8.2 BRAKE SYSTEM BEDDING-IN
The brake bedding-in procedure is a process of repeatedly and quickly heating and cooling the brakes, in a
way that the pad deposits a uniform layer of its material on the disk surface and to evenly remove the thin
anti-corrosion coating of the disk.
Correct bedding-in procedure is necessary not only for optimum performance of the system, but also to avoid
onset of judder (vibration felt through brake and steering).
Brake bedding-in process:
1. Check the disc before use, in particular its surface conditions. To avoid contamination during bedding,
if needed, cleaning of the disk surface with sandpaper above FEPA 600, brake cleaner or similar is
possible.
2. In order to prevent unpredictable heat transfer on disc surface, and resultant thermal deformation
(cracks, vibrations) the bedding should be achieved by application of groups of constant pressure
stops (for a total of about 30 stops) with gradual increasing of the initial speed (and total brake
energy).
These braking must be done far from the tyre adhesion limit (50÷60% of the max race pedal pressure)
in order to achieve a corresponding gradual increase of torque and temperature to the brake system
and promote a regular third layer deposit. Between the stops let the system to cool down to avoid
overheating. During this phase the friction coefficient starts high and then decreases to the
stabilization level, so in the first phase avoid too hard braking to avoid overheating.
3. Toward the end of the bedding the disc surface is become completely and uniformly settled and the
friction efficiency optimized, so at this point no risk of uneven heat distribution and distortion should
exist. After the constant braking pressure and the subsequent layer formation (step 2) a series of 4÷5
high deceleration stops are desirable in order to set up the layer and guarantee a correct functioning.
Be aware that incorrectly bedded brakes can reduce the controllability and the lifetime of the pads and discs.
The maximum braking performance can only be achieved by correctly bedded brake parts.
This procedure should be performed on a safe part of the circuit, away from traffic, as you have to be able to
repeatedly stop quickly.
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