How to Bed-In Ceramic Brake Pads
by Francis Walsh
Brake pads are one of the consumable parts every automobile and truck is equipped with. Replacing old, worn brake pads may include a new set of brake pads made from ceramic components. Once a new set of ceramic brake pads are installed, you need to know how to correctly bed-in the pads. The bed-in process leaves a film of brake pad material on the rotor and creates the perfect environment for the ceramic brake pads to grip the rotor and stop your vehicle.
Step 1
Remove the rotor of each wheel that will receive new ceramic brake pads during installation. Machine the front and back surfaces of each rotor to prepare the surfaces of the rotor to bed-in new ceramic brake pads.
Step 2
Install new ceramic brake pads into the disc brake calipers and assemble the machined rotor, brakes and wheel. Each wheel should be maintained in the same manner and at the same time to prevent irregularities in performance. Get in the vehicle to bed-in ceramic brake pads after installation.
Step 3
Drive the vehicle down a familiar road that is free from traffic or has sparse traffic flows. Increase the vehicle's speed to 35 miles per hour and then bring the vehicle to a stop using moderate foot pressure on the brake pedal. Accelerate again to 35 mph after the stop and repeat 10 times. Accelerate and stop evenly each time.
Step 4
Increase speed to 45 mph and stop the vehicle forcefully but evenly three times. You should bring the vehicle to a complete stop each time before accelerating to the next stop. It is important to control how much pressure you apply on the brake pedal when you bed-in ceramic brake pads to avoid skidding the tires across the pavement.
Step 5
Drive the vehicle home and allow the brakes pads and rotors to cool for at least 15 minutes before using the brake system again. Bed-in ceramic brake pads to increase the life of the pads and improve braking response and performance.
References
Tips
- Remove any and all fluids and film from the machined surfaces of the rotor with brake cleaner to have a pristine surface prior to the bed-in procedure. Check the fluid level of the master cylinder before you bed-in new ceramic brake pads. Bleed the brake system to get better response and add resistance in the brake pedal when in use.
Things You'll Need
- Brake pads (ceramic component)
- Rotors (machined face front and back)
Warnings
- Ceramic brake pads that have not been bed-in properly can scar the rotor and the brake pad with a layer of burnt material that not only reduces the effectiveness of the ceramic brake pads but can reduce the stopping power of the brakes. It can be enough to make driving dangerous and should be corrected before the vehicle can be driven safely on the streets again.
Writer Bio
Francis Walsh has been working as a freelance writer since 2003. He has contributed to websites such as Shave, Autogeek and Torque & Chromeas, as well as provided content for private clients. Walsh has worked as a performance part-packer and classic car show promoter, now serving as crew chief for Nitrousfitz Racing.
