Breaking in my new hawk brakes

[FI994k]

So I installed my ss lines, new rotors and hawk hp+ pads.
Got back from the break in run and this is what my rotors look like, they obviously got very hot. I have never used high performance pads like these before so not sure if rotors and pads are supposed to look like this.
Break in procedure went like so:

7 runs from between 30-40 to 10' moderate breaking

Pulled back in the driveway to adjust rear left caliper.

Went back out for 4 more 40 mph to 10 mph runs.

Then went on the high speed passes:

Did 7 runs from 75-90 mph to 15 with moderate to heavy pressure.

By the 3rd high speed run I could feel the brakes fading a tiny bit.

Drove home and parked the car without using brakes.


Hope the pads weren't dragging at all...

[FI994k]

from photobucket

[SixAce]

I'm no expert, but I've never seen that before (rainbows?) Looks like they got real hot. Don't see much pad transfer either and what's there seems uneven, narrow, but that could just be the pics. When you say they faded just a bit, was the pedal stiff and just not slowing as much (glazed pads) or was the pedal dropping more (possible boiled fluid). What fluid did you use?

18 passes seems like alot. Easily 3-4 times more than I do. I don't do slow ones at all. Only 60/70 mph to 10, gradually build up to allow for some cooling and repeat. Mabey 5 total passes..


Take it back out and see if they haul you down from 60 to 10 and feel ok (no vibrations). Be safe..

Edit: Just watched Hawk's vids. Looks like I need to increase my procedure. There's 2 different procedures, Race & street pads:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRbrUr-Ttp4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5JNY...eature=related

[FI994k]

Thanks, I am using dual purpose pads. Box says 6-8 passes slow speed, then 6-8 passes at race speed... So I went 90 :)

Pedal was stiff, from glaze transfer, not spongy or weak. Btw I'm using motul. The lines or grooves are just a result from photo angle

Just got back from a drive to the store and they feel great! I've never had a car stop as quickly as this does now. Wish I would have done the brakes months ago!

[jeff_man]

3-5 high speed passes and your done. Do it again ever few month or so pending on your daily brake useage.

[trickyrix]

Now go buy some good wheel cleaner!

[mk2tmr2]

Did you clean the rotors off before installing them? They are packaged with a thin film of oil to prevent oxidation. You should clean this off with brake cleaner prior to installing the rotors. This is what could be causing the rainbow effect. I suppose it could also reduce pad transfer during break-in.

[FI994k]

Did you clean the rotors off before installing them? They are packaged with a thin film of oil to prevent oxidation. You should clean this off with brake cleaner prior to installing the rotors. This is what could be causing the rainbow effect. I suppose it could also reduce pad transfer during break-in.

i did clean the rotors off with brake cleaner, more than once as i noticed some residue after drying the first few times.

[ken o]

I will scrub new rotors with dawn and water to clean the oil off.
Install them and hit them with brake cleaner.
Bed them with a couple low speed and several high speed never coming to a complete stop.
Let them rest and enjoy with a nice track or autocross.

[SirHustlerEsq]

Expect the same responses you got from this thread
http://www.miataturbo.net/showthread.php?t=60395

[FI994k]

Expect the same responses you got from this thread
http://www.miataturbo.net/showthread.php?t=60395

i've already found out what i need to know.