How to Properly Bed-In Disc Brake Pads on New Wheelsets

Bedding-in your disc brake pads is an essential step to ensure optimal braking power, consistent performance, and longer component life. Skipping this process can lead to poor stopping power, brake squeal, and uneven pad wear — all of which compromise your ride. Here’s how to do it the right way.

1. Why Bedding-In Matters
When new pads and rotors are installed, their surfaces are smooth and don’t yet have the microscopic layer of brake pad material that allows maximum friction. Bedding-in gradually transfers a thin, even layer of pad material onto the rotor surface, preventing glazing and improving bite.

2. Preparation

Ensure the rotors are clean and free from grease or fingerprints. Use isopropyl alcohol and a clean, lint-free cloth.

Check that pads are correctly installed and aligned.

Find a safe, traffic-free area with a slight downhill slope to perform the process.

3. Step-by-Step Bedding-In Process

Accelerate and Brake Gently – Ride up to about 15–20 km/h (10–12 mph) and apply the brakes gently until you slow to walking speed. Avoid locking the wheels.

Repeat Gradually – Perform this light braking 8–10 times, allowing the pads and rotors to heat up gradually without overheating.

Increase Intensity – Ride up to 25–30 km/h (15–20 mph) and brake more firmly, again without skidding. Do this another 8–10 times.

Cool Down – After the final cycle, allow the brakes to cool by riding without braking for a minute or two.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overheating: Hard braking from the start can overheat and glaze the pads.

Contamination: Oils, dirt, or sprays on the rotor will ruin the bedding layer.

Inconsistent Pressure: Sudden, uneven braking leads to patchy material transfer.

5. When to Re-Bed Your Brakes
If you replace pads, install a new rotor, or notice reduced braking performance, repeat the bedding-in process. It’s also a good idea after long periods of storage to refresh the rotor surface.

Conclusion
Properly bedding-in disc brake pads takes less than 15 minutes and pays off with stronger, more consistent stopping power and reduced noise. It’s a small investment of time that can make a big difference in ride safety and performance.