I have a question, What is the proper way to burnish brakes. I am having an argument with my boss about it. I say to make about 5 to 10 normal stops from differnt speeds, and maybe hit em hard a couple of times. My boss says to make about 20 stops with about half of them being hard stops. Anyone know? I'v always thought the reason to burnish brakes was to just wear the pads or shoes into the rotor or drum, and cook off any dirt or crap on the linings. Is there any other reasons? Thanks Jesse.

 

I've been told to me 4 or5 quick stops (but no screeching tires) from 30mph waiting a couple minutes in between stops - don't want them too hot, or you'll have another problem.

Marty

 

i have used the bendix brake procedure...they call it the 30/30/30. that means 30 stops from 30 mph, with 30 seconds off cool down inbetween stops. as you already mentioned, they should be good stops, but not enough to lock the tires. what you are doing besides "mating or lapping" the surfaces, is transferring material from the new pads onto the rotors (or drums). you create a "transfer film" which aides in the friction created to stop the vehicle. this way, the actual pad doesnt wear directly on the rotor which would result in a shorter lifespan.

 

Different pad manufacturer's have different procedures.

Here are a few as listed at the Tire Rack:
http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/tech/....jsp?techid=85