad life. Failure to bed in pads and rotors followed by severe use
can
lead to reduced pad and rotor life.