[scottj]

Pad bedding is accomplished by SLOWLY heating the pads until the entire thickness of the pads are hot. Then let the pads cool completely. This cures the pads and releases gases that are trapped in them during manufacturing.

Drive slow, alternate 3 seconds on the brakes, 3 seconds off, 3 on, 3 off, until the brakes are hot and then let them cool completely.

If pads aren't bedded, and you make aggressive stops, the surface of the pad will glaze. This will then prevent the pads from bedding, reduce their coefficient of friction, make the pedal hard and reduce stopping power.

The degree to which braking performance is reduced by not bedding will vary depending on pad type, compound, manufactuer, etc.

I fought a hard pedal, and no stopping power combined with zero rotor wear until a guy from one of the brake companys said, "you are bedding the pads correctly, right?" And I went, "huh?"

Now, regardless of pad type, I bed them.

Scott