Measuring Brake Temperature

Measuring Brake Temperature

An important factor in consistent brake performance is maintaining the operating temperature within the effective range of the pad material being used by controlling the flow of cooling air from the brake ducts.

There are several different methods of monitoring the brake system temperatures:-


CP2649-1 Temperature Paint Kit
1. Thermal paints. CP2649-1

The three different paints Green, Orange and Red are applied to the outside edge of the brake disc and will give a good indication of the maximum temperatures the disc has reached during use.

Three different paints are used :-
Green paint : Turns to White at 430°C.
Orange paint : Turns to Yellow at 560°C.
Red paint : Turns to White at 610°C.


These paints are available in a kit form only. Each Bottle contains 15ml of paint:- Kit part number CP2649-1.

Temperature Converter - Enter a number and click on the "Convert" button
°C   =   °F


CP2640-24 Digital Read Out Pyrometer Kit
2. Brake Temperature Pyrometer. CP2640-24

Used only for checking temperature balance between front and rear. For balance purposes absolute temperature reading is not important - only the differences (between front and rear).
Brake temperatures are adjusted front to rear by balance control ( either balance system or in line valve) and / or control of brake ducting. Temperature readings should be rounded to the nearest 5°C and are only significant if a difference of over 25°C exists.

Note:- It is vital that the minimum time period elapse between taking front and rear temperatures as brake discs cool rapidly.

CP2640-24 Pyrometer Kit.
This standard unit features a lightweight compact design incorporating an improved probe design to provide a cost effective unit with improved temperature response time.
CP2640-24 kit comprises the pyrometer, disc probe, tyre probe battery and carrying case.
Temperature recording books are available from AP Racing under Part No CP2640-25


3. Temperature Strips. CP2650-11

The brake caliper temperature indicator strip is applied directly to the brake caliper to indicate the maximum temperature the caliper has achieved during use,
It is essential that the caliper temperature is kept well within the working range of the brake fluid to prevent fluid vaporisation which will result in the loss of brake pedal.
Calipers that regularly run at up to 200°C - Re-seal every other event.
Calipers that run intermittenly from 200°C to 220°C - Re-seal as soon as possible.
Each packet contains 10 strips with each strip having 9 temperature levels ranging from 149°C to 260°C.

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