Proper bedding new pads and rotors

[jmimac351]

I am going to replace front PFC rotors and pads on the gtra and wonder whether I need to follow some unique process for bedding the new pads and rotors? First time out do I need to do a limited first session then let them cool or is that not necessary? In the past I have followed Carbotech bedding guidelines when using their pads on a mustang cobra. I'm not sure if those guidelines are applicable with our specific setup on this car.

[Panoz26]

Jim,
I installed new pads, followed "normal" bedding procedures and had zero issues. Rock and Roll.

[gosborne]

My sense is that "normal" bedding procedures vary some from mfg to mfg and from compound to compound.

I've used Ferrodo race pads which want a different bedding process than Hawk HT10s which, want a slightly different process than the HAWK HD Towing pads.

Jim - for best results, I'd check with PFC and get their take on this.

Failing that, I'd imagine the "normal" bedding process would consist of some number (half dozen maybe) of fairly hard, medium speed braking cycles (not complete stops) then a cool off period, probably similar to what you did with the Carbotechs.

[jmimac351]

I found this...sounds like you make sure they work then beat the snot out of them.

http://www.motorsportbrakespecialist...c_Bedding.html

++++++++++++++++++==

Bedding New Performance Friction Brake Discs

Ensure that the brake discs are clean and free of grease or other contaminants.

Once the discs and pads are installed, perform the following procedure with brake cooling ducts fully open and functional - no tape! Best results are achieved using new Performance Friction brake pads. It is not necessary to bed in new PFC discs with used PFC pads.

1) On the first lap, perform several snubs with progressively higher pedal pressure and braking force and from higher speeds. You will feel the effectiveness of the brakes increase with each successive snub. This should take six to ten brake snubs per lap and is typically completed in one or two laps. As soon as the brakes become firm and responsive the car can be driven normally and at increased speeds.

2) Running the car at speed for one or two more laps with allow the disc to achieve the desired core temperature. If three-color rotor paints are used, the green paint should be fully oxidized and the orange paint beginning to oxidize to white. A transfer layer of pad material will deposit on the disc; this is the slate gray coloration on the disc friction surface. This is a good indication that the disc and pads have been bedded properly.

Note: When using discs from manufacturers other than Performance Friction it will be necessary to allow the discs to cool to ambient temperature to achieve satisfactory disc life and performance. Performance Friction discs do not need this cool down period, due to extensive heat-treating processes at the time of manufacture.


Bedding New Performance Friction Brake Pads

If the discs were previously being used with Performance Friction pads, then the bedding procedure will be achieved quickly with new PFC pads. If the discs were previously bedded using a different manufacturer's pads then the process will take slightly longer. Again, with brake cooling ducts open and fully functional, perform the following procedures.

1) On the first lap, perform several snubs with progressively higher pedal pressure and braking force and from higher speeds. You will feel the effectiveness of the brakes increase with each successive brake application. This should take 6 to 10 snubs per lap and is usually completed in one or two laps. If non-PFC friction materials were previously run on the discs then this procedure could take as many as three to five laps. This is because the non-PFC friction material transfer layer must first be cleaned from the disc and then a fresh layer must be imparted to the disc.

2) Running additional laps is the best way to accomplish the new transfer layer and, due to the higher surface temperatures, will assure a complete removal of the old friction materials from the disc. Braking effectiveness should be excellent at this point and the car can be driven normally.

Note: Sanding/machine grinding the discs will not decrease the bedding time. Whenever new Performance Friction pads are installed, the pads require very little cool down time. Usually the time spent taking tire temperatures and a debriefing with the driver is sufficient.