Bedding In Your Brakes - DBA
BEDDING IN BRAKES
Both disc rotors and brake pads are manufactured to exacting tolerances so why bed them in?
Read HERE for the correct procedure
Regardless of the material chemistry, the two mating brake
components made from Iron and friction compounds must
engage at a molecular level to cause the resistance that we
know as friction.
This mechanical engagement may be generated by means
of adhesion or abrasion depending on the brake pad material type.
The adhesion method requires the brake pad to evenly
deposit a transfer layer onto the disc rotor. This transfer
layer bonds to the iron surface during the bed in process
with heat and pressure.
The brake pad then clings onto the transfer layer generating
frictional resistance.
The abrasion method requires the brake pad and disc rotor
to engage at a molecular level to cause interference between
the mating surfaces.
This interference of the mating materials generates friction
through a shearing or grinding effect.
Most brake pads are post cured and sometimes scorched
to minimise the onset of green fade that was frequently
experienced in the past when fitting new pads. While it still
may occur with some compounds it is recommended to
road test the vehicle before handing over to the customer.
The bedding in procedure therefore requires the installer to
gradually increase the brake temperatures and allow them
to cool to ensure the newly installed components are ready
for use.
BEDDING IN INSTRUCTIONS
We recommend that brake parts should only be fitted by
a qualified technician and that all brake fitments should
be properly bedded-in and road tested to ensure correct
functionality and stopping performance following any
brake component replacement.
STEP 1.
A. Standard un-coated rotors:
Remove any contaminants such as oil or metal filings using a
suitable brake cleaner product and clean cloth or paper towel.
OR
B. Rust proof coated rotors:
Remove any coatings (such as DBA En-Shield) from your
rotor contact surfaces through undertaking several light
braking applications at a moderate speed of approx.
50km/h (30 mph), without generating too much heat.
Once the coating is cleared from rotor / brake pad contact
surfaces, you are ready to perform the bedding-in process.
STEP 2.
Bedding-in process for DBA brake pads with both coated
and un-coated disc rotors:
Drive the vehicle at 50km/h (30mph) and brake to 10km/h
(5mph) using medium pedal pressure without coming to a
complete stop. Repeat this process approx. 10 times and
allow a 30 second cool down period between each brake
application. Now your brake pads will display an effective
stop. For optimal performance, once the bedding-in process
has been completed, it is recommended that the vehicle
be driven normally. Avoid any excessive heavy braking
applications for the first 200 kms (120 miles) to prevent
excessive heat build-up and brake pad glazing, which can
lead to other noise or effectiveness issues as a result.