New brake pads and rotors need a short break-in called bedding. It lays an even, thin film of pad material on the rotor. Without it, brakes can feel weak, make noise, or develop a vibration that feels like a "warped rotor".

Important: your pad maker's instructions always come first. The steps below describe a typical procedure for street pads.

Before you start

  • Find a safe, quiet road with no traffic behind you.
  • Pump the brake pedal a few times before driving, to push the caliper pistons back against the pads.
  • Make sure the pedal feels firm. If it sinks or feels spongy, do not drive; have the brakes checked.

Typical bed-in steps

  1. Warm-up stops: make 6 to 10 moderate stops from about 35 mph (55 km/h) down to about 5 mph. Do not come to a full stop.
  2. Firmer stops: make 2 or 3 firmer stops from about 45 mph (70 km/h) down to about 5 mph. Do not lock the wheels or trigger ABS.
  3. Cool down: drive for 5 to 10 minutes using the brakes as little as possible, so the pads and rotors cool evenly.
  4. Park without holding the brake hard: after hard stops, avoid sitting with your foot pressed on the pedal. Hot pads held in one spot can leave a mark on the rotor that later feels like vibration.

Common mistakes

  • Skipping bedding and braking hard in traffic straight away.
  • Coming to full stops during the procedure.
  • Fitting new pads to worn or grooved rotors.
  • Getting grease or brake fluid on the pad surface.

How do I know it worked?

The brakes should feel smooth and strong, and you may see an even, slightly darker band on the rotor face. A little smell during bedding is normal. Smoke, grinding or a pulling feeling are not normal; stop and have the brakes checked.

FAQ

Do pads with a break-in coating still need bedding?

Coatings such as EBC's red brake-in layer speed up the process, but a gentle bed-in still gives the best result. Follow the instructions in the box.

Do I need to bed in pads on old rotors?

Yes. Bedding matches the new pads to whatever rotor surface they run on. Old rotors must be in good condition first.

Related reading: Hawk HPS 5.0 review, EBC Greenstuff 2000 review.

Safety note: brakes are safety parts. If you are not sure how to do the job, have a qualified mechanic do it.