Hawk hps pads bed in w/new rotor?

[John Scott]

I have the recommended instructions for bedding in the pads, 6-10 stops from 35, then 2-3 from 45mph, cool for 15 min, don't drag brakes...,but wondered if new rotors added any special concerns....Still saving for my Big brakes

John

[johnc]

Most people don't realize this, but brake pads actually grip a thin layer of their own friction material that has been deposited on the rotor. They don't actually "grip" the rotor surface. The whole point of bedding brake pads is to lay down an even, thin layer of the brake pad's friction material onto the rotor surface.

 

So, a new rotor always needs bedding and you're always better off using the same pad material that was used previously on an old rotor.

[Guest GaryZ]

Actually conditioning a new rotor is a separate process from bedding the pads. You need to gently heat up the rotor to relieve internal stresses, I think the brake experts call it "seasoning." Professional race teams will use low temp. pads during the process, and then change to the high temp. pads for a second heat cycle.

 

Pads can tolerate a more rapid, heat up and cool down process, but you should be 'nicer' to your new rotors, and try to give them a slower heat up cycle (don't drag your brakes) and let them cool down more slowly (don't park the car immediately afterwards).

 

However, I am referring to race use pads/rotors where rotor cracking might be a problem due to the higher temperatures. For street use, it doesn't matter as much, and you could season the rotors by just using them gently for the first week.