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

When you install new disc brake pads—or a brand-new wheelset—it’s essential to bed-in the brakes before hitting the road at full speed. Bedding-in is the process of transferring an even layer of brake pad material onto the rotor surface. This ensures optimal braking performance, prevents noise, and extends both pad and rotor life.

Why Bedding-In Matters

Fresh brake pads and rotors don’t make full, even contact right away. Without bedding-in:

Braking power may feel weak or inconsistent.

You’re more likely to hear squealing or grinding.

Pads and rotors can wear unevenly, reducing lifespan.

A proper bed-in process creates a uniform friction layer, improving modulation and maximizing stopping power.

Step-by-Step Bedding-In Process

1. Choose the Right Environment
Find a safe, open area—preferably a quiet road or parking lot with no traffic. Avoid doing this on steep descents, as the goal is to build heat gradually.

2. Accelerate and Lightly Brake

Ride up to about 15–20 km/h (10–12 mph).

Gently apply the brakes until you slow to a walking pace.

Do not come to a complete stop during this step—this prevents uneven pad deposits.

3. Repeat at Higher Speed

Increase speed to 25–30 km/h (15–18 mph).

Apply firm braking pressure until you reduce speed to about 5 km/h.

Again, avoid stopping completely.

Repeat 8–10 times, allowing heat to build in the rotor.

4. Allow Cooling Period
After a series of stops, ride at an easy pace without braking for 2–3 minutes. This lets the pads and rotors cool evenly, locking in the friction layer.

5. Avoid Heavy Braking Until Fully Bedded
The process might need two sessions before brakes reach peak performance. Full braking power usually develops after 20–30 moderate stops.

Extra Tips for Success

Do not use water or brake cleaner immediately after bedding-in, as it removes the freshly transferred material.

If your brakes squeal afterward, check for rotor contamination or restart the bed-in process.

For carbon rotors or specialty pads, follow the manufacturer’s specific temperature and stop-count recommendations.

Bottom Line

Bedding-in your disc brake pads is a quick but crucial step for maximizing braking performance and safety. Spending 15–20 minutes on this process will pay off with quieter brakes, better control, and longer component life.

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