SERVICE TIP – HOW TO PROPERLY BED IN SINTERED BICYCLE DISC BRAKE PADS

Sintered disc brake pads are very hard and therefore require a longer bedding-in phase than semi-metallic or organic brake pads. They are considered the most heat-resistant pads on the market. The high metal content makes these pads highly resistant to fading. Nevertheless, special care must be taken during the break-in phase to prevent this type of pad from glazing. Why is this important?

Under a microscope, the smooth pad surface resembles a mountain range. When the pad is pressed against the brake disc, only a few peaks make contact. These peaks are referred to as hotspots. Because the pad material is extremely hard, these hotspots wear down evenly only very slowly. During prolonged braking, these peaks can become so hot that they glaze. Due to the high metal content, the pad has high thermal conductivity, which transfers heat to surrounding areas and may also damage them. In the worst case, the brake pad may glaze before it has been fully bedded in.

For these reasons, it is especially important with sintered disc brake pads to ensure they do not overheat during the bedding-in process. The following instructions will help you bed in your sintered brake pads properly and safely.

STEP 1: SMOOTHING THE HOTSPOTS

At approximately 15–20 km/h (9–12 mph), lightly drag the brake for about 5 seconds using minimal pressure on the brake lever.

Repeat this process at least 7 times. Allow the pads to cool briefly between applications.

This pre-smooths the few contact peaks without overheating them.

STEP 2: SMOOTHING THE SURFACE

Then perform 40 moderate braking cycles from approximately 25 km/h (15 mph) down to about 5 km/h (3 mph).

Allow the pads to cool between braking cycles.

This process pre-smooths the pad surface to create sufficient contact area between the pad and the brake disc, thereby eliminating the risk of premature overheating.

Experience shows that a few additional braking cycles may be required before sintered pads deliver their full braking performance. However, anyone who properly beds in their sintered brake pads will be rewarded with reliable braking power under the harshest and dirtiest conditions. It is no coincidence that sintered brake pads are widely used in motocross.

TIP

We recommend bedding in the rear and front brake pads separately to get a better feel for the braking behavior and bedding-in progress for each brake.