So I got the rotors, lines, fluid and new pads in finally. I took it out for some relatively hard braking tests and when I got back to my garage I noticed considerable amounts of smoke coming from each wheel. I did get them hot enough to blue the rotors, but it's got me pretty paranoid.

Anyone else notice smoke when they first upgraded their pads? Is it normal? Am I leaking fluid onto each caliper?

I definitely won't be racing tomorrow. I am going to jack it up and have another look in the morning to make sure nothing is leaking, plus I need to bleed the brakes again.

Maybe Sunday I can head out to Pahrump.

 

What was the manufacturers specification for break in period on those pads?

let's see some pics.

 

mmmm big brakes.....

 

Not big brakes, just stock brake upgrades. Same calipers, slotted rotors, new pads and steel braided brake lines. Big brakes cost too damned much.

Burnishing Instructions

After installing new brake pads, make 6 to 10 stops from approximately 30-35 mph applying moderate pressure.
Make an additional 2 to 3 hard stops from approximately 40 to 45 mph.
DO NOT DRAG BRAKES!
Allow 15 minutes for brake system to cool down.
After step 4 your new pads are ready for use.

Basically I followed the instructions. I've read that break in can take up tp 500 miles especially since I'm using new rotors. Seems excessive to me, but what do I know? I still need to bleed them again and give them a once over.

 

I never had smoking issues until I went to Pahrump and went full out for 30 minutes. Something wrong with the install....

 

Ehhh... it's possible that fluid is leaking, but all four wheels? I'd better keep my day job if that were the case. Plus I'm not seeing the fluid level drop in the master cylinder.

I'm kinda thinking that the anti-squeak goo may have been too fresh when I took it for a spin. It was still tacky. And like I said I blued the rotors, so maybe I over did it with the first spin on the new stuff.

Anyways I'm gonna sleep on it and look for leaks tomorrow.

 

Oh, you didn't mention the anti squeak goo before, that would be it.

 

If the rotors turned blue from 5mph drops I'd thow the stocks back in. Next step after they turn blue is stress fractures.

I did that to a set of rotors on my last track car(105~30 into a hairpin a couple times). I changed to a diff type of rotor and didn't have that problem again.

I could see the goo smoking but I'd wonder about the rotor turning blue.

 

Well the blueness may have come from from the several consecutive 60 mph drops that I did afterwards.

I've been known to get carried away sometimes. I did give it the 15 minutes of rest after the 5 mph drops, but then I had to see what the brakes could do right? They never faded btw.

 

mine got blue during bed-in

 

There is one very important step that you didn't mention you did. With my stoptech rotors I had to spray brake cleaner on them and then scrub them with steel wool, soap & water. Aparently there is a coating on them that prevents rust when they are sitting in the warehouse. If you didn't do that then the anti-rust coating is probably what is burning off. Keep an eye on your fluid level as well. If it drops then you are losing fluid but that is highly unlikely coming from all 4 wheels. Hopefully I will see you out in Pahrump tomorrow.

 

I didn't see anything about the rotors being coated and having to clean them, but it makes sense. Gave everything the once over today and everything seems fine. Getting ready to take it for a spin.

What time are you heading out tomorrow Mike?

 

I am leaving my house at 6:00am. If you are going out there be sure to be there by 7:00 as you still need to register and get teched. I really suggest gonig out to this event. I am running in the beginner group this time for some fine tuning and so I can run with my dad and I must say that the SCCA/PCA beginner program is top notch. If you would like, you can meet me and my dad at my house at 6:00am. You have my cell so give me a call. I probably wont be back on this site until tomorrow night.

 

Didn't think about coatings. That could leave some funny colors at first.