Brake Bedding Procedures

Modern disc brake systems have a tendency to make noise. Since it is understood that all noise is caused by vibration, the key to elimination of annoying brake noise is to eliminate vibration. One of the easiest ways is proper bedding of new pads, before they have a chance to develop vibration. A thorough brake job will prevent or eliminate noise.

Fresh Brake Surfaces

The key to successful bedding is to start with new or freshly machined rotors. This will allow the surfaces to mate without interference from glaze and contamination from the previous set of brake pads. Pad compounds differ in composition depending on manufacturer; as a result, some compounds will leave a glaze on the rotor that is not compatible with other manufacturer's compounds. This can cause noise ranging from squealing to groaning. Fresh surfaces eliminate this problem.

Bedding Procedure

Before the vehicle is put into service, bed the new pads. This is also called seating or burnishing the pad, and should be done every time. During the test drive, perform 8 to 10 easy stops from 30 miles per hour to a stop. Allow about 30 seconds between stops to allow the brake system to cool. During the test drive, avoid overheating the brakes with hard stops, or stops from highway speeds. This will cause glazing, and ruin the surface you are trying to build during the bedding procedure.

Cooling.

After the test drive, park the car and allow the brake system to cool completely. After the bed-in procedure, minor noise may still occur during the first 500 miles of use, and then stop. Avoid overheating the brake system during this initial 500 miles as well. More information about brake pad replacement procedures can be found at http://www.diy-auto-repair.com/brakerepair.html and other sites online.