PowerStop guide
How to bed in PowerStop brake rotors and pads after installation
Bedding in, also called brake break-in, means heating and cooling the brakes in a controlled way after installation. The goal is to transfer an even layer of friction material from the pad to the rotor. This improves braking feel and helps reduce vibration, judder and noise.
Before you start
- Choose a safe, empty road with no traffic and no need for a sudden stop.
- After repeated braking, do not hold the vehicle stopped with heavy brake pressure. A hot pad can leave deposits on the rotor.
- Do not cool the brakes with water.
- If the brake pedal feels soft, the vehicle pulls to one side, or the brake system was not bled correctly, stop and check the installation.
Drilled, slotted and uncoated rotors
This procedure applies to typical PowerStop drilled and slotted brake kits and uncoated rotors.
- Make 5 stops from about 65 km/h to about 15 km/h, using medium to firm braking.
- Do not come to a complete stop between these stops and do not let the brakes cool during the sequence.
- Then make 5 moderate stops from about 55 km/h to about 8 km/h.
- After the sequence, drive for about 5 minutes at a steady moderate speed to cool the brakes without heavy braking.
- When the brakes return to normal operating temperature, normal driving can resume.
PowerStop Evolution Coated rotors
Evolution Coated rotors use a calmer process with more repetitions.
- After installation, make 30 slowdowns from about 48 km/h to about 8 km/h.
- Allow about 30 seconds of cooling between each slowdown.
- If you must stop, avoid holding the brake pedal hard while the brakes are hot.
- After the procedure, let the brakes cool back to normal operating temperature.
PowerStop Track Day pads
Track Day pads require a different break-in procedure than street pads.
- Accelerate to about 96 km/h and brake moderately hard to about 16 km/h. Repeat 10 times.
- Drive for several minutes at about 48 km/h without using the brakes to cool them.
- Repeat the 10-stop sequence, this time from about 129 km/h to about 16 km/h.
- Cool the brakes again for several minutes without touching the brake pedal.
Common mistakes after installation
- Stopping fully and holding the brake pedal after the rotors are very hot.
- Driving too gently at first and never creating a proper transfer layer.
- Cooling hot brakes with water or a pressure washer.
- Grease on the friction surface, dirty slide pins or worn caliper hardware.
Sources
Based on official PowerStop materials: Brake Pad Break-In Procedure, Evolution Coated Rotors Break-In, Track Day Break-In Procedure and Brake Kit Installation Guide.