How long does bedding-in take?

The actual bedding takes only a few kilometers. But sport compounds reach full friction stability only after the first one to two hundred kilometers, or after the first time they get properly up to temperature. So don't schedule bedding-in only for the drive to the track day.

Do I have to bed in new brake discs separately too?

New discs are broken in along with the pads during bedding - they don't need a separate procedure. The only important thing is that pad and disc are both fresh: a new pad beds in less well onto a worn disc with a foreign transfer layer, in which case it's worth resurfacing the disc beforehand or replacing it.

Bedding in brakes: bedding-in protocol for new brake pads

Bedding in brakes properly: the bedding-in protocol

If you want to bed in new brakes, you need a clean bedding-in protocol: 20 gentle decelerations from 80 km/h, then five hard ones from 120 km/h - and absolutely do not come to a stop while the discs are hot. This is how you build the transfer layer between pad and brake disc that ensures a consistent coefficient of friction.

Why you have to bed in new brake pads

A fresh brake pad needs an even transfer layer on the brake disc so that friction and the coefficient of friction behave reliably. During bedding-in, friction material is transferred to the disc in a controlled way and the pad is thermally cured.

Without clean bedding-in you get hot spots, pulsation when braking and premature pad wear. Noise also increases if the pads were never properly brought up to temperature.

Bedding-in protocol step by step

The protocol below applies to most Endless sport compounds such as MX87. Pure race pads like the MA45B follow their own, adapted bedding procedure. Just get in touch via the contact form if you need it.

Phase 1: around 20 gentle decelerations from 80 km/h to about 30 km/h, without coming to a stop.
Phase 2: five to eight firm decelerations from 120 km/h to about 60 km/h.
Roll between the braking applications so the brake gets air.
After the last braking, keep driving for several minutes and do not stop while the discs are hot.
Only then park the car - otherwise pad material burns in at single points and creates pulsation.

Common mistakes when breaking in

The classic mistake: stopping at a traffic light right after the first hard braking. Then hot pad material is transferred unevenly and the disc judders later. Just as damaging is full-throttle stop-braking with brand-new pads before a transfer layer even exists.

Frequently asked questions

How long does bedding-in take?: The actual bedding takes only a few kilometers. But sport compounds reach full friction stability only after the first one to two hundred kilometers, or after the first time they get properly up to temperature. So don't schedule bedding-in only for the drive to the track day.
Do I have to bed in new brake discs separately too?: New discs are broken in along with the pads during bedding - they don't need a separate procedure. The only important thing is that pad and disc are both fresh: a new pad beds in less well onto a worn disc with a foreign transfer layer, in which case it's worth resurfacing the disc beforehand or replacing it.

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