Rotor/pad break-in.

[DWB]

?99 DII. I?m replacing front rotors with OE, and pads with NAPA premium this weekend. Two questions: The rotors came with a dark coating?should this be cleaned off? If so-- Sand paper? Steel wool? Second, I?ve read on this forum reference to a procedure for properly ?burning in? the new pads with new rotors?can someone comment on the need for this and the exact procedure?

 

[FrankyRizzo]

?99 DII. I?m replacing front rotors with OE, and pads with NAPA premium this weekend. Two questions: The rotors came with a dark coating?should this be cleaned off? If so-- Sand paper? Steel wool? Second, I?ve read on this forum reference to a procedure for properly ?burning in? the new pads with new rotors?can someone comment on the need for this and the exact procedure?

Just lay off any long hard stops for 50 miles or so. The coating will wear off in nothing flat.

 

[Best4x4]

The OEM rotors have a coating that will wear off after you do a drive cycle with the new pads. After installing new rotors and pads don't go out and lock them up or get them red hot. I'd say for the first 500 miles or so to avoid really locking up the brakes hard. That will allow the pads and rotors to break-in properly without glazing the pads or warping the rotors.

Tad

 

[RichardS]

Here's a link to one method, I have done this type of bedding on the last few sets of rotors/pads on multiple vehicles and it has worked well for me. Ignore the optional steps for race pads. And pay particular attention to not coming to a complete stop while everything is really hot - this can deposit a spot of pad material on the rotor and cause vibration. My routine is to do all this on some backroads with little to no traffic and no stoplights, thus avoiding complete stops.

http://www.zeckhausen.com/bedding_in_brakes.htm

 

[curtis]

Thats link shows almost exactly what I have done since I was a kid. The great thing is that it does not take long - maybe 20 minutes. You will still need a little more time to allow full bedding, but after doing it you will be at 95%. Make sure to go HARD from the 60 to 10. In a Rover with new brakes this usually means a long runout with both feet on the pedal. The trick is not to stop, but if you go between midnight and 5AM or live in a rural area you might be OK. Like the article said, after a few the brakes will fade. They will be HOT, maybe even glowing. They will certainly stink. Bad. Keep driving and let them cool. Good time for a freeway run for ten minutes.

Good luck. Its an easy job.