Brake Disc Bedding Guide
All cast iron brake discs need to be bedded-in to ensure heat
stabilisation and improve resistance to cracking. Cracks or even
disc failure can occur during the first few heavy stops if
careful bedding is not carried out.
AP Racing recommend the following procedure:-
ROAD CAR DISC BRAKE BEDDING IN PROCEDURE
Bedding the disc from new or stress relieving the cast iron disc
after it has been clamped to the mounting bell is of paramount
importance if premature warping is to be avoided after the brakes
are used to their full potential.
AP Racing discs are produced from the same castings as our normal
race discs, but when used in the controlled area of motor sport
it is easy to instruct a driver to gradually bring the disc up to
working temperature with some moderate braking over a small
amount of measured laps, progressively increasing his braking
effort until an Engineer assess the disc visually or by
temperature readings.
For road car installations the process needs to be as
follows:-
- For the first 10 miles, light braking from
50/60 mph down to 30 mph if possible in blocks of 5. Do not
attempt any high-speed stops down to zero at this point, as only
the faces will heat up with the mass remaining cool along with
the mounting area.
- For the next 100 miles increase the braking
pressures similar to stopping in traffic, again avoiding if
possible full stops from above 70 mph. By now the area around the
mounting bolts should be a light blue temper colour. This is a
good indication that the correct heat soak has been
achieved.
- For the next 100 miles gradually increase the
braking effort after this full power stops can be used. The disc
should now be an even dark to light blue temper colour, depending
on the pad type and the braking effort being used during the
process. This process must be completed before any race circuit
use.
Track Day Use:
If used at a Track day the
following points must be adhered to so as not to warp the
disc.
- At the start of a session use a minimum of one
warming up lap for the brakes i.e. gradually increase the effort
at each corner and do not drag the brakes under power as in left
foot braking.
- Use at least one cooling down lap at the end
of the session and if possible stay off the brakes.
- Do not leave your foot on the brake when
parked in the paddock after a track session. If you do, the hot
spot created by the pad can distort the disc in that localized
area causing a high spot, resulting in vibration under
braking.
- On the majority of car installations, race
circuit use can be more exacting on the brake system than a fully
prepared race car due to the following:-
None or minimal cooling, increased chassis weight, longer braking
distances due to driving technique or tyre grip.
Therefore it is very important to check your brake system
thoroughly after such use. Bear in mind race cars on average
cover less than 50 laps of a circuit before being serviced.
Note:
For details on Competition disc
bedding click link below:
Competition
Disc Bedding Instructions