SERVICE TIP – CORRECTLY BREAKING IN E-BIKE BRAKE PADS

Our e-bike disc brake pads are based on organic materials with a higher proportion of Kevlar. The increased Kevlar content reduces wear and tear, thereby increasing durability.

Under the microscope, the pad surface resembles an uneven mountain range. When the pad is pressed onto the brake disc, only a few peaks are in contact. These peaks are also called hotspots because they are heated the most during braking due to concentrated friction. During longer braking maneuvers, these peaks become so hot that they could cause the pad material to vitrify. The heat could also be transferred to surrounding areas, which could also damage them. In the worst case, the brake pad could become unusable before it has been fully broken in.

The following instructions will help you to break in your e-bike brake pads properly and safely.

STEP 1: SMOOTH OUT HOTSPOTS

At approx. 15-20 km/h, apply minimal pressure to the brake lever for approx. 5 seconds, allowing the brakes to grind slightly. Repeat this process at least 5 times. Allow the pads to cool briefly in between. This will pre-smooth the few protruding tips without overheating them.

STEP 2: SMOOTHING THE SURFACE

Then brake moderately 30 times from approx. 25 km/h to approx. 5 km/h. Allow the pads to cool between braking maneuvers. This smooths the pad surface in a controlled manner to create sufficient contact between the pad and the brake disc.

The brake pads are properly bedded in after this process. Experience has shown that it can take some time for the brake pads to develop their full braking performance. 

TIP

We recommend running in the rear and front brake pads one after the other to get a better feel for the braking behavior and the running-in progress for the respective brake.