NOTE: After installation or bleeding of the brake system, flush any brake fluid from around the bleed screws, etc, using soapy water. Over time, brake fluid trapped in these areas may cause paint damage. Additionally, do not use acidic wheel cleaners when washing your vehicle, as they can cause damage to the caliper finish and aluminum disc mounting bells, as well as to the wheels themselves. Use only soap and water when cleaning wheels or braking components.
CAUTION: It is very important to follow proper brake bedding procedure following installation. This is necessary not only for optimum performance of the system, but also to avoid onset of judder (vibration felt through brake and steering).
CAUTION: Be aware that with new brake system components, the braking performance will be reduced until the pads and discs are fully bedded. Use extreme caution while driving the vehicle under these conditions. If done on public roads obey all traffic laws and do not endanger yourself or others.
The discs are delivered with a thin zinc coating to prevent corrosion. Prior to beginning the bedding procedure, this plating must be removed from the braking surfaces by driving the car slowly (under 30mph) and performing very light brake applications in order to remove the plating uniformly without generating heat. With too much heat or pedal pressure, this plating can be deposited unevenly on the disc, and impregnated into the pad, further increasing the likelihood of judder development.
Once a visual inspection of the braking surfaces confirms that the plating has been evenly removed, begin with the bedding procedure as specified below. The purpose of this procedure is to gradually increase the temperature in the components without thermal shock and to mate the brake pad and disc friction surfaces, generating a uniform transfer layer.
- Perform at least 20 brake applications using medium deceleration (approximately 60% of maximum) starting from 60mph and slowing to 20mph. Do not come to a stop. Accelerate back to the starting speed allowing 20-30 seconds before beginning the next brake application.
- After completion, drive the vehicle for at least 5 minutes with little or no braking in order to adequately cool the components.
- When it can be done legally, or on a closed circuit, a secondary bedding operation is beneficial. Repeat the above procedure for 5 to 10 brake applications increasing the starting speed to 80mph and increasing the deceleration rate to 80% of maximum.
- After completion, drive the vehicle for at least 10 minutes with little or no braking in order to adequately cool the components.
- The system is now ready for normal use.
CAUTION: This entire procedure must be complete before driving the vehicle as normal. It is especially important that this process is completed before any extended same-speed driving is done (i.e. freeway travel). Failure to follow these instructions greatly increases the likelihood of judder development.
CAUTION: The brake pads included with these systems will exhibit an initial fading cycle. This means that during their friction coefficient will decline during their first use at elevated temperatures (i.e. at temperatures experienced during circuit use). During this time, the braking distance will increase. Once this fading cycle has been completed, the friction coefficient will recover and then will remain stable. Use caution during the fading cycle.