FAQ ~ Bedding your new 360 Brake

IMPORTANT NOTICE

PROCEDURE HAS CHANGED 

PLEASE DOWNLOAD NEW INFO BELOW

Click here to download & print directions

Q: What does it mean to “Bed the brake pads?”

A: It is sometimes referred to as “Bedding”, “Breaking In” or “Burnishing”. This “break-in” is a critical process, which must not be overlooked, in order to achieve optimum performance of your new 360 Brake.

Q: Why should I perform a bedding procedure on new brake pads?

A: Correct brake pad break-in (bedding) is important to assure quality braking performance over the life of the pad. This procedure allows the rubbing surface of the brake pad to slowly be brought up to temperature. Proper bedding creates a transfer layer film of friction material to be applied to the rotor surface. This allows the brake pad material to rub against itself rather than the bare rotor. This increases the stopping performance of the brake pad and can reduce pad and rotor wear.

Q: What can happen to my brake pads if not bedded properly?

A: Proper break-in will assure that small amounts of heat are introduced to the brake pad. Brake pads that are brought up to temperature too fast and not properly allowed to cool down may quickly become glazed and not perform as originally intended. The pads' rubbing surface can reach extreme heat levels during use. The surface needs slow temperature increases to help prepare the pad. Large amounts of heat all at one time can cause the brake pad rubbing surface to become somewhat liquefied and coat the pad surface with a glaze. This will dramatically reduce stopping performance as certain ingredients in the friction compound break down and cause glazing of the rubbing surface of the brake pad.

Q: How can I tell by looking at the brake pad if my pads have been glazed over?

A: When a brake pad glazes over the friction surface develops a cloudy or glassy looking coating. It is possible to remove the glazed surface by using sand paper to grind away the damaged layer and expose a new layer that will require the proper bedding procedure.  If the pad is not glazed too badly it may be possible to simply repeat the bedding procedure.

Q: How long do 360 Brake pads last?

A: The useable life of a brake pad is influenced by a number of factors including vehicle weight, driving style, vehicle usage, brake pad material, and many others. Therefore a blanket pad lifetime cannot be given. However, when used in the same conditions, a 360 Brake disc should meet or exceed the life of the pad it replaces. It is important, however, to periodically check the pad thickness, and replace the pad if it falls below the minimum allowed thickness.

Click here to download & print directions